Dichloromethane (DCM), also known as methylene chloride, is typically used as a componentof proprietary paint strippers. It can be used as a gel (for brush application) or in a dip tank. In all cases, the solvent is allowed to soften the paint film, which is then removed by hand brushing/scraping. With a dip tank process, articles are often dipped in tanks (these may beheated) containing weak acid or alkali solutions, which follow the solvent dip. Finally articlesare washed to remove solvent and paint debris.