will paint affect acoustics?

[thomaswomas]

hi,

i've just put in all the plasterboard in my small studio and i'm ready to paint the walls. before i go ahead though, is it a good idea to paint the plasterboard or will it affect the acoustics in a bad way

thanks

simon

 

[RICK FITZPATRICK]

is it a good idea to paint the plasterboard or will it affect the acoustics in a bad way

Only if you let it. Actually, no. There are only three things boundarys do to sound. Reflect it, diffuse it, or absorb it. Flat gyp walls result in specular reflections, and by virtue of two leaf construction, result in a sealed airgap, thereby creating a series of panel absorbers...ie..built in LF absorption to a degree. But their main contribution is reflection, painted or not. Unless you can add some kind of geometric objects to the paint comparable to some 1/4 wavelength of sound, it does nothing but seal the surface, cover anomolies and tickle your color fancy. Although, the color has an effect on mood, which may or may not effect your perception of its acoustical affect.

 

[Crumbles]

Depends on the colour*











*Disregard this comment

 

[TexRoadkill]

Black will make the room sound faster.

 

[gummblefish]

Only Tartan Colour Paint my friend.

 

[fraserhutch]

Black will make the room sound faster.

Hmmm, I thought it made the sound darker