(varnish remover). A mixture in liquid or paste form containing volatile solvents and nonvolatile components that retard evaporation of the solvent, thereby prolonging its action. Typical solvents are methanol, denatured ethanol, methylene chloride, toluene, benzene, and ethyl acetate. Paraffin is often used as the retarder. Caustic removers contain sodium phosphate, sodium silicate, caustic soda, or the like.