Abstract: A metal dissolving liquid and method for stripping tin and solder coatings, including the underlying tin-copper alloy, from the copper substrate of a printed circuit board. The liquid includes an aqueous solution of nitric acid in an amount sufficient to dissolve solder and tin, a source of ferric ions in an amount sufficient to dissolve tin-copper alloy, a source of halide ions in an amount sufficient to solubilize tin, an effective amount of methylsulfonic acid as promoter for complete stripping, and a source of an organic, water soluble amine. The combination of ingredients will substantially eliminate sludge formation, reduce attack on the copper substrate and provide a bright copper finish after solder removal. A liquid further including organic triazoles including benzotriazole in amounts not more than about 5% by weight and sulfamic ions in amounts not more than about 2.5% by weight.