How to Fix Vinyl Records

Vinyl records create a classic sound that modern music players cannot replicate.

Many people enjoy collecting vinyl records, whether for the monetary value or the classic, scratchy sound of their favorite music on record. Vinyl is extremely difficult to keep safe, requiring constant protection to avoid dust or scratches. Exposure to temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit will actually begin to melt the vinyl, causing it to twist and bend. In most cases, the record will still play as long as you get the vinyl back to its original shape.

Things You'll Need

• Glass pieces
• Oven
• Metal pieces
• Clothing iron

Instructions

1. Lay the warped record on a piece of flat glass at least 15 inches wide and long. The entire record must fit on the glass piece.

2. Set an equal-sized piece of glass over top of the record, forming a type of vinyl sandwich. Press the glass as far down on the record as it will go.

3. Slide the glass and vinyl into your oven with the temperature set at 100 degrees. Allow the record to bake for 10 minutes and then check on the record. As long as the vinyl is not melting and the warp is coming out, continue to bake, monitoring it every few minutes, until it is flat again.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unable to fix your warped record yourself, contact a professional retailer or vinyl collector.

• If you do not need the record, simply place it on a flat surface and stack records, books or other heavy objects on top on an even level. This will gradually flatten the record over time. This method takes a long time, however; depending on temperature and weight, this procedure can take a year or more.

• Place the vinyl/glass sandwich in the sun if you do not wish to use an oven. Place the vinyl in direct sunlight for 10 minutes and check on it; monitor the vinyl's progress until the record is flattened.

• If you do not have access to glass or the glass methods do not work, place the record between two equal-sized pieces of non-stick metal and iron the top piece on a low setting for a few minutes, working in smooth, even passes. Inspect the record; continue to iron until the record is flat.

• Too much heat or sunlight will further damage the record. Keep close watch on the record, and only attempt this procedure if you cannot contact a professional.

References

• Restoration of Vinyl: Taking Care of Vinyl
• Disc Jockey 101: Straightening Warped Vinyl

Resources

• Sound Fountain Audio and Music Bulletin: How to Prevent and Correct Warps in LPs