How to Use Soundproofing Foam Spray

If you've got "paper walls" and can hear everything said in the room next door, you may wish to consider using soundproofing foam spray to get a little peace and quiet. There are many professionals that do this, but you can save a bit of money by doing it yourself.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spray foam kit
• Drill
• Tarp
• Wet Rag
• Ladder or step stool
• Optional: Stud-finder
• Optional: Pencil

1. Although not necessary it can be useful to find the studs before you start. Mark them with pencil so you'll know where the cells (spaces between the studs) are.

2. Lay down a tarp for the wall you are going to be working on. Also have a wet rag handy to immediately wipe up any foam that spills anywhere but inside your walls.

3. You'll be working section by section. When you start drill a half inch hole near the top of the wall between each stud, and one two thirds up and one one third up. Once you get more practiced at this you'll be able to do it with fewer holes.

4. Start at the bottom hole, put the nuzzle in the whole and squeeze for a few seconds. Make sure you know how long it takes for your foam to reach full size, wait this long to see if it's up to the whole.

5. Keep putting foam in until when dry it reaches the first hole. Now you know approximately how long it takes to fill one third of the space between two studs!

6. Now use a longer spray, based on how long it took to fill the bottom third. For example, if it took two five second bursts and then one shorter 3 second burst to fill up the bottom third, try thirteen seconds on the middle third.

7. Repeat once more for the top third of the cell, making sure not to put too much in.

8. Repeat the whole procedure between each set of studs for the room you want to soundproof.

Tips & Warnings

• Start in a closet or in a partly finished basement. This gives you a chance to learn how to work with minimal damage to your walls.
• Once the foam has hardened you can tap on the wall to see how high it is. It will sound less hollow.
• Soundproofing foam also helps to seal the room, preventing smells from traveling through the walls, as well as discouraging pests.
• You will have to patch all the holes and repaint after you're done.
• Make sure to clean up spills quickly, soundproofing foam sticks to everything.
• Be particularly careful around outlets not to drill into wires.

Resources

• Fomo Foam
• AirTight
• Handi-Foam
• DIY and Home Maintenance for Dummies
• How to Use Soundproofing Foam

[krm479]

on 6/18/2009 Great idea on how to foam to soundproof a room! I will have to try this!