Soft "varnish" on PC boards?

That sounds more like one of the varieties of conformal coating. There are various removal solvents, but which one you can use depends on the coating.

A pretty universal remover was Freon, and damned fine it as at the task too, but that's not really available for outdoor use any more ;) [no eco-shouting please, I am merely making an observation]

You might look in your favourite catalogue and see what is availble under 'solvents'

Cheers

PeteS

I have some Acetone, Freon, and some Trichlorethane, but I don't think either would remove a rubbery coating, especially silicone.

I used to have a Trichlorethane fire extinguisher long ago.

greg

Why not just try something harmless like mineral oil. You can go to the nasty stuff if that doesn't work.

Check out:

I've used their stuff for years with great success.

Al

I assume it's SMD components - and the varnish is over the top?