How to Get Acrylic Paint Off of Silk Drapes

Wet Paint

• 1

  Remove the drapes from the hanger and immerse them in a sink full of warm water. If the drapes are a light color, you can just immerse the part with the paint; bright- or dark-colored silk should be immersed entirely to avoid water stains.

• 2

  Soak the drapes for at least an hour, then add a small amount of laundry detergent and use your fingers to gently rub away the paint.

• 3

  Blot the affected area with a soft, white towel to remove any remaining paint residue.

• 4

  Drain the sink and hang the drapes to dry, then press and reinstall them.

Dry Paint

• 5

  Remove the drapes from the hanger and flex the paint spot to make it crack. Dry acrylic paint is not flexible and should crack easily.

• 6

  Gently lift away the pieces of paint with your fingers; peel any large pieces away from the fabric.

• 7

  Brush the dry silk with a soft toothbrush to remove any small pieces of paint that remain.

• 8

  Blot the affected area with warm water to lift away any remaining paint residue. If the paint has deposited color onto the drapes, hand-wash them in warm water with laundry detergent then hang them up to dry. Once dried, press and reinstall them.