How to Take Care of and Store Vinyl Records
How to take of and store vinyl records. Like anything in life, vinyl records need to be handled with love and care if you want to protect them and maintain their value.
Although vinyl records are sturdy and thick, they can be ruined easily if not handled correctly.
If I don’t take care of my vinyl records, what happens to them?
- Mold
- Dust
- Break
- Bend
- Warp
If you just decided to throw all your vinyl records into a big box and set it off to the side in your garage, shed or attic… Odds are that most of your collection, if not all, will be damaged. When records are so badly damaged they cannot be played. If a record cannot be played, it has no value.
Storing Vinyl Records
How should you store vinyl records?
One of the most obvious signs that the owner of the record does not take care of their collection is when you see them stacked like pancakes. Vinyl records need to be stored vertically.
It’s important that the vinyl records are packed tightly in appropriate boxes. Warping often occurs when the vinyl records are stacked on top of each other. If you do decide to invest in a good box and solid shelves – make sure they can handle the weight. Vinyl records can be pretty heavy!
I have a collection of old LPs, 45s and 78s. Some vinyl records are 12 inch and others are 7 inch – Can they be stored together?
The simple answer is no. All LP Vinyl Records, 45s, 78s and any other random pieces you have need to be stored seperately to minimize the possibility of the records breaking. How to take of and store vinyl records.
Is it okay to store records up in the attic, under ceiling vents or near radiators?
Since heat can cause your vinyl records to warp, it’s best if your records are stored in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight. Extreme heat and a humid environment can cause your album covers and sleeves to stick together. This will damage the covers and lower the value of your albums.
What happens if I don’t take care of my vinyl record collection?
Warping
All records, no matter if they are LPs or 45s, 7 inch or 12 inch – They should all have a flat surface. When you store your records on top of each other or set them at a bad angle, they will become warped. Exposing them to high temperatures can also lead to a warped surface. Sometimes if the warping is severe, the records may not even be playable.
Chips
If you accidentally drop your records then it may cause chips on the outer rim or edge of the vinyl record. Some cracks may show up across the playing surface. Both of which can affect the sound quality and cause the records to skip when played. Sometimes chip damage or cracks can be so severe that the record cannot be played.
Place your records vertically in a tightly closed container. Always ask for assistance if you need help getting them down from a high shelf.
Scratches
The sleeves of the vinyl records are an important part of history as they usually contain artwork from the recording artist. But the sleeves also serve to protect the record. If your records are stored without their protective sleeves, then they can rub against tables, shelves, boxes and even other records – Resulting in scratches that can negatively affect the sound of the vinyl records. The sound of your vinyl record is very important as it is one factor in determining the value.
Are you committed to taking care of and storing your vinyl records?
Caring and protecting your vinyl records can take a lot of work. Not to mention, the expense of purchasing the tools and products to keep your records clean and in top shape.
Paul at Cash For Records understands that you may not have the time and money to commit to taking care of your records. And that’s okay.
We understand you may be busy with a full time job. Your spouse and kids also need your love and attention – Maybe even your dog! Life just happens. Sometimes there is not enough time in the day to take care of anything.
WE BUY Rock, Jazz, Blues, Soul and R&B VINYL RECORDS! So let us provide the care and love your records need! Call us today at 216-315-8216 to set up an appointment.
We will come to you, inspect your records and make a cash offer. No need to worry about stopping at the bank to cash the check – We have CASH on hand!
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We make house calls all over Ohio, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia and East Coast. No Vinyl Record Collection is too large!
Vinyl Old Records Worth
How much are my vinyl records worth? We will pay Top Dollar for your LPs, 45s and 78s record collection.
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We Buy Jazz, Blues, Soul, R&B and Rock records, LPs, 45s, 78s & 12″ singles. We are open to any genre or style of music.
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Call Paul Today at 1-800-643-1732. We are Honest, Reliable and Local. We also buy records in Jacksonville, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Southern Georgia.
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