Soundproof Paint: How Does It Work and What is it Made from?

Soundproof paint is one of the most affordable soundproofing materials for our homes.

With soundproofing paint, you get more than just soundproofing, as you can easily match the aesthetics of your home.

Unlike mass loaded vinyl, you’ll be able to retain neatness in your home without crazy hangings all over your walls.

Everyone can paint, and this makes it easier to apply sound-absorbing paint without affecting effectiveness, unlike when it comes to hanging acoustic foam panels, which requires a technical installation guide.

In this guide, we shall be looking at what this paint is made of, how it works and my most recommended examples on the market today.

What Is Soundproof Paint Made From?

Unlike traditional paints, soundproofing paint is relatively thicker.

It’s made from vinyl acrylic material popularly known as latex.

The paint contains chains of polymers that serve as binders and gets its density from the combination of sound-absorbing fillers and ceramic microspheres.

The fillers also contain thermacels which help in heat insulation.

Traditional paint contains irregular fillers that never flow well together and end up leaving gaps, denying the paint from absorbing high or low-frequency noise.

Luckily soundproof paint contains ceramic spheres that give it uniformity without gaps.

How Does Soundproof Paint Work?

Now that you know what soundproofing paint is made from let’s look at how it works.

Because this paint is quite expensive than regular paint, you only need to focus on the critical rooms in your home.

For example, you can paint the living room, your baby room, or even the kitchen to soundproof against fridge noise and appliance noise.

Alternatively, you can apply the paint to the room adjacent to traffic or one that leaks noise from the neighbor’s yard.

But how does this sound-absorbing paintwork?

Well, its power heavily lies in the thermacels.

These soft pigments stored inside the cells act similarly to the suspension of your car.

The thermacels absorb sound energy that hits the walls, hence preventing sound echoes and reverberations.

They also help prevent sounds from leaking through the walls.

According to research, sound deadening paints can reduce mid-frequency sounds by up to 30%.

Therefore, if you just having a problem with some people conversing next room, the paint idea will work.

However, if you want to soundproof against loud kitchen noises because you haven’t invested in quiet kitchen appliances like quiet mini-fridges, I would recommend undertaking complete DIY soundproofing.

But for loud noises, I would highly recommend you combine sound dampening paint with other soundproofing methods- you can even use household items to soundproof for maximum effectiveness.

Thermacels contained in the paint also helps in heat insulation.

And for this reason, you can paint thermally insulate your basement ceiling and walls to prevent heat loss during winter.

Soundproof Paint- Does It Really Work?

Yes, soundproof paint works.

However, as earlier mentioned, the paint can only absorb high and medium frequency noise by up to 30%.

So, you shouldn’t expect noise to magically disappear after painting because you’ll be disappointed if that’s the case.

The paint won’t absorb any low-frequency noise.

If you have a kid next door playing bass music all night through, then soundproof paint isn’t the product for you.

An effective remedy for bass noise that I’ve always recommended is an addition of a layer of drywall to the existing wall.

Check out my detailed comparison of the most effective drywall on the market.

How to Paint Soundproof Paint?

Applying acoustic paint is quite different from typical paint.

You will still require a roller brush or regular brush and other normal painting tools. However, there are essential features that you should be aware of. They include:

• The paint is quite thick and doesn’t spread well- 1 gallon will cater for a 100sqft single coat. So, ensure you buy enough.
• It takes relatively longer to dry, unlike regular oil-based paints. It’ll take more than 16 hours before it’s dry to touch.
• It’s recommended to wait up to 32hours before applying a second coat. I’d recommend you apply in the summer when temperatures are pretty high as it’ll take less time to dry.
• Apply 3 layers for maximum effectiveness, and remember, the thicker the paint, the better it will be.
• The thermacels give the paint an abrasive feel after its dried. If you prefer a smooth finish, then probably acoustic paint isn’t for you.

Where to Buy Soundproof Paint

You can buy acoustic paint in your local hardware store. Alternatively, the easier way would be to get it online.

For example, you can get Hy-Tech Thermal Solutions Acousti Coat Sound Deadening Paint on Amazon.

It helps dampen echo, ringing and tinning noise. The best part is that it can be easily cleaned with soap and water and environmentally friendly.

Reviews of the best Soundproofing Paint on the Market

There is one Acousti Paints I can highly recommend to anyone.  These are tried and tested and will significantly reduce high-frequency noise in your home.

Acoustic Coat – Sound Deadening Paint by Hy-Tech Thermal Solutions is available in 1- and 5-gallon sizes.

It’s a water-based latex paint formulated with sound-absorbing fillers and ceramic microspheres.

The ThermaCels in this paint help absorb sound and prevent it from bouncing off the walls where it is applied.

It reduces noise in the frequency of 500hz by up to 30%. You can use it on interior surfaces, including ceilings, wood, metal, plaster, wall and primed drywall.

This paint can be tinted to light and medium colors.

Final thoughts On Soundproof Paint

Soundproof paint does work, but it’s not as effective as other soundproofing product with more mass.

The main principle behind noise proofing is that the more the mass, the higher the noise reduction.

Like Spray-on Sound Deadener, a product I recommended in my list of automotive sound-deadening materials, and Acousti Paint will effectively work when used in combination with other methods.

For instance, you can add a layer of drywall to your existing walls and then paint the drywall using acoustic paint.

By doing so, you will effectively reduce impact and airborne noise.