Yes, vinyl records can become brittle over time. This is due to a process called plasticizer migration. Plasticizers are chemicals that are added to vinyl to make it more flexible and less brittle. Over time, these plasticizers can migrate out of the vinyl, making it more brittle.
There are a number of factors that can accelerate the rate of plasticizer migration, including:
- Heat: Heat can cause plasticizers to migrate out of vinyl more quickly. This is why it’s important to store your vinyl records in a cool, dry place.
- Sunlight: Sunlight can also cause plasticizers to migrate out of vinyl. This is why it’s important to store your vinyl records in a dark place.
- Humidity: High humidity can also cause plasticizers to migrate out of vinyl. This is why it’s important to store your vinyl records in a dry place.
How to tell if a vinyl record is brittle
There are a few signs that a vinyl record is brittle:
- The record is difficult to flex.
- The record makes a cracking or popping sound when you bend it.
- The record has cracks or chips on the edges.
- The record is warped or misshapen.
How to prevent vinyl records from becoming brittle
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your vinyl records from becoming brittle:
- Store your records in a cool, dry, dark place. The ideal temperature for storing vinyl records is between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 and 21 degrees Celsius). The ideal humidity level for storing vinyl records is between 40 and 50 percent.
- Keep your records clean. Dust and dirt can attract moisture, which can lead to mold growth and other damage. Be sure to clean your vinyl records regularly with a soft cloth and a record cleaning solution.
- Handle your records with care. Avoid bending or flexing your records, and be careful not to drop them.
How to restore brittle vinyl records
If your vinyl records do become brittle, there are a few things you can do to try to restore their flexibility:
- Place the record in a warm environment. This will help to soften the plasticizers and make the record more flexible.
- Use a record cleaner. Some record cleaners contain plasticizers that can help to restore flexibility to brittle records.
- Contact a professional record restoration service. If your records are very brittle, you may need to contact a professional record restoration service to have them restored.
Conclusion
Vinyl records can be a great way to listen to music, but they are also susceptible to damage. By storing your vinyl records in a cool, dry, dark place and handling them with care, you can help to prevent them from becoming brittle. If your vinyl records do become brittle, there are a few things you can do to try to restore their flexibility.
