What Fabric to Use for Acoustic Panels?
Use a breathable polyester or polypropylene weave rated ASTM E84 Class A, such as Guilford of Maine FR701 or Sona, or Camira Cara. Its only job, in Guilford of Maine's words, is to let sound "pass right through the fabric and into the acoustic material behind it."
Fabrics that work
All three are polyester or polypropylene, the fibers Guilford of Maine says "work well on vertical surfaces," and each is a plain weave sold by the yard.
| Fabric | Fiber | Width | Price per yard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guilford of Maine FR701 2100 | recycled polyester | 66 in | not listed by Guilford |
| Guilford of Maine Sona | recycled polyester | 60 in | $25.45 (ATS Acoustics) |
| Camira Cara | polypropylene | 66 in | $19 (GIK Acoustics, sold out at the time of writing) |
FR701 is the plain weave Guilford says most people have historically chosen, and its data shows why: an absorber rated NRC 1.00 still measures 0.95 with FR701 in front of it. GIK's 242 panel page calls the Cara it uses similar to FR701, in different colors.
The breath test
Blow through a sample and you'll catch a weave that's too tight in a few seconds. Passing that test doesn't prove a fabric is acoustically transparent.
- Hold the fabric over your mouth and breathe or blow through it.
- Pass: air goes through with little effort. Fail: you feel it push back, so skip that fabric.
- Before buying in bulk, choose a fabric with published acoustic test results.
How to make acoustic panels covers wrapping the frame. Paint is the wrong way to recolor one, and can you paint acoustic panels explains why. More DIY topics are in the home studio acoustic treatment guide.
Related questions
What can you use instead of Guilford of Maine FR701?
Camira Cara, the polypropylene fabric GIK Acoustics uses on its panels, which GIK says resembles FR701 and lists at $19 a yard (sold out at the time of writing). Sona, a recycled polyester Guilford of Maine makes for ATS Acoustics, was $25.45 a yard at the time of writing.
Can you use regular fabric for acoustic panels?
Only if air passes through it easily and it won't sag. Guilford of Maine warns that nylon holds moisture and sags in humid rooms, and a fabric that reflects sound back into the room stops the panel working.
Does acoustic panel fabric need to be fire rated?
For a wall panel, yes in practice: fabric on vertical surfaces should pass the ASTM E84 tunnel test. Carnegie says Class A is required for contract (commercial) spaces, and it's the safe choice at home too.
More answers: Home recording FAQ