If you’ve been following any of my articles on automotive soundproofing materials, you’ll know about Dynamat. But did you know that the same brand also makes Dynaliner and DynaPad? If not, you’re in luck – this article will explain what each of these products is, and how you can use them.
In my previous comparisons of Dynamat, I usually had it facing off with some of the other most popular sound deadening materials on the market. When I compared it to Fatmat and Hushmat, Dynamat came out on top, thanks to its superior sound deadening effectiveness. In fact, in most of my reviews of Dynamat, I’ve found its only flaw to be the fact that it’s more expensive than other similar products.
However, I’m not sure if I resent the higher price point. After all, Dynamat certainly makes up for it in performance. That got me thinking: are the brand’s other materials as outstanding? This article should answer that question.
At this point, I should explain how I intend to proceed with this comparison. In my previous material comparison articles, like when I compared Noico and Dynamat, I asked several questions, including:
- Which material is the most effective?
- How easy are they to install?
- What is the base material and how does that affect its use?
- Where can you use the materials?
- How expensive is it
I’ll still be asking the same questions today. But since all of the materials are from the same company, this situation is a bit different. Therefore, I’ve decided to start with an overview of the basic characteristics of each material.
Then, I’ll answer the other questions I’ve laid out. Finally, I’ll present my conclusions. So, without further ado, let’s see what these materials are.
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The Basics About Dynamat, Dynaliner, and Dynapad
Dynamat Xtreme and Superlite
Let’s start with the company’s namesake product. Since I’ve already extensively covered Dynamat in previous articles, you could read up on it in the links above. But here’s the gist of it.
Basically, Dynamat is a butyl-based self-adhering sound deadening material. It’s only 0.067 inches thick, which makes it ideal for soundproofing cars. Once you apply it, it grips the sheet metal of your door, roof, or hood and prevents it from vibrating and making noise. It also gets rid of quite a bit of road noise – thereby improving the sound quality inside the car.
Since Dynamat is a butyl-based rather than an asphalt-based material, it handles heat rather well, which is helped by its aluminum coating. Unlike asphalt-based materials, Dynamat also shouldn’t emit any odors. And, since it’s so thin, you’ll be able to apply it to pretty much any sheet metal.
- Country of origin : United States
- Model Number : 10455
- Package Weight : 23 pounds
- Package Dimensions : 21" L x 12" W x 3" H
There are two main products which can be classified as Dynamat: Dynamat Xtreme and Dynamat SuperLite. Essentially, Dynamat Xtreme is the best performing version of the product, while the SuperLite is its thinner and lighter cousin. Since it’s 30% slimmer than the 67 mil Xtreme, SuperLite is slightly less effective than Dynamat Xtreme.
Essentially, the original Dynamat is the base product you can layer under thermal insulation products like Dynaliner. But what kinds of benefits can you get from just using Dynaliner, and can it actually completely replace the original Dynamat? Let’s find out.
Dynaliner
Dynaliner is Dynamat’s lightweight thermal and sound insulator. As I have previously mentioned, you’re supposed to put it on top of the original Dynamat material – but let’s see how it performs on its own. But first: what is it?
Well, Dynaliner is essentially a half-inch thick synthetic acoustic foam made of closed cell rubber. As far as acoustic foam products go, this is actually pretty thin. In fact, it’s even available in 0.25-inch thickness. However, despite the material’s thickness, it’s actually surprisingly effective at improving acoustics and reducing heat.
- GUARANTEED SATISFACTION
- Part number: 11102
- Fit type: Universal
- Package Weight: 1.111 kilograms
This product isn’t waterproof, but it doesn’t promote mildew growth or rust. Aside from that, it’s also pretty long-lasting and won’t crush or tear easily.
Even though the original Dynamat is pretty heat-resistant, the brand recommends using Dynaliner on top to further increase your car’s heat-resistance. However, in my opinion, this material might even perform just fine on its own. In fact, many people think so as well.
After all, there isn’t really much difference in the material or application of the product between Dynamat and Dynaliner. Their recommended placement and effectiveness may differ, but they’re essentially similar.
So, let’s see if DynaPad is any different.
DynaPad
DynaPad is an incredibly heavy material at one pound per square foot – and it actually comes in packs of 12 square feet. And, as we know, mass is one of the key components of good sound deadening materials.
Just like Dynaliner, you can use DynaPad to significantly decrease the temperature inside a vehicle. According to Dynamat, they produce DynaPad by using “Dissimilar Layer Insulating” technology. That means that they have a vinyl base between two layers of open cell acoustic foam. Additionally, these layers are encased within an oil and waterproof casing – and all of this is only 0.45 inches thick.
According to user reviews, this material significantly reduces road noise, especially when you pair it with Dynamat. In fact, some users even say that the material does too good of a job, as it may dampen the sound of music inside of the car. However, when used correctly, DynaPad will protect your car from the heat of your exhaust pipes and hot weather conditions.
- Country of origin : China
- Package Dimensions : 34.32" L x 6.96" W x...
- Package weight : 22 pounds
- Model number : 21100
Since DynaPad is a foam material and a thermal insulator, just like Dynaliner, you’ll only need to get one of them if you want to layer them on top of Dynamat. However, unlike Dynaliner, DynaPad isn’t self-adhesive, so you’ll be able to move it around and reuse it if you get a new car.
In fact, you can actually either layer these three materials on top of each other or employ each of them in different places. So, let’s see where you can put Dynamat, Dynaliner, and DynaPad, in order to achieve the optimal performance.
How You Can Use Dynamat Products
According to Dynamat, all of these products have their own specific uses. So, let’s start with Dynamat.
