Paint spray gun: crevasse-cleaning tool
Great to be aboard - thanks for the welcome!
My fun objective was (is) to come up with an efficient, effective method and system used to deep-clean vinyl track LP albums. For this test, my primarily focus was cleaning multiple vinyl LP albums per session (session = application, drying and glue removal period)
The cleaning solution of choice appears to be water soluble glue primarily designed for wood products. (Basically, glue that is non-volatile to vinyl but will tact to the surface.) This description is without delving too much into the chemistry and restricted to my bounded knowledge and the labels of the products. For test purposes, I currently use somewhat expendable albums - I dare say - if there is such a thing.
I used an AC, low-pressure electric spray gun for a couple chief reasons:
“Provides an even, clean coat in a short amount of time and can be used for several albums in one session.”
The spray gun I use is like a hair dryer (low-pressure*) but with a Venturi suction nozzle tip that requires a solution comparable to the viscosity of standard paint stain. (*A high-pressure application would be messy and simply not necessary.) Each layer I applied was quite thin, so I applied three coats to counter any ripping when removing the dried coat. I’m confident the glue can be thickened so only one coat will suffice and the spray gun would operate properly. To avoid excessive over-spray, I set the nozzle to a circular pattern. Two or three short trigger pulls – done.
Spraying multiple coats in one session is probably not a more effective method to clean the vinyl track crevasses. An album that has sat for years with debris stuck in the grooves will probably require more than one cleaning session but not necessarily more than one coat per treatment.
Conceivably, thinning the glue may provide better penetration of the grooves/tracks. I go with a rule of thumb: Thin enough so when the dried glue is peeled away it effectively removes debris without excessive tearing. So, “Thin enough” is based upon the adhesiveness and elasticity of the dried glue. Of course, any task that requires a high-level of dexterity is at the “Disk Doctor’s” discretion.
The properties of the glue should be tacky enough to stick to the vinyl, thin enough engulf the sound tracks but not penetrate the vinyl surface. So, questions remain:
“What (non-volatile to vinyl) glue has the best removable adhesion and solidifying properties?” :scratch2:
Obviously, there are many factors such as ease of use, cost vs. effectiveness, etc. Cost and easy of application shouldn’t be a major issue if cleaning a few albums.
Semi-Conclusions? A low-pressure paint gun appears to penetrate the vinyl grooves quite well and is an efficient method for cleaning multiple LP's in one session. My test albums came out appreciably cleaner in site and sound. :thmbsp:
If cleaning more than five albums, consider a low pressure paint spray gun. 10 or more albums to deep-clean? Definitely - you could save time/money and maintain an effective, consistent cleaning application. Not a bad idea to use on a semi-annual basis for a group of albums.
Addit test - Brush application/method:
Using a 2-4” foam brush to apply the glue works great, especially if deep cleaning just an album or two. When applying glue, placing the albums on a wax paper platform works well because it’s reasonably inexpensive, dispensable, non-abrasive and stick-resistant to water-soluble glue. Parchment paper could be a comparably feasible, alternate choice. No doubt there are many other appropriate cleaning platform materials.
Next, I’ll try the Titebond II glue. For giggles, I’m tempted to try a hygienic facial mask product – if safe for the vinyl.
Also, I might try a finger-pump spray bottle but finding one that sprays an adequate pattern/coverage may be a challenge.
Allow me to apologize ahead of time for my lengthy reply. I try to be informative without being too droll.
In some cases, I'm reiterating what has already been stated or done but including for clarity. Also, I'm just trying to catch-up.
Spin-on!
Thomas
spidder, my first impression of your approach was "way too much work and time and a sup-par glue"... but now that I think about it i'll kindly rephrase my reaction:
a) the extreme thinning of the glue would suggest it MAY go even deeper into the groove and/or "embrace" the dirt and contaminants better than full viscosity glue... Hoever, the pressure application method of full vis. glue will force it in and this may be a "wash" (pun!)
b) the multiple applications do nothing to clean better but DO have a very important purpose in "building up" a glue layer that is thick enough to peel. There may actually be some benefit here in regards to remnants... its hard to say but that question IS raised...
c) does it, in the end, clean better than full vis. glue? unknown. However, I would like to see your results using Titebond II with this method, and its performance vs Elmers Wood Glue.
Youre a die-hard "Gluer" now! Congrats and keep the info coming!
