Do plastic sleeves protect records?

Best Record Storage Options

Use protection. Unlike grocery bags, paper is out and plastic is in. Commercial vinyl records may be stored in their original sleeve, but they should also be placed in a static-free polyethylene liner to avoid print-through from the original sleeve.

Are you supposed to keep the plastic on records?

If so, YES. It's a crucial part of record care; keeps the record "locked" into your sleeve and dust-free; also reduces friction pulling the record out of the sleeve.

Should you store records outside the sleeve?

i get most records by mail, and usually they've been shipped out of the sleeve to avoid split seams. If it's a particularly attractive jacket, in perfect condition, I often leave the record out of the sleeve to prevent ringwear. After playing it a couple of times I always end up putting it into the sleeve.

Why do Vinyls need sleeves?

Having an inner sleeve for each of your vinyl records is the first crucial step to maintaining their quality. You need an inner sleeve that has a smooth and silky feel, in order to protect from scratching.

Should you store vinyl in plastic sleeves?

Heavy duty plastic is the answer. The Really Useful Box range is ideal. This illustrated 19 litre model stores around 50 records, making easy transport possible. Vinyl can become too heavy for safe lifting beyond that.

Outer and Inner Sleeve Protection For Your Vinyl Records

How can I protect my records without sleeves?

Put paper or a cloth between each record

You don't want records to be touching and scraping against each other as you will scratch them when you pull them in or out of the box. Put a soft paper towel or even better a piece of scrap cloth in between each record to keep them from touching.

What is the proper way to store vinyl records?

Records shouldn't be stored horizontally, or flat. As you will see, archival record boxes are designed for the records to be stood and stored vertically. Storing vinyl records flat can place too much pressure on the records lower in the stack causing damage over time.

Is it OK to store vinyl records flat?

Vinyl records need to be stored in an upright position to ensure they stay in good condition. Records that have been stored at a slant for an extended period of time can warp because of the uneven pressure that has been placed on them. This is why records are often kept in crates that position them upright.

How can I protect my vinyl?

Vinyl records should always be stored in a dry, cool environment. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight, as the light and heat can fade the jacket artwork and warp the record. In addition, avoid storing in areas where the record will be exposed to a lot of dust or airborne particles.

How do you protect your records from damage?

Managing records securely

Always keep desks and records storage areas clean and free of records when not in use. Distinguish between information and records as soon as possible after creating/receiving them: keep records safe for ongoing use and remove non-record information as soon as possible.

How long do vinyl records last?

Some people will say with good use and good care, records can last in a good state for 100 years plus. Others will say less. If you're speaking of how long before records decompose, it could be 1000 years or more.

Which record sleeves are best?

Are polypropylene record sleeves safe?

Material quality is the most important factor in choosing record sleeves, and while polyethylene is perfectly safe, there's nothing quite like the clarity of polypropylene to really make an album cover pop.

Are poly lined inner sleeves good?

Polyethylene Lined Paper Sleeves

Polyethylene is by far the best inner sleeve material, offering safe antistatic storage for your most precious records. The combination of paper and polyethylene adds extra protection from scratches and dust while also helping the record glide in and out without scuffing the surface.

Should I stack my vinyls?

Shelving and Boxing Your Records

Always keep your records stored vertically. Don't stack records on top of each other or keep them laid flat. You might think that laying them down will help keep them flat, but stacking adds pressure that can warp and damage them.

Will a warped record still play?

Playing a warped record may damage the record further if the warp causes the stylus to skip. A skipping stylus can scratch the record grooves causing irreparable damage. So, if you want to protect your records, don't play them when warped.

Are records supposed to wobble?

Are record players supposed to wobble? Record players are not designed to have any wobbling in the turntable at all. However in real life most every player will have some amount of wobbling in it. As long as the movement isn't causing your record to jump or skip, the wobble really isn't anything to worry about.

How do I stop my records from warping?

Prevent Vinyl Warping by Storing Your Records Correctly

It's best to store them upright in their original provided sleeves and jackets, with the protective poly cover over them. If you don't have the space for upright storage racks, it's okay to store them flat, but don't stack too many.

Is it OK for records to lean?

And if you need to lean your records up against something to keep them from falling over, lean them as steeply as you can, and avoid leaning too many up against each other at once. The records at the end of the stack can bow and warp. So, basically, keep your records in vertical blocks of 100 records or less.

Are 45 records worth anything without the sleeve?

Determine if it is a rare or valuable record.

EPs were only made in the 50's and 60's. Rock and roll and R&B 45s with the cardboard sleeves are worth at least $20, with many being worth more than $200. First pressings of albums have more value than second, third, or subsequent pressings.

Can you sell vinyl records without sleeves?

Indeed. Just mark the sleeve condition as "No Cover". Also be sure to say something like "Cover is missing, will be shipped in paper / plain / generic sleeve" (whatever you have lying around basically). If you sell it, message the buyer to remind them that the cover is not included.

What is a vinyl sleeve?

A record sleeve (not to be confused with a record jacket/cover) is the outer covering of a vinyl record. Alternative terms are dust sleeve and album liner. A record sleeve can be made of paper, cardboard, rice paper, polypropylene, etc. It may be acid-free or anti-static and also contain an inner liner (polylined).

Are vinyl sleeves good?

With more than 5,000 reviews and a near-perfect rating of 4.8 stars, these Invest In Vinyl outer sleeves are definitely the fan-favorite option. They use thick, 3 mil polyethylene to protect single LP, double LP, and gatefold vinyl jackets — all with a snug fit that results in no excess plastic at the top.