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How to Mount Acoustic Panels

Acoustic panels are a great way to improve the sound properties of a recording or listening room on a budget. Acoustic panels are generally absorbent insulation or foam mounted on the walls of a room that reduce the reflection of middle and high frequencies. Mounting foam panels can be done with spray adhesive available at any home supply store, and framed panels can be hung with picture frame hardware.

Things You'll Need

  • Level
  • Pencil
  • Hammer
  • Screwdriver
  • Spray adhesive
  • Picture frame hardware kit
  • Painter's tape
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Instructions

  1. Mounting Framed Panels

    • 1

      Choose the location and height that you wish to mount your panels. For best results, try to place your acoustic panels in the center of empty walls, 2 or 3 feet up from the floor.

    • 2

      Mark your chosen location with a lead pencil. Your pencil mark should represent the center of the top edge of your panel. Use a hammer to drive a nail into the drywall or wood, 1 inch below your pencil mark. Leave 1/8 inch of the nail exposed.

    • 3

      Install the hanging wire from the picture frame kit to the back top edge of your panel frame using a screwdriver and the supplied screws. Place the screws 6 to 8 inches from the center on either side. Adjust the loops of the hanging wire so that when strung between the screws there is not enough slack to reach above the frame. This will ensure that the hanging wire is not visible once your panels are hung.

    • 4

      Hang your acoustic panel on the nail as you would a picture frame, and use a level to make sure it hangs straight.

    Mounting Foam Panels

    • 5

      Choose a location for your panels. Foam panels often come in 1 or 2 foot squares, and are arranged in geometric patterns along the center of the wall, halfway between the floor and ceiling.

    • 6

      Place your panels temporarily on the wall. Use strips of painter's tape across the corners to hold the panels in place, this will allow you to make adjustments to the alignment and orientation before you permanently mount the panels. Use a level to align the edges. Lightly mark the outline of your panels with a lead pencil.

    • 7

      Remove the panels from the wall and apply the adhesive. Spray on the back of your panels, and on the wall in a left to right motion. Hold the spray can 6 inches from each surface to minimize over spray.

    • 8

      Place your foam panels back on the wall, using the pencil outline as a guide. Use firm pressure with your hands from the top to the bottom of each panel to ensure a good contact between both surfaces. Use a sponge dampened with warm water and a mild soap to remove any excess adhesive and pencil marks.

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