stripping
n. uncountablen. the act of removing a layer of something from a surface. You might do this to take old paint off a wall or to remove the plastic cover from a wire.
n. the process of removing a coating, layer, or covering from a surface or object. Often refers to the removal of paint, insulation, or chemical finishes.
The stripping of the old paint took all afternoon.
Chemical stripping is often safer for delicate wood furniture than using a heavy sanding machine.
Before the new protective sealant could be applied, the thorough stripping of the oxidized layer was necessary to ensure proper adhesion to the metal substrate.
Often functions as a gerund noun; frequently followed by the preposition 'of' to indicate the material being removed.