Let me guess:
You have heard a lot about acoustic paint but you’re still wondering:
Does sound deadening paint actually work?
Spoiler alert: It can, with some caveats.
It can reduce medium-frequency noises like regular conversations by around 30%.
However, I’d recommend you pair it with our other more soundproofing methods for a more robust soundproofing solution.
Ready to take a deep dive into soundproof paints?
Let’s get started!
1. Does Soundproofing Paint Actually Work? If Yes, How?
Regular and dark paints, when applied to the walls can only cover some seals in them. They do not contain the optimum thickness that is necessary for blocking noise from entering the room.
There are myths that dark-colored paints absorb vibrations and provide a quiet atmosphere. But that is completely a false notion. It only gives you an illusion of tranquility.
Soundproofing paints, on the other hand, can actually curb noise. They too are water-based but the main difference is that they contain a component called latex which has got sound-absorbing qualities.
They also contain ceramic microspheres and special soundproofing fillers which adds to their sound-absorbing ability.
Latex is eco-friendly and does not tamper with nature. Latex also makes the paint dry pretty quickly after they are applied on the walls and ceilings.
The thickness of soundproof paints is more compared to regular and dark paints which increase its ability to absorb distortions and vibrations effectively.
These paints also seal all the gaps in the walls and ceilings to further reduce the noise.
As you apply them on the walls, they may form a thick coating that can help maintain the privacy of the room by not allowing any sound to go out of the room.
2. What Are The Benefits Of Soundproofing Paint?
The first benefit that is achieved on applying them on the walls is that you are saved from the conversations and other unwanted sounds of your neighbors. It also maintains the privacy of the house by preventing a single word from spilling out of the room.
Besides this, soundproof paints are very thick. Hence, they also add thermal insulation to the walls.
After I applied them on the walls, I was really amazed at the drastic difference it created. The rooms were much cooler than they used to be with the regular paints.
Also, you are working on soundproofing and painting the house at the same time. This saves a huge amount of money. Also, these paints do not cost much.
The only issue with soundproof paints is that they do not offer a wide range of color options. They are available in light shades only. Nevertheless, you can still select one of them and adjust a little to get the desired look.
3. Where Can You Use The Soundproof Paint?
Soundproof paint can be applied to the areas which are most vulnerable to noise and distortions.
In order to make your room soundproof, you may apply soundproof paint in the ceilings and walls. By covering the entire surface with these paints, the sound-absorbing ability is increased many folds which in turn decreases the level of noise.
These paints are also very thick and hence can cover the cracks and holes very well which further adds to the silence of the room.
Besides walls, these paints can also be applied to metal surfaces to reducing the ringing and tinning noise.
4. Tips For Applying Acoustic Paint
The soundproof paints are extremely thick and so they do not spread easily on the entire surface smoothly. Also, more paint is needed in order to cover the entire region as it gives less coverage.
Unlike regular paints, acoustic paints dry very slowly. When the weather is warm, it takes even more time to dry completely.
Also, the paint does not give you a smooth finish. Rather, they leave a texture on the wall due to their thick consistency.
These paints are heavy and hence I would recommend that you use a pressure sprayer system to get the surfaces painted. This is so because the rollers will eventually get heavier as you apply the paint.
To get the best results of soundproofing a wall, it is advised to apply the paint at least thrice to complete cover the crevices and increase the sound absorption ability of the paint.
5. Which Other Soundproofing Methods Should I Pair it With?
Truth be told:
Soundproof paints on their own cannot provide dramatic soundproofing results.
Therefore I recommend you pair it with other soundproofing methods if you’re serious about reducing the noise.
1. Soundproof Curtains
These curtains contain many layers that absorb vibrations and distortions to prevent noise from entering or going out of the room.
In these curtains, the first layer allows noise and vibrations to pass through them easily so that the inner layers can absorb them completely.
The most common material used is fiberglass, velvet, vinyl, and polyester.
2. Acoustic Wall Panels
These panels basically contain fibers like polyester or silk in a wooden frame. They are thick and hence are able to absorb sound vibrations.
They look very fancy and therefore add to the beauty of your room. To be able to reduce noise effectively, you need to select panels that are really thick.
3. Rearrange the Furniture
The intensity of noise keeps decreasing as it passes through the different obstacles in its way. So, by placing furniture close to the walls, you can actually increase the obstruction which will surely lower the intensity of noise.
But it is advised not to place furniture like a bed and chairs close to the wall, or else the problem will not be completely solved as you will also get affected by the noise.
4. Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping helps to seal the gaps around the door and window frames to reduce unwanted sound from entering the room directly.
It helps reduce unwanted noise like car horns and other road noise from disturbing the peace in the house.
5. Acoustic Foams
These foams can be easily installed in the rooms to increase the resistance of air. By doing so it effectively diminishes the amplitude of the sound vibrations which in turn lowers the noise.
They are not that eye-catchy as compared to acoustic wall panels but they capable of reducing distortions and unwanted sounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is There a Paint That Absorbs Sound?
Soundproofing can be done by the application of paint. Unlike regular paints, soundproof paints possess all the features which enable it to make an area quiet by absorbing vibrations.
They are thick in consistency due to latex which creates a thick layer on the wall for a perfect absorption of noise and distortions. Latex is also eco-friendly.
These paints leave a texture in the wall due to their thickness.
2. Is It Expensive To Soundproof a Room?
It is not that costly to soundproof a room. You can apply soundproof paints, acoustic foams, acoustic panels or use soundproof curtains, all of which are affordable. None of the products will drain a huge sum of money from your pocket.
You can also simply rearrange the furniture in the room to reduce distortions and noise which will cost you nothing at all.
3. How Much Do Soundproof Walls Cost?
In general, soundproof paints might cost you from $130 to $300. In addition to this, the labor charge will be somewhere around $170 to $350.
For purchasing the rollers and pressure sprayer system to paint the walls, you might have to spend roughly around $20 to $50.
But this amount will vary greatly depending on the size of the room. In the case of larger rooms, the cost will be much higher.
4. Can You Soundproof Existing Walls?
Yes, it is possible to soundproof existing walls. All that needs to be done is that the overall thickness of the walls needs to be increased.
By applying an insulating material to the crevices of the wall, they can be completely covered which ultimately reduces the noise.
You can also increase the thickness of the existing wall by adding a layer of drywall over the previous one.
The application of acoustic paints and wallpapers can also help reduce noise to a huge extent.