How to Use Viscoelastic Damping Glue and Drywall to Soundproof a Room

Construct the framing as normal.,Install a sheet of drywall to the frame.,Before installing the next sheet apply acoustical sealant around panel perimeter and around any electrical boxes.,Then install the adjacent sheet of drywall, making sure to...

20 Steps 2 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Construct the framing as normal.

    Your results will be improved if the framing is decoupled.

    Also consider a bit of insulation in the wall if there's none there now. ,,,,, Cut the drywall to fit around any electrical boxes or openings as needed.,, This is generally a 3/8" bead of the damping material applied to the back of the second drywall layer., Damping glue will thus be sandwiched between 2-layers of drywall.

    It is important to screw (not nail) the second sheet of drywall to the original studs or joists to compress the damping compound.

    Damping glue is not a structural adhesive... you need screws to secure., Please note: acoustical sealant will remain viscoelastic, i.e. not dry, so it is necessary to tape and texture over these joints.

    Please see acoustical sealant instructions for more detailed information.,, The mesh tape helps hold drywall compound in the gap.

    Use a wide drywall knife to spread joint compound over the mesh tape.

    Don't try to fill the entire gap all at once; apply a little at a time, and allow it to dry before applying a second coat.,, Wear breathing protection during this step because the process generates a lot of dust., Repeat the process as necessary until the wall is perfectly smooth, then finish the walls as desired.
  2. Step 2: Install a sheet of drywall to the frame.

  3. Step 3: Before installing the next sheet apply acoustical sealant around panel perimeter and around any electrical boxes.

  4. Step 4: Then install the adjacent sheet of drywall

  5. Step 5: making sure to remove any excess acoustical sealant with a rag or putty knife as needed.

  6. Step 6: Repeat steps 2 through 4 until wall or ceiling is completely covered.

  7. Step 7: Prepare to apply the second layer of drywall.

  8. Step 8: Make sure the drywall surfaces are clean and free of loose fibers like sawdust.

  9. Step 9: Apply the damping material per the manufacturer's directions.

  10. Step 10: place the coated sheet over the already installed drywall and screw to framing members.

  11. Step 11: Install the adjacent sheet of drywall being sure to remove excess acoustical sealant with a rag or putty knife as needed.

  12. Step 12: Repeat steps 6 through 11 until wall and or ceiling is completely covered.

  13. Step 13: After the drywall is in place

  14. Step 14: apply dry-wall mesh tape along the joints between the two pieces of drywall.

  15. Step 15: Cover the screw heads with drywall compound.

  16. Step 16: Allow the joint compound to dry

  17. Step 17: then sand it smooth.

  18. Step 18: Apply a second coat of drywall compound

  19. Step 19: allow it to dry

  20. Step 20: and sand it smooth.

Detailed Guide

Your results will be improved if the framing is decoupled.

Also consider a bit of insulation in the wall if there's none there now. ,,,,, Cut the drywall to fit around any electrical boxes or openings as needed.,, This is generally a 3/8" bead of the damping material applied to the back of the second drywall layer., Damping glue will thus be sandwiched between 2-layers of drywall.

It is important to screw (not nail) the second sheet of drywall to the original studs or joists to compress the damping compound.

Damping glue is not a structural adhesive... you need screws to secure., Please note: acoustical sealant will remain viscoelastic, i.e. not dry, so it is necessary to tape and texture over these joints.

Please see acoustical sealant instructions for more detailed information.,, The mesh tape helps hold drywall compound in the gap.

Use a wide drywall knife to spread joint compound over the mesh tape.

Don't try to fill the entire gap all at once; apply a little at a time, and allow it to dry before applying a second coat.,, Wear breathing protection during this step because the process generates a lot of dust., Repeat the process as necessary until the wall is perfectly smooth, then finish the walls as desired.

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