The reason you have that tinny sound coming from your stainless steel sink every time you run the water is that your sink has sub-par soundproofing. Many manufacturers skimp on vibration damping, applying just a thin layer of acrylic spray to the underside of sink basins, if they do anything at all. We all like big, beautiful metal sinks, but unfortunately they can be very loud if the manufacturer cuts corners or doesn’t consider acoustics in the design. That luxury sink isn’t so luxury if it sounds like you’re beating a drum in the kitchen every time you turn it on. Fortunately, it’s extremely easy to dampen that noise and have a quieter sink.

As you’re getting ready to soundproof your sink, there’s one thing to know: vibration is your enemy. With stainless steel sinks, vibration of the sink basin (or basins if your sink has two) is what causes the noise. If your sink has two basins, the open space between them (visible from the underside) acts as a cavern for noise, where those tinny noises resonate back and forth. To combat this, you need a sound deadener.

Damplifier Pro is the Best Option for Sink Soundproofing

The best deadener for this scenario is a butyl sound deadening mat, like Second Skin’s Damplifier Pro™. Our signature sound deadener is the best performing mat of its kind, meaning you want need much material to accomplish a lot. All you do is cut to size and then peel-and-stick.

• Application is easy. It’s simple and anyone can do it. A quick measurement and cut from a utility knife is pretty much all it takes. Unlike spray foam adhesives and liquids, solid mats are not messy and require almost no prep work.
• They’ll stick permanently. The problem with some peel-and-stick mats or homemade fixes (usually rubber mats with some type of adhesive spray) is that they’re not guaranteed to stick. The last thing you want after installing sound deadening mats is to have them fall off. After you roll Damplifier Pro mats on with a roller, they are guaranteed to stick for life.
• They’re lightweight. We’ve seen some people recommend mass loaded vinyl, and we’re going to stop you right there and say that’s a bad idea. Yes, the mass loaded vinyl will help some by adding weight to the metal, but it’s… wait for it… very heavy. That makes the install much harder, and also makes the material likely to fall down as it’s adhered underneath your sink. Damplifier Pro mats stop the vibrations with science, not weight and will not fall off.
• But what about that acrylic spray option? An acrylic polymer will work too, and we do have one called Spectrum. We prefer to use the mats though, because it substantially simplifies the home DIY project. You’re not masking off anything to protect from overspray or trying to coat a liquid in the dark corners of your kitchen cabinet. The only time we recommend Spectrum is for commercial applications where many sinks are being treated at once with a liquid soundproofing product.

StepS to soundproof your metal sink

Take a few minutes to change a lifetime. You're guaranteed to have a quiet sink longer than you live in that home. Quieting your sink is so easy, and it doesn't even require a lot of handiness.

1. 1.  Remove the sink
   2.  Clean the underside of the sink
   3.  Cut the sound deadening mats to size
   4.  Apply the sound deadener
   5.  Reinstall the sink

Step 1: Remove the sink from the Cabinet (Optional)

Although you can install Damplifier Pro™ with the sink still in the cabinet, the install will be even easier if you remove the sink first.

Step 2: Clean and Prep the Surface

Wipe the sink clean and give it a once-over with denatured alcohol to remove any grime that may interfere with adhesion.

Step 3: Cut the sound deadening Mats To Fit

Measure and cut your mats to cover the large, flat parts of the sink – focusing on the bottom and the side walls. If you’re deadening two basins, simply use one finished mat to trace and cut out the material for your second sink basin.

Remember: 60% coverage will get you 95% of the results. Although many people choose to cover the entire sink’s underside, you don’t need to as long as you’re strategic with where you place the mats. If you want to use less material, focus on the flat metal surfaces of the basin in a checkerboard pattern.

"Super Dead"! - Kitchen sink after 100% coverage with Damplifier Pro™.

Step 4: Firmly Adhere the Mats Using a Hand Roller

Use a hand roller to squeeze out any air bubbles in the mats and ensure a strong bond to the metal. Strong adhesion improves damping performance.

Step 5: Reinstall the Sink in the Cabinet

Seriously, that's it. You're done.

Soundproofing your sink is a quick job that will substantially improve the sound quality in your kitchen. Similar to soundproofing a washing machine or soundproofing a refrigerator, using a high-quality sound deadener like Damplifier Pro™ on such a modest job is a surefire way to ensure you get the best possible results. After you’ve stopped those loud sink vibrations, then you get back to enjoying some peace and quiet or you could move onto other ways to make the room soundproof.