Does Soundproof paint work? How to Use it Effectivelly

Soundproof Paint: Does it Work?

When it comes to soundproofing a room, a lot of people are wondering if soundproofing paint does work.

The answer is that yes, it could. It just really depends on the noise you’re trying to block out.

When you’re thinking of redecorating a room and you want to soundproof it as much as you could, then going for a soundproof paint to apply on your walls or ceilings would most likely be one of your options.

This is fine, but there are still things that you should know about soundproof paints. We’ll have them covered as you read along.

What’s in a Soundproof Paint Anyway?

A lot of people are skeptic about purchasing soundproof paint rather than regular paint since a soundproof paint can be a bit expensive than the regular ones.

Some are even thinking that these two are the same so why bother to get something specific for soundproofing, right?

The truth is that it’s called as a soundproof paint for something. You can even check this yourself by buying a small or getting a sample can of both paints.

When you open a can of regular paint, you’ll probably chunks and a bit bubbling due to storage, but all you really have to do is to mix and mix until you achieve a flowy and smooth consistency.

This is how you can see the difference between a regular and soundproof paint.

The consistency of a soundproofing paint is noticeably different from a regular one. It’s thick and a bit chunky. The problem is that it could stay that way because it is made to be that way.

Soundproof paint really has to be thick so that it can efficiently do its job.

This is why it’s something that you may want to consider when deciding to paint your walls with one. Your walls won’t look as smooth as you prefer if you use soundproof paint.

It’s why it’s more often called as a sound-dampening paint rather than a sound-deadening paint. It doesn’t completely block loud noise, so don’t expect much from it.

However, soundproof paint can work well when it comes to lessening the echo in your room. Basically, It could work with your room’s acoustics.

Where Can You Use Soundproof Paint?

The good thing about a soundproof paint is that you can use it on any surfaces. You can use it on painting plastic, wood, and even metal. Just make sure that you have any of them primed.

The thicker the paint is, the more efficient it is when it comes to not letting sound waves get through your wall.

This means that a soundproof paint works best if you apply at least more than two layers of it.

With that said, you may need a lot of paint if you are going to paint the whole room, including the ceiling. A gallon of soundproof paint could cost you about $30 and so doing your whole room could get quite expensive.

To avoid too much expenses, you can simply choose the wall where you think the noise is coming from.

If you live in an apartment, then just paint the side of the wall that separates you and your neighbor.

Speaking of apartments, using a soundproof paint is actually a great and better option for soundproofing that applicable to renters and landlords. It’s easy to change and not too invasive. 

It’s better than taking the wall down to replace it with thicker materials and installing acoustic panels.

Don’t worry about the aesthetic of your room as soundproof paint is easily available in different colors and shades. Although you have to take note that it’s mainly available in pastel color. 

If that turns you off because you’ve heard somewhere that the darker the paint is, the better it is with sound absorption, then you shouldn’t really believe that. It’s a myth we’d like to debunk!

How to Use a Soundproof Paint

Like a regular paint, Acoustic Coat can be applied on your walls in multiple ways. You can use a traditional paintbrush, a roller, and even spray.

Experts would rather suggest using a roller if you’ll do this yourself, as it’s easier to spread. A wide roller would also make it easier for you to cover a large area quickly.

If you’re really after a good outcome when it comes to its declared purpose (soundproofing), it’s best to apply the sound deadening paint with at least two to three layers.

With these said, it may take quite an effort to use this in a big room. Aside from that, it can also cost you since you will need a lot of paint for layering.

You can put bookshelves or big cabinets against the wall where the noise is coming from. These would help block sound waves filtered by your soundproof paint.

Adding Acoustic Panels 

It’s not necessary to cover your entire wall with acoustic panels. You can just place it on the area where the noise is really coming from.

In fact, you can even disguise these panels as artworks, so it could still be a great addition to your wall that can work well with your soundproofing desires.

Is Soundproof Paint Really Worth the Try?

If you’re on a budget and you do not want or can’t just take down your walls to replace it with thicker and soundproof walls, then yes, this is still something you can do.

There are other benefits that you can get from using a soundproof paint. If your walls have cracks or shallow holes, soundproof paint can help you cover them up.

As you already know, its texture is thick and could even be a bit rubbery, so it could take care of those imperfections.

If you’re someone who takes soundproofing seriously, this could strengthen the methods you’ve already used or are planning to use.

Again, it could decrease at least 30% of the noise you are trying to block so it’s still something.

Lastly, remember that you have to figure out other ways to block the noise from getting through your walls completely aside from the use of a sound reduction paint. This alone won’t do the job you want to be done.

The bottom line is that it works, but it doesn’t exactly do wonders. It’s just a cheap and alternative solution.