The present invention provides a computerized apparatus and method for stripping paint/surface coatings from manufactured components by utilizing ultra-high pressure waterjet technology in conjunction with a method and apparatus for creating and storing, in a database, digitized maps or templates which conform to the shape of a manufactured component. The stored shapes may be retrieved as needed and used to drive a precision ultra-high pressure waterjet nozzle constructed and arranged for removal of the painted finish or surface coating from the desired surface.