X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) has been used to observe the changes in surface chemistry during the removal of paint from a zinc coated steel substrate by means of TEA-CO2 laser ablation. Laser ablation at both plasma and sub-plasma fluences is investigated and their relative merits are discussed. The laser is shown to be an effective tool for removal of the bulk of the paint layer and is not impaired by evidence of ageing in the paint. Evidence for a very thin layer of organic compounds present on the surface after cleaning at sub-plasma fluences has been found, although these can be removed at plasma fluences.