This article lists 47 commercial paint stripper formulations and discusses the principles behind their chemical activity. Paint stripper manufacturers were contacted for product information, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and references on the subject. Other paint stripper formulation were found through a literature search, including U.S. government documents. Paint stripper formulations range in complexity from two-ingredient solutions to systems employing primary and co-solvents, activators, thickeners, wetting agents, chelating or sequestering agents corrosion inhibitors, and colorants. The function of each component category is discussed, with specific reference to commercial requirements and the requirements of those working in the art conservation field. -- CAL