Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the removal of paints, stains, varnishes, resins, grease, wood pitch, urea and phenolic resins, creosote, fungi, algae, moss, pulp mill black liquor, and resin glue. Also disclosed are methods of restoring old, weather-beaten or water-stained wood. The methods generally comprise application of compositions consisting essentially of an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, ethylene glycol, glycerol, and xanthan gum. Enhanced effectiveness of the compositions is obtained in some cases by further application of a weakly acidic oxalic acid solution. The compositions are applied to the surface having the coating desired to be removed by brushing, spraying, and the like, allowed to stand for a time, then either wiped off or washed off with water, except in the case of creosote removal, where the composition is allowed to dry and then removed by conventional methods.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using the same are disclosed, the compositions being effective for the removal of paints, stains, varnishes, resins, grease, wood pitch, urea and phenolic resins, creosote, and also as a wood restorative. The compositions consist essentially of an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, ethylene glycol, glycerol, and xanthan gum and/or corn starch. Enhanced effectiveness of the compositions is obtained in some cases by further application of a weakly acidic oxalic acid solution. The compositions are applied to the surface having the coating desired to be removed by brushing, spraying, and the like, allowed to stand for a time, then either wiped off or washed off with water, except in the case of creosote removal, where the composition is allowed to dry and then removed by conventional methods.