Does Soundproof Paint Really Work? Get the Facts (Today!)

Whenever I’m talking to my friends about soundproofing, one of the main questions asked is whether soundproofing paint really works. Well, it depends on the level of noise reduction you’re looking for.

A few months back, when I was remodeling my home office, I decided to give it a try and the results were amazing. No matter how awkward it may sound, it does a great job of cutting down unwanted noise.

In other words, if the sound coming from another room isn’t extremely loud, why would you empty your wallet to buy soundproof blankets, curtains and foam panels when you could easily use soundproof paint to get the job done?

Soundproofing paint is a two-in-one package because it’ll reduce the noise level to a certain degree and also help you redesign your room. We all know that applying it will take a lot of effort and time, but I can guarantee that it’s worth it!

With that being said, let’s look in greater depth at how soundproofing paint helps to dampen sound, as well as how to apply it and how to achieve the best results.

Does Soundproof Paint Really Work?

The short answer is yes. However, I only recommend using soundproofing paint when you want to block noise that’s not extremely loud, such as footsteps, neighbors talking and such.

As mentioned earlier, soundproofing paint will only be effective at blocking certain noise frequencies. If you have neighbors beside you who are always blaring loud music, or you have dogs that are constantly barking, then this paint will probably be useless.

For those types of high-frequency noise, you should be looking at using a more effective sound-dampening method such as a noise-reducing curtain, acoustic foam or soundproof blankets.

Nevertheless, using soundproofing paint is a great way to redecorate your house. The sound-deadening paint can be used on any surface that regular paint can be used on. The only downside is that unlike regular paint, soundproofing paint doesn’t come in many colors, so you’ll have to settle for whatever colors are available.

These paints are mostly water-based, just like regular ones, and the main ingredient of each is actually latex. Not only does latex make this product non-toxic and fast-drying, but it’s also the ingredient that provides the paint’s soundproofing qualities.

Another important thing you should keep in mind is that you’ll need about three layers of this paint in order to achieve the best results. Therefore, using it requires a bit more time, money and effort than using regular paint does, but it’s worth the extra output.

To be efficient with your resources, apply the soundproofing paint to the wall that needs it the most, and use some regular paint on the other walls of your room. Because the soundproofing paint requires more than one coating, if your walls have any flaws, it will add texture to them.

Benefits of Using Soundproofing Paints

Does Soundproof Paint Really Work

As I’ve already mentioned, sound-absorbing paint will reduce any unwanted noise of a normal frequency by up to 40 percent.

Soundproofing paint is also made from thick material. Depending on the number of layers you use, it can act as a great thermal isolator. It’ll help prevent the penetration of outdoor heat during the summertime, and help keep heat in your house during the winter.

Since I’m a big fan of testing new soundproofing methods, I applied soundproofing paint in several rooms and managed to record the difference in temperature before and after I put the paint on the walls. I can proudly say that the results were astonishing!

How to Apply Sound-Absorbing Paint

You can use this paint literally anywhere in your house, and even though there are only a few color options available, I bet you’ll find one that fits perfectly with your decor.

If you don’t have a lot of time, what you can do is use a spray gun to spray the paint onto your wall, or make use of a roller. Using a brush will consume a lot of time and energy, because you’ll need at least three layers to get the job done.

If you’re planning on going with a roller, I recommend using a Bate paint roller. It comes in a complete set with a roller, brush and paint trays.

Where Can You Use Soundproof Paint?

You can use this paint on both walls and ceilings. When it comes to materials, it’s suitable for use on metal, wood and primed drywall.

While using this product, make sure you cover the entire surface of a wall, as this will help increase the absorption. By doing this, you may also cover up the crevices and seal the holes and cracks that release unwanted noise.

How to Achieve the Best Result With Soundproof Paint

For the best results possible, you can combine sound-deadening paint with a few other soundproofing methods or even household items.

If you aren’t satisfied with the results after painting, you can simply place a large piece of furniture (such as a bookshelf) up against the wall to further your noise-blocking efforts.

Also, it’s best to seal all the gaps and cracks in a wall before painting it, even though the paint is probably thick enough to seal them, I recommend using Green Glue to complete this task.

As you can see, there are a number of soundproofing methods you can combine with soundproofing paint. While some of them are easy and relatively cheap, others can be time-consuming and expensive.

Conclusion

When it comes to sound-dampening mid-level noise, soundproofing paint is the way to go. A lot of people question its effectiveness, but I can assure you that it does work. However, for louder noise, it’s best to use other soundproofing methods.

For more information, visit this article on how to soundproof a room cheaply.

image: Pixabay

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