Plaster walls don't block sounds.
Plaster walls provide little to no soundproofing for your home. Nearly every noise your neighbor makes and every noise coming from the street reaches your bedroom, living room and other areas of your house. Soundproofing the walls blocks those noises. To properly soundproof your plaster walls, you must provide some separation between that wall and other spaces.
Soundboard
Measure the height and width of a plaster wall in your home and cut soundboard to cover it. Depending on the size, you may need several boards to completely cover one wall. The soundboard contains recycled paper and wood fibers. Coat the wall with a thin layer of construction adhesive, using a paintbrush for even coverage. Cover the wall with the soundboard. Repeat the process on other walls to limit noise.
Metal Frame Wall
Attach the 2-inch metal frame wall to the existing soundboard, setting it at least 1/2 inch from the plaster. The metal studs keep the frame in place. Arrange the fiberglass insulation inside the new metal frame, making sure that it butts up against the existing plaster wall. Add enough insulation that it completely fills the frame. Install new drywall on the front, creating the new wall.
Accoustical Paint
Acoustical paint acts as a buffer, blocking out more of the soundwaves and providing more soundproofing than the new wall alone. Use the acoustical paint by itself or in combination with one of the other methods. The paint buffers sounds and only lets a small amount of sound reach your home. If you can't find acoustical paint, then choose textured paint, which creates ridges and bumps on the wall that bend and deflect soundwaves.
Other Methods
Egg cartons stapled or otherwise attached to the walls block some noise. Heavy drapes and curtains or thick blankets hung on the walls work in the same way. The fabric muffles the sounds coming from surrounding areas. Thick carpeting layered on the floors and covering the base of the walls will also help soundproof the room.
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