Abstract: An acoustical panel is made by applying a thin, acoustically-transparent coating to an acoustical base mat. A pulp is made from one or more fillers, a fibrous filler, a binder and water. A thickener solution is prepared from a thickener and water. A portion of the pulp and the thickener solution are mixed under high shear conditions to degrade the fibrous filler and form a smooth coating. The coating is applied to and distributed over a base mat and the coated base mat is then cut and dried to form a coated acoustical panel. The panel is free of visible mineral nodules on the surface of the coating. Optionally, the pulp is a portion of a pulp used to make the base mat. Other embodiments include the use of recycled dust or fine particles of the acoustical panel obtained from cutting or shaping the base mat or coated panels.

Abstract: An acoustical panel is made by applying a thin, acoustically-transparent coating to an acoustical base mat. A pulp is made from one or more fillers, a fibrous filler, a binder and water. A thickener solution is prepared from a thickener and water. A portion of the pulp and the thickener solution are mixed under high shear conditions to degrade the fibrous filler and form a smooth coating. The coating is applied to and distributed over a base mat and the coated base mat is then cut and dried to form a coated acoustical panel. The panel is free of visible mineral nodules on the surface of the coating. Optionally, the pulp is a portion of a pulp used to make the base mat. Other embodiments include the use of recycled dust or fine particles of the acoustical panel obtained from cutting or shaping the base mat or coated panels.