When surface is to be repainted and the discoloration of wood not considered, as on barns or other rough work, a cheap remover may be made as follows: Dissolve 7 pounds of 98% caustic soda in 2 gallons of water and allow to cool. Wet up one pound each of ordinary cornstarch and china clay with water and reduce the resulting paste until 2 gallons of water have been added to the dry starch and clay. Add the latter to the caustic soda solution, when a smooth paste will result. Apply liberally to the paint and when the old coating has lifted, scrape off with a light touch and wash with clear water. This paste will also remove wall paper or varnish.