Method of removing a water insoluble surface coating from a surface

A method of removing a water insoluble paint from a paint applicator, wherein the paint is of the type applied to a surface in liquid form and is then capable of hardening over time, said method comprising the following sequence of steps:

• (a) providing an aqueous liquid consisting essentially of a mixture of the following ingredients:
• a fatty acid selected from the group consisting of unsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and mixtures thereof, said fatty acid having between 14 and 26 carbon atoms and being present in an amount between about 0.25 weight percent and about 99.9 weight percent of the aqueous liquid;
• an inorganic alkaline builder selected from the group consisting of alkali phosphates, alkali silicates, alkali hydroxides, alkali borates, alkali carbonates, alkali bicarbonates and mixtures thereof, said inorganic alkaline builder being present in an amount effective to saponify the fatty acid and still maintain the constituents substantially in solution;
• a surfactant in an amount effective to form a homogeneous mixture with said fatty acid and said inorganic alkaline builder;
• and
• water;
• (b) applying the aqueous liquid to the paint applicator;
• (c) allowing the aqueous liquid to contact the paint for a selected time;
• and
• (d) removing the liquid and paint from the applicator by rinsing the applicator in water.