Editing Paint stripper (section)

===Solvents===
Solvent-base paint strippers can be complex mixtures of various [[organic solvent]]s, [[emulsifier]]s, thickening agents, alkaline or acid active ingredients as well as evaporation and corrosion inhibitors. [[Dichloromethane]], also called methylene chloride, is a popular solvent, but its use has been declining because of health concerns.<ref name=Ullmann/> Traditional solvent paint strippers penetrate the layers of paint and break the bond between the paint and the object by [[swelling capacity|swelling]] the paint.<ref name="Inc.2001">{{cite journal|author=Active Interest Media, Inc.|title=Old-House Journal|journal=Old House Journal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k-af0BaxVFIC|date=May–June 2001|publisher=Active Interest Media, Inc.|issn=0094-0178}}</ref>

Aside from dichloromethane, some popular stripping solvents are [[N-methylpyrrolidone]], [[dimethylformamide]], [[benzyl alcohol]], and [[dimethyl adipate]].  None of these are [[chlorocarbon]]s.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1002/jat.3979 |title=Solvent-based paint and varnish removers: A focused toxicologic review of existing and alternative constituents |date=2020 |last1=Durrani |first1=Timur |last2=Clapp |first2=Robert |last3=Harrison |first3=Robert |last4=Shusterman |first4=Dennis |journal=Journal of Applied Toxicology |volume=40 |issue=10 |pages=1325–1341 |pmid=32342556 }}</ref>

Paint strippers come in a liquid, or a [[gel]] ("[[thixotropic]]") form that clings even to vertical surfaces.

Solvent strippers may also have formulations with [[limonene]] (obtained from orange peels) (or other [[terpene]] solvents). [[Nitromethane]] is another commonly used solvent. [[Dimethyl sulfoxide]] is a less toxic alternative solvent used in some formulations. Unfortunately, these alternative stripping formulas are less effective compared to those based on dichloromethane.