A process for removing paint from a plastic substrate that typically includes immersing and optionally agitating the painted plastic substrate in a first chemical fluid, removing the substrate from the first chemical fluid, typically immersing and optionally agitating the substrate in a second chemical fluid, removing the substrate from the second chemical fluid, optionally immersing and optionally agitating the substrate in a third chemical fluid, where the third chemical fluid typically includes substantially the same chemicals as the second chemical fluid, rinsing the substrate, and drying the substrate. The present invention also includes a method for recycling an initially painted plastic substrate.