Storing Old Vinyl?

[Scatterbrain]

So I was always one to just pick up random thrift vinyl ( dirty stuff), but recently my old man unloaded all his vinyl, and I feel I should do something extra with them other than just leaving them in their jacket and original sleeves. They're all extremely dirty(vinyl and jacket), but it's some good stuff like original sgt peppers, self titled dylan, gutherie, herbie mann...etc...etc. They mean a lot to me and I'd like to preserve them.
I have a good method for cleaning vinyl, but could someone please point me towards a respectable sticky or something in regards to storing these? Most the record sleeves are ripped or old and flaky, and even though a lot of the jackets are in bad shape I'd really like to preserve them the best I can. It's for about 40-50 records, and even though I don't need to cut corners on this, I'd like to find an affordable method.

I realize that something sensible for some, isn't the same for others. I'm not overly anal about vinyl. You wont find me cleaning each record before playing it, or spending $ on expensive vinyl cleaner. (Not that there's a problem with that, just trying to give an idea as to what MYSELF is looking for)

I've read the disputes between paper/plastic sleeves, and mylar covers... I'm assuming that's the right track just hoping someone has some specifics or favorite brands/companies to order from. Much love!

 

[thomo57]

As you explained there is a lot of sentimental value regarding this collection
What I would do is check each one.
Cover and vinyl then assess the amount of time effort and expense to be spent restoring or trying to restore them.
Covers can be cleaned and seams re glued new plastic sleeve but other damage usually can't be restored
Records can be cleaned and put into clean (not necessarily new) sleeves.
Treat them and the memory of the gift with respect.:thmbsp:

 

[dcmfan]

Most the record sleeves are ripped or old and flaky, and even though a lot of the jackets are in bad shape I'd really like to preserve them the best I can. It's for about 40-50 records, and even though I don't need to cut corners on this, I'd like to find an affordable method.

I've been using MoFi inner sleeves since the 70's and haven't found anything better. If the original inner sleeve is with the record and has printing on it, I keep that in the jacket. (Makes a difference with some collectibles...)

For outer covers I use a 3 or 4 mil plastic sleeve - nothing fancy there, I'm just trying to minimize ringwear. The plastic outer also holds things together if there are seam splits. I've reglued outer sleeves with Elmer's white glue if the split is due to glue failure. If the split is a tear, I tend to leave that be, but have seen threads where people fix the split by folding a piece of posterboard in half and gluing it to the front and back of the cover.

$ 40 would get you 50 MoFi inners and 100 3 mil outers from any number of online sources. Start with companies that sponsor Audiokarma and you'll find lots of options.

 

[jasonsong86]

Use of outer sleeves also keep mold from cross contaminate as well.

 

[mg196]

Here is my process for cleaning and storing LPs:

1) I use my Spin Clean ($70) with homemade solution (FREE)

2) Put LP into antistatic sleeve ($9.49 for 50 - http://tinyurl.com/q6v7umc)

3) Put album into re-sealable vinyl outer sleeve ($18.50 for 100 - http://tinyurl.com/qhvqkpl)

3a) If you intend to listen to the LPs and not just store them, you may want to use the open sleeves without the re-sealable flap ($18.50 for 100 - http://tinyurl.com/lwzw6be)

So, a moderate initial outlay that will pay dividends in the future.

FWIW, I purchase all of my protective outer sleeves from "Mind The Wrap" Etsy store. Shipping is a fraction of what you'll pay for the oft-discussed "Blake Sleeves," and they do the same job.

 

[jmchrislip]

MO-FI inner sleeve are great. I've been using them for a few years.

 

[Scatterbrain]

Thanks for the all info guys!
Just ordered some MO-FI sleeves, trying to find some decent outer covers without an adhesive. I don't plan to store many of these without constantly playing them. Can't wait to clean all these bad boys off and reseat em. You guys rock

 

[markshan]

I only skimmed the thread, but I didn't notice this bit of advice. On records that mean enough to me to use inner and outer sleeves, I return the sleeved record to the outer sleeve behind the jacket, not in it. This will prevent seam splits or keep them from getting worse if you already have them.

 

[jasonsong86]

I only skimmed the thread, but I didn't notice this bit of advice. On records that mean enough to me to use inner and outer sleeves, I return the sleeved record to the outer sleeve behind the jacket, not in it. This will prevent seam splits or keep them from getting worse if you already have them.

I don't like this idea because only two layers of sleeves is not gonna protect the vinyl from external forces.
Also ring wear is normally due to not using outer sleeve rubbing against each other.

 

[luvvinvinyl]

I don't like this idea because only two layers of sleeves is not gonna protect the vinyl from external forces.
Also ring wear is normally due to not using outer sleeve rubbing against each other.

The answer to that is don't store them tightly enough to generate external forces. Most of my collection is in resealable mylar, with the lp in a mofi-type sleeve, outside the jacket. The lps are stored in Expedits, not so tightly that they are at all difficult to slide out. The mylar helps this.

"Breathing room" on the shelves, if you will. Even those lps in storage boxes are loose enough to remove easily.

That's how you prevent ringwear. As for the lps, trust me, the mylar and the good sleeves keep them from getting damaged.

 

[the_nines]

I only skimmed the thread, but I didn't notice this bit of advice. On records that mean enough to me to use inner and outer sleeves, I return the sleeved record to the outer sleeve behind the jacket, not in it. This will prevent seam splits or keep them from getting worse if you already have them.

^^^ This.

 

[Scatterbrain]

Contemplating how much to actually invest in protecting a lot of these as quite a large portion are fairly scratched, and a lot have torn/bent/vinyl ring covers. Still....obviously it's still good to prevent any further damage.