Preliminary tests were conducted to evaluate the potential for using KrF excimer lasers for removing unwanted material from fragile, damaged, or otherwise problematic paint surfaces where conventional cleaning methods might not be satisfactory. Some examples: removal of adhesive tape from unbound pigment; removal of surface coatings from underbound matte paint of similar solubility parameter; removal of spray paint from unvarnioshed acrylic, marker, and pastel; removal of soot and other stains from a fresh acrylic film; and removal of surface coatings from poorly adhered, flaking substrates. Results of the tests are evaluated and described, including details of the laser irradiation parameters, visual observation, microscopic observation, and reflectance spectrophotometry. Preliminary conclusions are proposed.