The invention relates to an aqueous stripping composition for the removal of polymeric surface sealants on metal surfaces, said stripping composition comprising an alkalizing agent, a polymer splitting agent, a swelling agent, and a cloud point booster, wherein said polymer splitting agent is at least one gluconate wherein said swelling agent is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glycol ethers and aliphatic alcohols having 3 to 9 carbon atoms. The inventive aqueous stripping composition is capable to remove polymeric sealants like e.g. polyurethane sealants, polyethylene sealants, polyethylene waxes, polyacrylic sealants, polysilicate sealants, and the like.