Can You Paint Acoustic Panels?
Updated
You can paint acoustic panels that are made to be painted, and even those lose some absorption: Primacoustic says painting its Paintables panels cuts NRC by at least 0.05 to 0.10 (Primacoustic painting guide (opens in a new tab)). Fabric-wrapped panels and foam aren't made for paint. A coat of paint seals the surface the sound has to get through, kind of like putting plastic wrap over a sponge. For those, re-cover them with acoustically transparent fabric, or just buy the color you want.
Example: A panel rated NRC 1.00 that loses 0.05 to 0.10 lands at 0.90 to 0.95 at best, and that's with a careful spray job.
If your panel is paintable, Primacoustic's method keeps the loss small:
- Paint: use latex, no glossier than eggshell, thinned with about 1/2 cup of water per gallon.
- Spray, don't roll: start around 60 PSI and hold the gun 7 to 9 in. from the face. Work in short bursts.
- Light coats: several thin coats beat one heavy one. You can roll the edges first without much effect.
Paint can also change the fire rating. Primacoustic won't guarantee published fire or surface burning ratings on a painted panel, so if the room needs rated finishes, check with the maker first.
Paint does nothing for noise coming through the wall, and panels barely touch that anyway. The soundproof panels guide explains why. To rehang painted panels, see how to install acoustic wall panels, and there are more answers in the soundproof panels FAQ.