There is some debate about whether or not it is bad to keep shrink wrap on vinyl records. Some people believe that the shrink wrap can help to protect the records from dust and scratches. Others believe that the shrink wrap can actually damage the records by trapping moisture and heat.
The truth is that it depends on the type of shrink wrap and how it is used.
Original shrink wrap, which is the shrink wrap that is applied to records at the factory, is typically made of a thin, clear plastic that does not release any harmful chemicals. This type of shrink wrap can help to protect records from dust and scratches, and it is generally considered to be safe to leave on the records.
However, some people believe that original shrink wrap can trap moisture and heat, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. If you live in a humid climate, it is best to remove the original shrink wrap from your records and store them in a cool, dry place.
Resealable shrink wrap is a thicker plastic that is often used to protect records that have been opened. This type of shrink wrap can trap moisture and heat, and it is generally not recommended for storing vinyl records.
If you are going to use resealable shrink wrap to store your records, it is important to make sure that the wrap is made of a breathable material. This will help to prevent moisture and heat from building up.
It is also important to make sure that the shrink wrap is not too tight. If the wrap is too tight, it can warp the records.
Ultimately, the best way to store your vinyl records is to remove the shrink wrap and store them in a cool, dry place. If you must use shrink wrap, use a breathable material and make sure that the wrap is not too tight.
Here are some additional tips for storing vinyl records:
- Keep the records in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid exposing the records to direct sunlight.
- Do not stack the records too high.
- Use felt or cork mats to prevent the records from scratching.