A color change paint and varnish removal formulation is provided. The formulation comprises: at least one penetrant, at least one water insoluble carrier and at least one color visible colorant whereby the formulation is applied to the target area and as the surface of the formulation dries, the penetrant migrates away from the dehydrating surface and a surface crust of beads is formed; the beads have a particle size that allows the scattering of visible light into white light and produces the whitening and dilution of the visible color and thus, there is a color change to indicate that the stripping action of the formulation has ceased and is ready for the scraping and removal step.