What Is Soundproofing Paint?

There has been a lot of talk lately about the effectiveness of soundproofing paint.  You will notice however, that no paint can claim “soundproofing” properties, instead they are called sound deadening paint.  The reality that is exactly what you can expect from soundproofing paint- minimal sound deadening quality which will only be effective in very specific frequency ranges.

However, the idea of sound proof paint should not be discounted completely as it still has it’s place in a properly constructed soundproof room.  As long as it is not expected to be a cheap soundproofing miracle product, your experience with sound deadening paint should be satisfactory.  Before trying it for yourself, there are a few things you should know to keep your expectations in check.

• Multiple Coats –  With prices between $15-50 dollars per gallon, soundproof paint may seem like a bargain even if it is not as effective as advertised.  However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that it takes between 3-5 coats for it to show any signs of sound blocking features.  This effectively takes the cost of soundproofing paint into the range of more effective sound blocking technologies.  Therefore, this product should be used to compliment other methods rather than be a first line of defense.
• Textured Application – You may notice that soundproofing paint does not apply as even as traditional paint.  In fact many people are surprised by the level of texture that it puts on to the wall.  Additionally, since 3-5 applications are necessary, the texture compounds significantly before you see a finished result.
• Limited Frequency Blocking – Sound deadening paint is really only effective in the mid-frequency range, which is mostly blocked by soundproof drywall itself, not soundproofing paint.  If you are suffering from the low hum of a neighbor’s home theater subwoofer, or an outdoor appliance such as a pool heater or air conditioning unit, soundproof paint will be highly ineffective.
• Limited Color Selection – Because of their composition, sound proof paint is only available in a limited number of light pastel colors.  In fact many manufactures only offer dull greys or beige as an option.  Some types allow you to paint the color of your choice over top, but then you’re not saving any money in the long run.

Soundproofing Paint Uses

Sound deadening paint is much better suited to be used as a sound dampener or absorber rather than a blocker.  Similar to sound dampening foam if you are looking into improve the sound quality of your recording studio or home theater, or if you just have a large room that amplifies noise, then soundproofing paint may be an affordable alternative to new construction.

Sound deadening paint is much more effective in applications such as car soundproofing or in marine applications.  In those type of applications, soundproofing is much more about isolating vibrations directly at the source rather than stopping waves already in motion.  Applying the material before assembly is a much more realistic solution.

Alternatives To Soundproofing Paint

The only effective way to soundproof a room is to use resilient channels applied directly to the studs of your walls BEFORE hanging drywall.  Resilient channels combined with proper sound proof insulation can drastically reduce the amount of sound that is transmitted in between rooms because the waves have no medium to travel in between.  Soundproofing paint should only be used as a last line of defense.