Soundproof Paint for Your Walls and Ceiling

There aren’t a lot of soundproofing solutions that are as quick and easy to apply as soundproof paint.

All you have to do is open the can, paint your wall and ceiling, wait for it to dry, and there goes your soundproofing.

Soundproof paints are so popular. You’ll see lots of promises made by companies on how these paints reduce noise.

But do they really work? If so, how does it work? What makes up a soundproof paint? What’s its difference compared to normal paint?

This article will revolve around soundproof paint and answer some of the basic questions about it. In addition, we would also tell you our judgment and recommendations when it comes to soundproof paint.

Mikkel Holm, Founder of TheDIYClub.com

What is soundproof paint?

Soundproof paint, like regular paint, is water-based. More or less, the similarity ends there.

Regular paints are made up of pigment, binder, liquid, and some additives. They’re thin and usually less expensive than soundproof paints. (The higher the quality of the paint, the more expensive.)

Also, you have a wide variety of colors to choose from. You can also select the type of paint you’ll be using — flat, satin, gloss, and others.

There’s also a misconception that darker, regular paints improve the acoustics of a room and even make it quieter to some extent. That’s not true at all. The color of the paint has no effect whatsoever on soundproofing.

Mikkel Holm, Founder of TheDIYClub.com

Soundproof paint is like the rougher, older brother of regular paints. They’re still water-based but they’re mostly made up of latex.

Latex is what makes soundproof paints non-toxic and fast-drying. Along with ceramic microspheres and sound-absorbing fillers, they make up the soundproofing qualities in a soundproof paint.

These materials make soundproof paints rough to the touch. They actually look chunky when they’re dry no matter how much you mix them beforehand.

How do soundproof paints work?

The different materials of soundproof paint work to reduce sound.

Remember latex? Latex often used in rubber production. Rubber works good against noise and also add thermal insulation. The latex works by going in through the small cracks in the wall and thickens them.

There are also tiny vacuum sealed cells called “thermacels” that make up the sound-absorbing fillers. These cells are filled with soft pigment that jiggles when sound waves hit them. Also, they improve heat insulation in a room.

Mikkel Holm, Founder of TheDIYClub.com

Most soundproof companies claim that their paints can increase a room’s STC by 3-7 points. Sound Transmission Class (STC) refers to the rating of how well a partition or room reduces sound.

In layman’s term, companies claim the paints can dampen noise, specifically mid-frequency sounds, by 30%.

Are soundproof paints effective?

Do soundproof paints work as the companies claim?

Yes, the soundproof paints indeed work as claimed.

Are they effective as a soundproof solution?

Here’s the thing, if your concerns are faint noises (like murmurings) or low-level sounds, then soundproof paints really do make a difference. They do dampen those kinds of noises by 30%.

But if you’re soundproofing against shouting, close traffic noises, loud sounds, vibrations, and others, you would be disappointed. Instead, you should use more effective soundproofing solutions like soundproof foam and soundproof curtains.

Soundproof paints are good as a complement to other solutions. But you can’t treat it as the permanent solution against noise.

Mikkel Holm, Founder of TheDIYClub.com

What are the other benefits of soundproof paint?

That being said, soundproof paints have other benefits as well, even though they’re not that effective against loud noises.

For one, if you need to make your bedroom a bit quieter and hush those little noises outside your house, soundproof paints can be a cheap and easy-to-apply option.

Painting your interior door with a soundproof paint could certainly protect your space against noises coming outside your main door.

Also, if you’re redecorating your house and repainting the walls and doors, why not use soundproof paint? In terms of price, they’re pretty close to mid-quality regular paints.

Mikkel Holm, Founder of TheDIYClub.com

In terms of application, they’re more or less the same. Though in some cases, you may not need to apply a primer due to the thickness of the material.

With those benefits, soundproof paints aren’t really a bad trade unless you’re looking for a main soundproofing solution.

Where to get soundproof paint?

As promised, we would recommend a few soundproof paints to get you started if you decide to use one.

Second Skin Spectrum

The first one is Spectrum from Second Skin. It’s a USA-made, high-heat, water-based viscoelastic polymer specifically designed to adhere to wood and metal and reduce thermal transfer.

It’s usually used to dampen vibrations in vehicles but it also works well on doors, metal carts, subwoofer boxes, and others.

You have two options in applying Spectrum — paint or spray. Spraying the material could reach places that are normally hard for other soundproofing solutions like mats to cover.

Get Second Skin Spectrum

Hy-Tech Acousti-Coat

Next on the list is Acousti-Coat from Hy-Tech Thermal Solutions.

Acousti-Coat is the standard soundproofing paint you’ll find — water-based, flat latex paint with ceramic microspheres and sound absorbing-fillers. Noise reduction typically targets noises in the 500Hz frequency.

You can use it on interior surfaces like drywall, ceilings, walls, plaster, metal, and wood. Due to the high concentration of ThermaCels, Acousti-Coat is a good heat barrier reducing heat intrusion to the room.

Mikkel Holm, Founder of TheDIYClub.com
Get Hy-Tech Acousti-Coat

How to apply soundproof paints?

Applying soundproof paints is just like applying regular paints. However, there are a few notes we would like you to keep:

  • Due to its thickness, be sure to stir the soundproof paint thoroughly. You can use a drill or paddle to make it easier.
  • Also, you might need a lot more in covering a specified space compared to using regular paints.
  • When applying, do a vertical and horizontal pass to achieve the desired thickness.
  • You might need to wait a little longer to touch the door or apply another coat. It could take more than 16 hours before it’s dry enough to be touched.
  • To achieve maximum efficiency, apply at least 3 layers. The thicker it is, the more effective it will be.
  • Avoid applying soundproof paint when the temperature of the room is low. It would take more time to dry.

Wrapping things up…

To wrap it up, soundproof paints are effective at reducing mid-frequency noise by 30%. If you’re looking to buff the soundproofing of your room, soundproof paint would be a good addition.

However, if your intention is to use soundproof paints as the “ultimate” soundproofing solution, you would be disappointed. This kind of paint is only suited as a complement to other existing, more effective solutions.

Mikkel Holm, Founder of TheDIYClub.com