Different Dynamat Kits
Since I’ve already written extensively on how you can use Dynamat in cars, I won’t dwell on its automotive uses. It’s enough to say that you can put Dynamat on any metal surface in your car, and even those around the house. You can use the sound deadening material around loud air conditioners, dishwashers, and other appliances. Also, you can use Dynamat to soundproof exercise machines, TVs, and speakers.
In fact, Dynamat Xtreme comes in two speaker kits (for 2 and 5 speakers). Aside from that, you can get door kits (for 2 car doors), a trunk kit, and a bulk kit (which may have enough material to cover one car). Also, the Mega Pack can be applied to multiple vehicles. These packs have the pieces of Dynamat pre-cut for the shape of each of these areas.
Remember, you don’t actually need to cover the whole surface to feel the benefits of Dynamat – only about 25-50%.
Where to Put Dynaliner and DynaPad
Once you’ve put up the Dynamat, you can top it with Dynaliner. Although Dynaliner’s primary purpose is heat insulation, it also does a pretty good job of absorbing sound. So, where can you put it?
Well, you can use the thinner version of the material in car doors where you need to conserve space. After all, you may already have Dynamat in there, so you shouldn’t lay it on too thick. The two thicker sizes can go on the floor of the car, and even under the hood. Thermal insulation will be especially necessary for the roof and the hood of a car – however, I really can’t imagine why you’d need Dynaliner in your home.
Finally, DynaPad can be used in a similar way as Dynaliner except that you’d use it under the carpet in your car. Actually, since the material is so heavy, it could help in other places around the car as well, like under the seats, or in the trunk. According to the company, though, you could even use it to block noise from passing through the floor of your house.
How to Install Dynamat, Dynaliner, and DynaPad
Dynamat and Dynaliner Installation
When it comes to Dynaliner and Dynamat, the installation process is actually fairly similar. Since both are self-adhesive materials, they come with a protective layer over the adhesive. So, once you decide where you’re putting them, you’ll simply:
- Cut the material down to size
- Peel off the protection
- Paste it down
Now, that’s actually easier said than done. Many people find Dynamat somewhat hard to cut due to the material’s thickness and density. But I’m here to encourage you to persevere – and make sure you’ve got a very sharp pair of scissors or a good utility knife. Dynamat comes in 18×32-inch sheets, and Dynaliner is 32×54 inches, so you’ll definitely need to adjust them.
Leave the protective layer on while you cut your pieces. The strong adhesive will get on your cutting tool – and once it’s on there, it’s there to stay (and this is also why you ought to wear gloves while you work). Obviously, you want the glue to be strong so these materials are secure once you place them. So, don’t expect to get any wiggle room with these products.
When you peel off the protection and place the material where you want it, you should rub it flat from the center towards the edges to avoid air bubbles. And you can also buff it out with a roller, or another rounded tool.
DynaPad Installation
Unlike these two sound deadeners, DynaPad is non-adhesive, so it will be much easier to apply. Whether you’re putting it in the car or under the carpet in your living room, you won’t need to worry about having to make any adjustments. And you won’t need to wear gloves to protect your hands from glue. Just put it down wherever you need it.
How Effective Are They?
When it comes to performance, Dynamat is without a doubt one of, if not the most effective automotive sound deadening material on the market. Even without totally covering the surface you’re working on, it should still significantly reduce noise. On its own, it’s a perfectly good sound deadener.
However, if you decide to use Dynaliner and DynaPad for their recommended purposes, they should additionally lower the amount of noise in your car. Still, I’d say that Dynaliner could hold its own if you installed it without Dynamat. And DynaPad could even help you avoid a noise complaint from your downstairs neighbors if you put it under the carpet.
By now you may be wondering about the cost of these three products. I won’t make you wait for that answer. Let’s check out these price tags and get on to final thoughts.
How Much Do Dynamat Products Cost?
Most reviews find it incredibly difficult to find fault with Dynamat. After all, it is one of the most amazing sound deadeners I’ve come across. However, since we all love to grouch about something, we tend to zero in on the product’s cost.
Dynamat is one of the most expensive automotive sound deadening materials, at about $6 per square foot. Unsurprisingly, Dynaliner and DynaPad are similarly pricey. However, even I was a bit shocked by the fact that they were more expensive than even the original Dynamat.
Dynaliner comes out to about $7 per square foot, while DynaPad is a whopping $15 per square foot – and that’s a modest estimate!
Honestly, I shouldn’t have been all that surprised. Dynaliner is probably more expensive to make due to the cost of production for the thin synthetic foam. And DynaPad packs a whole lot of punch as a high-mass floor padding product. But at these prices, can these products ever become the staples of automotive soundproofing that they’re hoping to be?
So Is Dynamat Worth It?
Dynamat products may already have become instant classics. According to everything I’ve seen in person and online, everyone is already using Dynamat.
Dynaliner and DynaPad aren’t as famous as the original product yet, but it seems that they’re slowly getting there. Users are especially impressed with Dynaliner, and some are already using it on its own. In fact, many people who use these products are completely aware that there are cheaper alternatives out there. Still, they realize that paying more for Dynamat is paying for quality and a brand they trust.
So, whether you decide to use Dynamat topped with Dynaliner everywhere, a DynaPad on the floor and in the trunk, or decide upon a single product – you’re definitely in good hands with either of these products.
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- By Soundproof Living
I had Dynaliner installed on the floor of my MGBGT and frankly am not impressed with the final finish. Air bubbles and creases everywhere and this was done by a supposed professional classic car restorer that charges a small fortune for their labour!