The What, Why, and How of Acoustical Plaster

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Acoustical Plaster in Government Building
Acoustical Plaster in the Visitor's Welcome Center at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario
Acoustical Plaster in the Theodore Levin Courthouse in Detroit, MI

What is Acoustical Plaster?

Acoustical plaster is a type of wall or ceiling finish that has sound-absorbing properties, but is disguised as a solid, smooth surface. It is often used in residential and commercial spaces to reduce noise levels, making it a great choice for homes, restaurants, museums, atriums, and other venues that need to control echo and reverberation.

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 Acoustical Plaster in the Faena Forum in Miami, FL
Acoustical Plaster in the Faena Forum in Miami, FL

How Does Acoustical Plaster Work?

Sound absorbing acoustical plaster products reduce sound reverberation by capturing and converting sound energy into heat energy, stopping sound waves from bouncing around the room and creating echos. The fibers act as tiny air pockets which absorb sound waves as they travel through the material.

Acoustical Plaster in Multi-Use Common Space
Acoustical Plaster in the Chapman University Keck Center for Science and Engineering in Orange, CA

By absorbing the sound energy within the material instead of bouncing it back into the room, acoustical plaster helps create a more balanced listening experience over loud or continued reverberation. It also helps reduce background noise and improve clarity when talking or listening.

Acoustical Plaster on the ceiling sails used as projection screen at the New World Symphony in Miami, FL
Acoustical Plaster on the ceiling sails used as projection screen at the New World Symphony in Miami, FL

Despite the solid appearance of a BASWA system, noise easily pierce through the microporous finishes and ricochet within the mineral wool sub-layer, becoming heat energy. Low end reverberation vibrates the system diaphragmatically, also converting noise into heat energy.

Acoustical Plaster in Library
Acoustical Plaster in the Brown University John Hay Library in Providence, RI

Acoustical plasters are measured in performance characteristics using a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) Rating, a simplified measurement of how well a material absorbs sound on a scale from 0 to 1. BASWA Systems have NRC Ratings from 0.80 to 1.00.

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Sustainable Materials

BASWA Phon panels are made of randomly spun mineral wool, from recycled glass, and are factory-coated with recycled expanded glass beads.

Eco-conscious Ingredients

BASWA offers systems that are solvent-free, formaldehyde-free, and contain no VOCs.

Low Impact Production

Environmentally sound manufacturing processes ensure a low or even net-positive impact on the environment.

Durable Finish

BASWA system panels are then seamlessly finished with recycled marble aggregate, a by-product of marble extraction.

How is it made?

Historically, Acoustical Plaster was made from gypsum plaster mixed with specially formulated fibers to create an acoustic material that absorbs sound. As the industry progressed, new materials were introduced with much higher acoustical ratings and better appearance.

Acoustical plaster is applied in layers to create a seamless finish layer supported by sound absorptive layers. The BASWA acoustic systems focus on sustainability with materials that are natural, recycled, durable, and long-lasting.

Acoustical Plaster in Gardiner Spring Auditorium at Chaffey High School in Ontario, CA

Seamless & Adaptable

Acoustical plaster can be applied directly onto existing walls without requiring any additional framing or construction work.

Low Maintenance

It's also fire-resistant and easy to clean, making it a safe and low-maintenance option for any space where you need some extra noise control.

Versatile & Customizable

Because acoustical plaster comes in a variety of colors and textures, it can be used to add some style and visual appeal to any room while still providing excellent acoustic performance.

Acoustical Plaster in the the Queens Theater in the Park in Corona, NY

Acoustical Plaster for a variety of monolithic design intents

Acoustical plaster is a type of wall or ceiling finish that has sound-absorbing properties, but is disguised as a solid, smooth surface. It is often used in residential and commercial spaces to reduce noise levels, making it a great choice for homes, restaurants, museums, atriums, and other venues that need to control echo and reverberation.

Get a Quote for your Project

Acoustical Plaster Projects

Office Acoustics

150 N Riverside Plaza
Chicago, IL

Using acoustical plaster throughout the reception, conference center and hospitality zones was paramount to ensure the elegant sculpted form overhead serenely led occupants through the space while emulating the forms of the Chicago River below.

Museum Acoustics

The REACH at the John F Kennedy Center for Performing Arts
Washington, DC

With reflective materials such as concrete walls and vast glass that would create a cacophony of echoes, using acoustical plaster to shape the end-user’s subconscious acoustical perception ensured visitors connected to each space.

Historical Renovation Acoustics

Union Station Great Hall
Denver, CO

Acoustical Plaster incorporated thoughtful acoustical design into a beloved historical space, maintaining the ambiance of the original Great Hall while accommodating hundreds of travelers and commuters in a comfortable acoustical environment.

Home Acoustics

The Vault House
Oxnard, CA

Restaurant Acoustics

Untitled at the Whitney Museum
New York, NY

“Having this type of ceiling here helps in controlling the level of noise, the level of interaction that we can have in this space.”
- Peter Scott, Director of Facilities at the Whitney Museum

Education Acoustics

Thorne Auditorium at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Chicago, IL

Faced with the challenge of correcting flutter echoes created by sound bouncing off parallel reflective walls while also introducing amplified sound, acoustical plaster allowed the space to function efficiently as a natural amphitheater as well as a lecture hall.

How is Acoustical Plaster Installed?

Acoustical plaster is applied using traditional plastering techniques, with a layer of sound absorbing materials and then the seamless coating layer using special acoustically-mindful methods.

BASWA systems are applied by carpenters, tapers, or plasterers  by plasterers or tapers. System panels are either adhered to solid substrate or onto a standard drywall grid assembly. The seams between panels are filled with acoustically transparent materials.

Acoustical plaster being hand-troweled on a ceiling by BASWA technician
Acoustical plaster can be hand-troweled or spray-applied to create the desired texture.
Acoustical plaster panel being installed on a ceiling by BASWA technician
Acoustical plaster can be hand-troweled or spray-applied to create the desired texture.

Finally a wet-applied coating of acoustically transparent marble granulate is trowel or spray-applied onto the panels to give the system it’s popular monolithic appearance. Unique to BASWA Systems, the final finish is consistent in its sound absorbing characteristics across the surface.

Learn how BASWA systems are seamlessly applied using system panels and trowelled or spray-applied finishes.

Have more questions about acoustical plaster?

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Need help finding your ideal sound absorbing solution?

If acoustical plaster sounds like the right solution for your acoustic and design needs, it's important to consult with a professional acoustician or acoustical material manufacturer to evaluate the acoustical needs in your space and determine the best approach for application and customization of the acoustical plaster.

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