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You want to store vinyl records in a cool place—not too cold, but not too hot. If the vinyl is exposed to high heat for extended periods of time, it can lead to warping and other damaging effects. If you have a temperature-controlled attic or storage unit, that can be a great choice.
How should vinyl be stored flat or upright?
The best method of storing your records is upright in the supplied sleeves and outer jacket, preferably in a poly sleeve. If you do not store them upright, you run the risk of warping or damaging your vinyl records. Storing them upright in a poly sleeve also prevents ring wear to the outer sleeve.
Is it OK to store vinyl records flat?
Records shouldn’t be stored horizontally, or flat. Storing vinyl records flat can place too much pressure on the records lower in the stack causing damage over time. Never leave records leaning at angles when in a box or on a shelf, this will cause the vinyl to warp.
Should I keep the plastic on my vinyl?
You will need an outer covering to accompany the inner. This will protect your vinyl’s card sleeve but will also prevent dust finding the record (and abrading it over time). Be careful here. When compressed, these thick plastic covers can eventually stick to the record sleeve and pull the artwork right off.
Is it OK for records to lean?
Once you’ve got a sturdy shelf, store your records standing vertically. This is critical to avoid warps over time. This isn’t too much of a problem, just make sure that it is minor and that they all lean in the same direction, without any record putting too much weight on the one next to it.
How tight should you store vinyl records?
This is the correct answer. This. You should be able to pull your records out with ease, yet they should stand up nice and straight too and not be leaning over from being too loose.
How do you store records without sleeves?
Put paper or a cloth between each record You don’t want records to be touching and scraping against each other as you will scratch them when you pull them in or out of the box. Put a soft paper towel or even better a piece of scrap cloth in between each record to keep them from touching.
Can you store records slanted?
Vinyl records need to be stored in an upright position to ensure they stay in good condition. Records that have been stored at a slant for an extended period of time can warp because of the uneven pressure that has been placed on them. This is why records are often kept in crates that position them upright.
How do you store vinyl records long term?
You want to store vinyl records in a cool place—not too cold, but not too hot. If the vinyl is exposed to high heat for extended periods of time, it can lead to warping and other damaging effects. If you have a temperature-controlled attic or storage unit, that can be a great choice.
Is it OK to clean vinyl records with alcohol?
Wash The Record In particular, we recommend avoiding any that contain isopropyl alcohol. While it will clean the muck off your record, many people report that over time it’ll also damage the protective coating on your vinyl. If you are going to use a solution with isopropyl alcohol – use is sparingly.
Should you keep your vinyl in plastic sleeves?
Yes, we know, this is different than the paper liners most records come with. In addition to storing records in a plastic sleeve, you should store record covers in a plastic sleeve. Ensure your shelving is sturdy enough to support the weight of vinyl records, which average 35 pounds per shelf-foot.
Should I sleeve my records?
If you’re a passionate audiophile who collects vinyl records, you want to make sure that your collection can stand the test of time. That’s why it’s so important to use vinyl record inner sleeves to maintain the integrity of your records and ensure that they’ll sound sweet for years to come.
How can I protect my vinyl?
Vinyl records should always be stored in a dry, cool environment. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight, as the light and heat can fade the jacket artwork and warp the record. In addition, avoid storing in areas where the record will be exposed to a lot of dust or airborne particles.
How many records is a linear foot?
14 linear feet with about 900 albums, so an average of 64 per foot. For actual use.
How do you keep records from leaning?
And if you need to lean your records up against something to keep them from falling over, lean them as steeply as you can, and avoid leaning too many up against each other at once. The records at the end of the stack can bow and warp. So, basically, keep your records in vertical blocks of 100 records or less.
Why do records Bend?
Improper storage, exposure to heat, and cats can lead to warped vinyl. Fortunately, warped records can often be fixed, so you can be back to rockin’ and rollin’ in no time. You’ll need two sheets of glass larger than your album, but small enough to fit in your oven. Heavier or thicker glass tends to work best.
How long do vinyls last?
Your vinyl records can last anywhere from a year or two and up to well over 100 years. If you’re aiming for the latter, it really comes down to how well you care for your record collection.
