How to Melt a Record With a Heat Gun
Vinyl record albums invoke a unique nostalgia in today's digital world. Don't let your (or your parents') albums collect dust in the attic or garage when you can reuse them in your home decor. Melting old records into decorative bowls is a great way to recycle those old LPs. Although the album is rendered no longer playable, the all-important title, artist and song list remain intact at the center of your new bowl. This method works on albums of all sizes, allowing you to customize your bowl collection for specific applications.
Things You'll Need
- Record
- Heat gun (also called an embossing gun)
- Glass bowl or jar
- Face mask
Instructions
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1
Center record on inverted glass bowl or jar.
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2
With heat gun on highest setting, begin heating record just outside the paper label. Hold heat gun approximately 1 to 2 inches from surface and move constantly.
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3
Continue heating record in fourths, from the inside near the label out to the edge.
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4
As record begins to warp, move heat to outside edge. Edge will begin to dip down as it melts.
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5
Continue heating record, turning as needed to maintain balance on bowl/jar.
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6
When each section is malleable, shape as desired with hands.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Always melt records outdoors.
Melting times will vary depending on thickness of record and temperature of heat gun.
Melted vinyl may produce toxic fumes. Always wear a face mask and melt outdoors.
Bowl is for decorative use only.
Due to possibly harmful chemicals, do not reuse bowl or jar used in this craft.
Use caution when touching melted record--it may be hot.
