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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.
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.
Can you store vinyl records in the garage?
The short answer to this question is no. Storing vinyl records in your garage will lead to unnecessary damage and could cost you an entire record collection.
How do you store and care for vinyl records?
There are methods of unwarping but prevention is the best cure, so keep them away from direct sunlight and high heat. Another way your records can warp is by stacking them, so NEVER store them horizontally. Compared to other formats vinyl are pretty heavy, so the weight and pressure will eventually warp them over time.
What temperature should vinyl records be stored at?
The ideal climate for vinyl record storage is 65° to 70° F and 45% to 50% humidity. This environment is easily maintained in a climate-controlled unit. Storing vinyl records is well worth the effort. Someday, you’ll be able to share your passion for music with your great grandchildren.
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.
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.
Can you store vinyl records in cold?
Your precious vinyl records are not directly affected by the cold, and they will not be destroyed. Records do become brittle in temperatures lower than freezing (zero degrees Celsius & 32 Farenheit). This is why we recommend that you preserve your records dry by storing them in a cool, dry and clean place.
Can records be stored outside?
As long as you’re not storing your collection outside, this should be fine, but it’s still worth mentioning. Make sure you reduce open-air exposure by always putting records back into their sleeves. You should also avoid direct sunlight and limit indirect sunlight on your vinyl records.
Should you keep vinyl unopened?
Nothing will happen to sealed vinyl records most of the time unless you don’t store them properly. One thing that vinyl enthusiasts emphasize is storing vinyl records. If vinyl records are not stored properly, they are prone to warping, discoloration, and damages to the grooves.
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.
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 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.
Will vinyl records melt in the sun?
Vinyl records begin to melt at a temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100C). Since records are black they will absorb heat from the sun and can heat up much more quickly if exposed to sunlight which in turn would cause them to warp much faster.
At what temperature will vinyl records warp?
Warping occurs at 140°F (60°C), while melting occurs at 212°F (100°C). Remember that once the record has melted, you cannot restore or reverse it. The heating process will completely ruin the record, and a new one will have to take its place.
Can you store records in a basement?
If you must store your albums in a damp basement, consider the following: keep your storage crates elevated off the floor. Cardboard tends to retain moisture and creates an excellent breeding ground for mold and mildew. consider a dehumidifier in the space where you store your vinyl.
Do milk crates fit records?
A staple of simple record storage is the old milk crate. You can probably picture a hip-hop DJ hauling his goods around in one of these, and understandably so: milk crates hold records almost perfectly, they have handles, and you can fit 40-50 albums per crate.
How many records is a linear foot?
14 linear feet with about 900 albums, so an average of 64 per foot. For actual use.
Do bookends work for records?
Design: Little additions like rounded or folded corners can help reduce the risk of scratching and snagging on your albums. If they’re designed to hold heavy books, that’s even better, as they’ll be strong enough to hold your LPs and other media like video games and DVDs.
