Here’s a quick guide to Dynamat to explain what it is, how it works, and why it’s often seen as the premium choice for soundproofing.
If you’re looking at installing sound-deadening to your vehicle, you’ve probably seen Dynamat mentioned before. It’s a household name across the world, with everyone from classic car enthusiasts to vanlifers swearing by Dynamat as their go-to material for soundproofing their rides – but why?
The quick and simple answer is that Dynamat is really effective, easy to use, and built to last.
If you’re looking for a more in-depth answer, though, read on and find out more as we look at Dynamat sound deadening in more detail.
What is Dynamat?
Dynamat is the brand name for a wide range of products designed for sound-deadening and vibration damping in a whole range of vehicles, boats, and even buildings.
Each of their different products is generally made up of a layer of specially formulated butyl with a thin layer of aluminium over the top. The black butyl layer found in Dynamat is extremely effective, and uses a unique, patented formula called VECTOR to get rid of road noise and other unwanted sounds in your vehicle.
You’ll find different Dynamat products available for different purposes, like Dynamat Xtreme for acoustic insulation on your vehicle’s body panels, and Dynaliner for thermal insulation.
What is Dynamat used for?
A lot of the time you’ll see Dynamat used as sound-deadening in vehicles, especially in classic cars and campers, which weren’t fitted with a lot of sound proofing when they were first built – if any!
It’s also really popular with modified vehicles, where people want to reduce the noise from an upgraded engine or improve the sound from the stereo system – or both.
Spending extended periods driving a car with a big, loud engine can be wearing after a while, but fitting Dynamat can really help kill off a lot of that noise so you can enjoy your time behind the wheel even more.
Dynamat is also a great addition to converted campervans, as it can provide an extra layer of insulation as well as preventing the rear of your camper from becoming an echo chamber for road noise – essential if you’re planning on some long drives on epic road trips!
How does Dynamat work?
Many of Dynamat’s products, like Dynamat Xtreme, use an exclusive, patented formula of butyl called VECTOR which works with the thin aluminium top layer to convert kinetic energy from sound and vibrations into low-grade thermal energy instead. The materials then dissipates this heat, effectively eliminating road noise, rattles, and other unwanted sounds while you’re driving.
This means that as well as physically reducing the amount that your vehicle’s metal body panels can move and vibrate, Dynamat will transform any sound energy into heat energy, which is then quickly released.
The end result is a quieter, more comfortable ride with massively reduced road noise, rattling, and engine noise. In fact, Dynamat have said that independent testing shows Xtreme damping performs 40% above the industry average!
How do I apply Dynamat?
Products like Dynamat Xtreme have been designed to be quick and easy to fit, and only need to be cut to the correct size and shape for the area you’re applying it to, and then stuck in place.
You don’t need to heat it up, or treat it with anything, before you apply your Dynamat – just remove the backing layer and press it onto the panel in your vehicle, and it’ll stick quickly and indefinitely!
Dynamat is thin enough to cut easily, and is also flexible, so you can have it conform to any of the contours or corners inside your vehicle. You can even get special Dynamat tools to make installing it even easier, with specialised cutters, tape, rollers, and more.
We filmed a how-to video a while ago, showing you the steps involved in fitting Dynamat, which you can watch below.
How much Dynamat do I need?
The amount of Dynamat you'll need to sound-deaden your vehicle will, obviously, depend on the size of your vehicle and the level of coverage you're looking to achieve. This may seem obvious, but you'll need to measure the height and width of any panels, flooring sections, and other areas you want to cover in Dynamat, first and foremost. You can then work out how many different areas you'll be able to cover with different packs of Dynamat, and how much coverage you can achieve on each.
This way, you'll be able to calculate how far the different packs and bundles of Dynamat will get you, and you can then work out which one is best for you.
You can also check out the Dynamat Calculator over on the Dynamat website, which will help you to find out how much Dynamat you'll need for your vehicle.
Plus, Dynamat themselves have also created the following guides, which can be massively helpful!
What is Dynamat made from?
Dynamat options like Dynamat Xtreme are made up of a thin, flexible aluminium top layer over the top of a patented butyl layer which takes advantage of their exclusive VECTOR chemistry to work incredibly efficiently.
There’s also a paper backing layer, which you remove just before you apply the Dynamat Xtreme to your vehicle, so it won’t make a mess or get stuck to anything you don’t want it to.
These materials also mean that Dynamat is built to last, and won’t break down or degrade over time.
Our vehicles can often be subjected to some pretty extreme temperature changes, especially in the summer when we can go from a hot afternoon to a cold night relatively quickly, and Dynamat is made to take these temperature changes in its stride.
It won’t fall off, shrink, or deteriorate over time or when exposed to extreme temperatures, so you know you’re investing in a product which will last you for many, many years ahead.
Where is Dynamat made?
The team at Dynamat are proud of the fact that every part of Dynamat is made in the USA.
All the components, from the core materials to the packaging, are sourced within 50 miles of their HQ in Hamilton, Ohio.
The Dynamat team then oversees the entire process in-house: design, manufacturing, production, packing, and even shipping. This allows them to maintain really high standards of quality and consistency, so you know exactly what you’re getting when you buy Dynamat.
Is Dynamat worth it?
Ah, now we come to it! This is a question we get asked quite often, especially when people are wondering whether it’s worth investing in Dynamat for their campervan conversion or classic VW project, and the answer we usually give is: Yes, if it’s in your budget, then Dynamat is definitely worth it!
We’ve used Dynamat on several of our own vehicles, especially classics like the VW Beetle and VW T2 Bay campers which we’ve built here at JK HQ, and it’s definitely made a noticeable difference.
Dynamat isn’t cheap, but you absolutely get what you pay for. While there are alternatives out there with a lower price tag, they generally don’t offer the same level of effect and likely won’t last you for nearly as long.
Explaining or demonstrating just how effective Dynamat is over the internet can be difficult, as it’s one of those products which really needs to be seen, heard, and tested in person for you to truly see and hear the difference it can make to your vehicle.
We did some testing with Dynamat several years ago, testing the noise level inside a VW T2 Bay, then fitting it with Dynamat and taking it out for another test drive to check how much the noise level has improved. You can watch the video below, although it’s probably time for us to film a new version as Pete from the JK Team is now much more used to being on camera!
Want to know more about Dynamat?
If you’re still keen to find out more about Dynamat, then you can check out their website or their YouTube channel for more information and videos.
It’s also worth speaking to your fellow VW enthusiasts or vanlifers, and asking what their experiences with Dynamat are like. You’ll get a much better idea of how well it works by knocking on a couple of panels on a real vehicle than by reading about it online, so reach out to your local VW Owners Club or speak to people next time you’re at a VW Show and get some impartial, first-hand advice from other members of the VW community!
Not part of a VW Owners Club? We’re here to help!
We’ve got a directory of different owners clubs around the UK, so you can find what’s going on in your area and join in with like-minded fans and enthusiasts!
