How to Restore Vinyl Records Restoring vinyl records requires the right combination of care and technique in order to breathe new life into beloved music collections. In This Article: Record Rescuers Scratched and Demagnetized 6/1/19 See Also Rocketed Records So You Want to Get a Phono Cartridge… Scratchy, Warped LPs With the advent of Compact Disc in the early Eighties leading many listeners (or at least their children)..vinyl restoration (ad).
Basic Cleaning Techniques
Before you crack on with dramatic vinyl repairs, it is essential that your shiny doorknob does get well and truly stuck in. Taking this a step further to cleaning away surface debris that may affect the sound.
Mild Washing: You should gentle wash your vinyl with lukewarm water in order to remove any visible particles of dust and dirt.
Record Cleaning Fluid: Use a mild-alcohol solution in record cleaning fluid, to dissolve oils without affecting the micro-thin ‘goop’ that vinyl has on its surface. We suggest using de-ionized water as it removes all of the static electricity, which can in turn damage or compromise the record2.
Repairing Scratched Records
Audio appease Scratch: Scratches can ruin audio quality to a great extent. Here’s how to address them:
Sanding Method:
If they are pitted, you can use 1500 grit paper making sure the paper is wet as well.
The vinyl needs to be wet and you should lay it down on a flat surface.
Carefully sand (along the papers grooves) over the scratched areas. Others will sand the whole surface for consistent smoothness14.
Alternative Techniques:
Recommended by some as a way of ‘recutting’ grooves, super-light pressure applied with the playing stylus. This way of linking is more questionable and should be handled with care5.
Addressing Warped Records
THIS IS A COMMON IMAGE ISSUER DUE TO POOR STORAGE OR HEAT EXPOSURE. Here’s how to fix it:
Oven Method:
PUT IT IN AN OVENPreheat your oven to 120°F on warm or turn it off after a minute when the inside is not cold, hence at room temperature.
Place the record, sandwiched between two sheets of flat glass (panes) into an oven for about 10mins.
Allow it to cool under a weight on the flat surface35.
After the restoration, preventive care
After you have restored your records, it is important to keep them in top condition:
Always clean: Regular maintenance may include the use of an anti-static brush and a microfiber cloth to prevent dust deposits.
Tips for Proper Storage: Keep records vertical in a cool, dry place at room temperature and not near any source of heat so that they does not warp again23.
Here are simple ways and tips that will help you to keep your vinyl records alive longer:
