Paint Removers

Methylene chloride (dichloromethane) is a far more aggressive paint remover than acetone because its high solvent power and ability to penetrate polymer matrices rapidly break down both latex and oil-based paints by disrupting intermolecular forces and swelling the resin binder until it detaches from the substrate; however, it is highly volatile, toxic, and carcinogenic, requiring strict safety controls.

Acetone, by contrast, is less effective on cured or cross-linked paints since its polar aprotic structure mainly dissolves lighter resins, varnishes, or uncured coatings but struggles to break down hardened polymer networks.

As a result, methylene chloride-based strippers dominate industrial applications where complete paint removal is necessary, while acetone is more common in consumer or surface-prep contexts due to its lower toxicity and rapid evaporation.