Can You Paint Acoustic Panels?
Overview
Yes, you can paint acoustic panels to change their appearance and blend them with your decor. However, painting acoustic panels will reduce the acoustic benefits of most panels that rely on open cellular structures to reduce noise, such as acoustic foam panels, especially in the mid and high frequencies. Therefore, keep in mind how the panel works before deciding to paint it.
So, can acoustic panels be painted? Yes, acoustic panels can be painted (spray painted). Fibreglass and mineral wool acoustic panels have paintable surfaces that can withstand paint without compromising their sound absorption properties.
While painting acoustic panels is always possible, it is not recommended for fabric covered panels or specialty surface panels that have a non breathable finish. For those panels, leave them unpainted or choose coloured prefabricated panels that suit your space if preserving the acoustic properties of the panel is important.
Table of contents
Can Acoustic Panels Be Painted?
Do We Recommend Painting Acoustic Panels?
What type of acoustic panels can be painted?
What Are Acoustic Panels?
What are the types of acoustic panels
Can Acoustic Panels Be Painted?
What Type of Acoustic Panels Can Be Painted?
Generally, panels made from materials such as fibreglass or mineral wool are suitable for painting as they maintain their noise absorption properties even after being painted. The rigid core of fibreglass panels and the sound absorbing properties of mineral wool fibres allows them to keep their original NRC ratio after painting.
What Type of Acoustic Panels Can’t Be Painted?
Fabric covered acoustic panels and speciality finished panels shouldn’t be painted if preserving their sound absorption capabilities is important.
Fabric-Covered Panels have a fabric covering that enhances their visual appeal. These panels are not designed to be painted as the fabric can be delicate and the paint may alter the texture or affect the acoustic properties by blocking the pores sound uses to get to the sound absorbing material. When working with fabric-covered panels choose panels that already complement your decor without the need for additional painting.
Specialty Surface Finish Panels have a specialised surface that contributes to their sound absorption properties. These finishes, such as perforated metal or micro-perforated surfaces, are carefully engineered for optimal acoustic performance. Painting such surfaces may compromise their intricate design and affect their ability to absorb sound effectively.
Do we recommend painting acoustic panels?
We always recommend reviewing the manufacturer’s specifications and guidelines for each type of acoustic panel to determine whether painting is suitable. Then the decision comes down to what is more important to you, the aesthetics of the space or the acoustic properties of the panel. For example, our fabric stick on wall acoustic panels aren’t suitable for painting, but they’re available in a wide range of colours and finishes which won’t make painting necessary.
What Are Acoustic Panels?
The most simple definition of acoustic panels is that they’re panels designed to mitigate noise and reduce the reverberation and echo in a space. They are made from different materials including acoustic foam, acoustic fabric, recycled PET, mineral wool and fibreglass among other less common materials and are commonly used in indoor spaces such as offices, theatres, function rooms, concert halls, classrooms, restaurants and hospitals to reduce noise and help create a more pleasing environment.
What are the Types of Acoustic Panels?
Some acoustic panels are preferred over others by acoustics experts depending on the acoustic challenge to solve. The different types of acoustic panels include:
- Bass Traps
- Ceiling Clouds
- Diffuser Panels
- Acoustic Wall Tiles
- Horizontal Acoustic Panels
- Acoustic Foam
- Art Acoustic Panels
- Fabric-Wrapped Panels
- Perforated Acoustic Wood Panels