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.
How can I protect my vinyl records? 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.
Also, How do you store records without sleeves?
Put a soft paper towel or even better a piece of scrap cloth in between each record to keep them from touching.
- Keep them away from moisture. Moisture is one of the worst enemies of records. …
- Avoid sunlight. …
- Don’t stack your records. …
- Clean your records regularly. …
- Touching your records.
At what temperature does vinyl warp?
“A typical vinyl record can start warping due to heat at a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) and can melt at temperatures exceeding 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius),” the outlet reported.
16 Related Questions and Answers
Should vinyl records be 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.
How do you store vinyl records without sleeves?
Put a soft paper towel or even better a piece of scrap cloth in between each record to keep them from touching.
- Keep them away from moisture. Moisture is one of the worst enemies of records. …
- Avoid sunlight. …
- Don’t stack your records. …
- Clean your records regularly. …
- Touching your records.
Should you store records outside the sleeve?
Outer Sleeves
To protect your artwork, and prevent airborne dust contaminating the record when stored, you also need to invest in outer record sleeves. … PVC-based products can cause contamination and serious damage to your records.
How hot is too hot for vinyl?
Records should be stored at a temperature no warmer than 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but are safe in temperatures down to 45 degrees. Equally important, if not more so, is temperature stability. Don’t let your storage area temperature fluctuate more than five or ten degrees, or you’ll eventually ruin your records.
Is cold bad for vinyl records?
High heat can create warp records, and cold can make them fragile. … It is suggested that you store vinyl records in your collection between 46°F and 50°F. Other than this, there are two primary things you need to keep in mind before storing your records.
Can vinyl melt in car?
Vinyl records begin to melt at a temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100C). Temperatures inside of cars can go up 43 degrees within one hour so as long as the outside temperature isn’t above 169 degrees then your records won’t melt.
Is stacking vinyl bad?
Never store records stacked on top of one another.
Stacking your record collection could permanently damage your records, whether they’re in their jackets or not. The weight will lead to warping of the vinyl and even possible cracking or scuff marks.
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 long do vinyl records 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.
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.
How tight should you store vinyl records?
Good rule of thumb: Tight enough they all stand vertically, but loose enough you can grab any album with relative ease.
Why do some records come with two sleeves?
The card stock sleeve is what came with the original pressing. They put it in the other sleeve to help keep the original packaging as pristine as possible, over years of use.
How do vinyls get warped?
Vinyl records warp because of extra weight, heat and direct sunlight. … When records heat up they become soft. After they are soft they will warp with virtually any pressure that is applied. Even without external heat, a vinyl record can warp from any extra weight or pressure that it is put under.
Can records be stored in a garage?
You can certainly store vinyl records in your garage, but it is usually a bad idea. The environment is just too variable and harmful to vinyl. However, if you have a climate controlled garage, then it ends up being like the indoors of your home. In that case, it would be safer to store your vinyl there.
Can you leave vinyl records in the cold car?
Senior Member. Any extremes in temperature are not good for vinyl. One of the other by products of having records in a cold place is that moisture can develop on them and when the temp fluctuates that the possibly of mold growth can occur. Keeping them stored in a cool, dry climate it best.
Is it bad to leave records on the turntable?
Leaving your records out
Ideally, the only time your record should be out of its sleeve is when you’re playing the record. Any extended time outside the sleeve — be it left on the platter, or worse still, on a side table — will subject the record to dust and significantly increase the risk of damaging the surface….
Can vinyl albums freeze?
No, cold should be fine for your vinyl. If it got warm in the day and back to cold at night, that would not be ideal. But anything other than a hot muggy summer is better than what many collections go through.
How long will vinyl record 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.
Can I store my vinyl records in the garage?
You can certainly store vinyl records in your garage, but it is usually a bad idea. The environment is just too variable and harmful to vinyl. However, if you have a climate controlled garage, then it ends up being like the indoors of your home. In that case, it would be safer to store your vinyl there.
