How to Make DIY Acoustic Panels with Rigid Insulation

In our video, we used hemp board for the inside of the panel, but you can also use rigid fiberglass. Owens Corning 703 is probably the most popular option for this type of DIY acoustic panel. It is commonly used because it is rigid, lightweight, and works well for sound absorption.

The basic idea is simple: wrap the insulation board in acoustically transparent fabric, secure the fabric to the back, and then mount the finished panel on the wall or ceiling.

What You Will Need

For this project, you will need:

Depending on how you want to mount the panels, you may also need:

Start with the Fabric Face Down

Lay your fabric front side down on a clean table. Make sure the fabric is smooth and that you have enough extra material on each side to wrap around the panel.

Once the fabric is in place, set the rigid insulation board on top of it. Try to center the board so the extra fabric is even on all sides.

Before you start spraying adhesive, pull the fabric gently at the ends and sides to smooth out any wrinkles. This part is worth taking a little time on because the front of the panel is what everyone will see once it is installed.

Wrap and Glue the Fabric to the Back

Once everything is lined up, start wrapping the fabric around to the back of the panel. We used 3M Super 77 spray adhesive to help hold the fabric in place.

Spray the adhesive on the back side of the panel, then press the fabric into it. You do not need to spray the front of the panel. The goal is just to secure the fabric on the back so the front stays clean and smooth.

Work one side at a time. Pull the fabric snug, smooth it out, and press it down. Then move to the opposite side and repeat the process.

How to Handle the Corners

The corners can be the trickiest part, but they are not too bad once you get the hang of it.

In the video, we cut the fabric at the corner, then wrapped the fabric around from the side and secured it to the back of the panel. This helps the corners lay flatter and keeps the panel from looking bulky.

You do not have to make it perfect, especially if the back of the panel will not be visible, but taking a few extra minutes here will make the finished panel look much cleaner.

Mounting the Panels

There are a few different ways to mount rigid insulation acoustic panels.

For rigid fiberglass panels like Owens Corning 703, impaling clips are a popular option. These clips attach to the wall, and the fiberglass panel presses onto them.

In our video, we used contact adhesive to attach 1x4 boards to the back of the panel. Then we added hanging wire so the panel could hang on the wall more like a picture frame. This method works well if you want a little more structure on the back of the panel.

For ceiling panels, eye bolts can be used as part of the hanging system. Just make sure you are using the right anchors and hardware for the weight of the panel. Anything installed overhead needs to be secure.

A Quick Note About Safety

If you are working with rigid fiberglass, it is a good idea to wear gloves, long sleeves, eye protection, and a mask. Fiberglass can irritate your skin and lungs, so take your time and work carefully.

Also, if you are using spray adhesive, use it in a well-ventilated area and follow the instructions on the can.

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