Vinyl warping can be a nightmare for vinyl enthusiasts. But we are here to help you avoid it and even repair warped vinyls! Preventing is better than treating, so we will be discussing how to avoid warping vinyl records and what to do to fix them.
It takes time to warp records, but it is possible to stop bad record-keeping habits. Vinyl records can be damaged if they are stored in poor conditions. Vinyl records are made from plastic. This material is durable but can be bent or warped over time. You should be aware of the following when keeping records:
- Arrangement
- Temperature
- Humidity
Prevent Vinyl Warning
Let’s take a look at these 3 factors and see how vinyl warps.
Vinyl arrangement refers to how you store your vinyls. Vinyls can be damaged if they are left to lean on each other or squeezed into small boxes or shelves. Vinyls left to lean over time can cause their middle to sag. If your records are jammed into small boxes or shelves, they can push against each other and cause damage to their grooves.
You will find that your vinyls sound worse if they are not arranged correctly. It is best to arrange your vinyls vertically with enough space so that they don’t lean or get squeezed too tightly. If you have vinyls that aren’t too big for the box or shelf, we recommend bookends such as the 9-inch Acrimet Jumbo Premium Steel Bookends or STEELMASTER 10-Inch Bookends. These will help to hold them upright.
Many people also wonder if records should be stored horizontally or vertically. The answer is to store them vertically. Unnecessary weight placed on records horizontally will cause them to warp over time. If you have a large collection, I don’t want to think of the heavy stacks that flatten and warp the records at the bottom. Your vinyl records should always be stored vertically and upright.
Humidity and temperature are often interrelated. If it is hot enough, the temperature in which you store your records can cause them to become damaged. If you live in hot climates, or are subject to intense summer heat, it is important that your records are kept in a cool area.
According to a quick Google search, vinyls should be stored at 18 to 21 degrees Celsius. However, if you live in an area similar to mine, and have been experiencing 33-degree Celsius weather for the past few days, this may not be possible. To avoid sun exposure, I keep my records in a room with lots of shade and curtains closed.
Humidity, however, can cause warping just as much as other factors but must be managed. To prevent mould and mildew growth, make sure you place a moisture absorber on the back of your shelf such as the Vacplus Moisture Absorber It is bad enough that you need to replace the sleeves on your records. However, mould can get into your vinyls’ grooves and cause problems while cleaning.
The Way Basics 2-Shelf Cube Book Case is my favorite choice. They provide shade and are a great option for anyone who lives in hot or sunny climates. You can avoid heat-related warping, which can affect sound quality. You can also find great tips in the video below on how to store vinyls safely.
How to Fix Warped Vinyl Records
Wrapping a record can be a bit more difficult because it’s a lot like pulling toothpaste from a tube. Reversing the process is much more difficult and takes a lot of patience and dedication.
You have two options to fix a vinyl record that is warped: 1) Apply pressure for several days or 2) Use heat and pressure for a shorter time.
1.Straightening it out by Putting Pressure on your Vinyl Record
You will need either a flat, heavy object, or a flat object with enough weight to support it. Place the vinyl on a flat surface and then place the heavy object over it. To flatten the vinyl over several days, apply a constant equal force to it. It may take longer (even weeks) to flatten the record if it is badly warped. So patience is important.
Before you arrange your set-up, ensure that your vinyl record is clean. This will ensure that there are no contaminants in the grooves of the vinyl record during the time you’ll keep it in this arrangement.
2. Applying Heat and Pressure to Flatten the Warped Vinyl
This one is a bit more difficult. Two sheets of tempered glass are required. Pre-heat the oven to 80° Celsius Next, place the vinyl record between two sheets of glass. After that, bake the record for 3 minutes. To ensure that your vinyl record doesn’t melt, keep an eye on it. After 3 minutes, remove the vinyl and glass from the record and place a heavy object onto the top glass to flatten it. If the record still isn’t flattened, repeat this process as many times as necessary.
DISCLAIMER. This method can be risky as the record could lose its quality after being heated and flattened. There is also the possibility of toxic fumes from melting plastic. Stop immediately if you detect anything unusual during the process.
This is our guide to fixing and preventing warped vinyl. We hope you found this guide helpful. Please share your tips and tricks for fixing vinyl record warping.
FAQ for 2 Methods to Fix Vinyl Warping
What is the most common cause of vinyl warping?
The most common causes of vinyl deformation are:
- Vinyl records can warp over time due to heat and humidity.
- The most common cause of vinyl warping is heat and humidity.
- Vinyl records are more prone to warping if they are not stored in a cool, dry place.
- The record’s grooves can also be deformed by improper handling or cleaning, causing it to warp as well.
The best way to prevent this is by storing the record in a cool, dry place and avoiding excessive handling or cleaning.
Is there a way to fix warped vinyl without replacing it?
If you have a warped vinyl, there is no need to replace it. You can fix it by using a few tricks. One of the most popular fixes is to place a damp cloth on the warped vinyl and then iron it. This will make the vinyl flat again. Another trick is to place some heavy books on the vinyl until it becomes flat again.
How can I prevent vinyl warping in the future?
If you want to prevent vinyl warping in the future, try to store your records in a cool and dry place. You can also use a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
If the record has already warped, you can put it on the turntable and gently play it for a few minutes. This will make the record flat again.
Which method prevent vinyl warping is more effective?
The best way to prevent vinyl warping is to use a high quality vinyl and make sure that the application method is done correctly.
How do I use a steamer to fix vinyl warping?
One of the effective ways to eliminate the deformation of vinyl is the use of a household steamer. The most important thing is to make sure that the steamer is hot enough.
It’s also important not to be too close to the vinyl when it’s being steamed. You don’t want too much heat or moisture on the surface of the vinyl, as this can cause permanent damage.
When you’re done, make sure that you let the vinyl cool down before you touch it.
What is the best way to fix vinyl warping?
The best way to fix vinyl warping is to use a heat gun. This will make the vinyl more pliable and then it can be stretched back into place.