Will painting ceiling tile lose acoustic value of the tile?

[commode air]

I heard by the salesman it will decrease by about 10%. Is there any truth to this? I would like to paint black. Thanks......John

 

[jamie2112]

I have "heard" that before as well but never confirmed it.I would actually like to know.
This may help you http://www.askthebuilder.com/B153_Acoustical_Ceiling_Tile_Properties.shtml

 

[mike c]

i'm guessing you would "lose" some absorption in the higher frequencies because you painted over the absorptive surface.

 

[highfigh]

Depends on the tile and the thickness of the paint. If the little holes are filled, it won't really be acoustic tile anymore. Absorptive materials work by converting the acoustical energy to heat. You might look into using some kind of dye for this, instead of paint.

 

[davidtwotrees]

Paint the tile and don't worry about it.

 

[yettitheman]

Negligible difference.....

I would assume that the glossier the paint, the more reflective of waves it would be. Light works the same way..... just a thought.

Someone, go study this!

 

[highfigh]

Negligible difference.....

I would assume that the glossier the paint, the more reflective of waves it would be. Light works the same way..... just a thought.

Someone, go study this!

Negligible? Really? Have you done this and checked for the difference?

Read the data sheets for ceiling tiles, some time. It makes an audible difference. The wavelength and typical intensity are used to determine the hole size and pattern, for absorption.

From the Armstrong link- "Will painting acoustical ceilings affect acoustic efficiency?
Yes. Armstrong acoustical ceilings can be painted using no bridging or porous paint that does not cover the holes, but expect a slight loss of sound absorption."
http://www.armstrong.com/resclgam/na/ceilings/en/us/article17697.html

As I posted before, why not just buy black tiles?
http://www.ceilume.com/gallery/results.cfm?catid_2=27&gclid=CPCZ2py9l58CFQUeDQodcHi8Aw

 

[davidtwotrees]

Negligible? Really? Have you done this and checked for the difference?

Read the data sheets for ceiling tiles, some time. It makes an audible difference. The wavelength and typical intensity are used to determine the hole size and pattern, for absorption.

From the Armstrong link- "Will painting acoustical ceilings affect acoustic efficiency?
Yes. Armstrong acoustical ceilings can be painted using no bridging or porous paint that does not cover the holes, but expect a slight loss of sound absorption."
http://www.armstrong.com/resclgam/na/ceilings/en/us/article17697.html

As I posted before, why not just buy black tiles?
http://www.ceilume.com/gallery/results.cfm?catid_2=27&gclid=CPCZ2py9l58CFQUeDQodcHi8Aw

Why not just buy black tiles?! Because he'd have to install a whole new ceiling!! Armstrong says it would be "negligible." I guess I just figured this wasn't Abbey Road studios, or the New York Philharmonic.........

 

[highfigh]

Why not just buy black tiles?! Because he'd have to install a whole new ceiling!! Armstrong says it would be "negligible." I guess I just figured this wasn't Abbey Road studios, or the New York Philharmonic.........

Armstrong said it would cause a slight loss of absorption- you said it would be negligible but I guess either word is open to interpretation. The PO asked if it matters and the answer has to be yes, but how much is acceptable is up to the person whose ceiling is being painted. IMO, if acoustical treatment matters, it should be done right. I painted a ceiling with 12" square acoustical tiles and it made a difference. They were fairly old at the time, but it did make a difference. Personally, I would try to find another way to deal with it but I can definitely understand not wanting to buy a new ceiling.

 

[KEW]

From the Armstrong link- "Will painting acoustical ceilings affect acoustic efficiency?
Yes. Armstrong acoustical ceilings can be painted using no bridging or porous paint that does not cover the holes, but expect a slight loss of sound absorption."
http://www.armstrong.com/resclgam/na/ceilings/en/us/article17697.html

The bold is mine, but it would be wise to determine what is a "no bridging, non-porous paint" and be sure to use it.

"Q. What is the difference between using ProCoustic or regular latex paint on ceiling tiles?

A: Conventional paints have a bridging quality that can result in the fissures being covered with a film of dried material. On an acoustical tile, closing the fissures in the tile's surface reduces the tile's ability to absorb sound, thereby causing an increase in noise level within that space. The same bridging characteristic results in the tile being stuck to the supporting t-bars, making it difficult to gain access above the ceiling for maintenance purposes.

Q: Can ProCoustic be brushed or rolled?

A: ProCoustic was designed to be applied via airless or HVLP spray equipment as a primary means of application. It can also be rolled, but the "ProCoat Application Guide" should be reviewed for instructions prior to beginning any work. It cannot be brushed since it is a non-bridging material."

http://www.procoat.com/faq.html#What is the difference between using ProCoustic or regular latex paint on ceiling tiles?

 

[habman6]

Negligible difference.....

I would assume that the glossier the paint, the more reflective of waves it would be. Light works the same way..... just a thought.

Someone, go study this!

I don't know the answer to the issue at hand, but I know that this fact is wrong. Sound = air pressure, light = electromagnetic radiation. Gloss factor would not affect sound. Sound would be affected if you change the physical characteristics of the material that contribute to its effect (I think someone mentioned tiny holes?). Gloss is exclusively a light-based phenomenon.

 

[highfigh]

I don't know the answer to the issue at hand, but I know that this fact is wrong. Sound = air pressure, light = electromagnetic radiation. Gloss factor would not affect sound. Sound would be affected if you change the physical characteristics of the material that contribute to its effect (I think someone mentioned tiny holes?). Gloss is exclusively a light-based phenomenon.

Extremely rough surfaces do scatter sound more effectively, so if the high/low gloss analogy is used, it would be similar if the wavelength is considered.