Whether or not to unwrap vinyl is a question that many people have. Some people believe that keeping vinyl in its shrink wrap will help to preserve it in the best condition possible, while others believe that unwrapping vinyl is necessary in order to enjoy it to the fullest.
The Pros and Cons of Keeping Vinyl in Shrink Wrap
There are a few pros and cons to keeping vinyl in shrink wrap.
Pros:
- Shrink wrap can help to protect vinyl from dust, dirt, and moisture.
- Shrink wrap can also help to prevent the record sleeve from getting bent or damaged.
- If you are planning on selling your vinyl collection in the future, keeping the records in shrink wrap can make them more valuable.
Cons:
- Shrink wrap can trap moisture inside the record sleeve, which can lead to mold growth.
- Shrink wrap can also make it difficult to inspect the record for defects.
- If you are planning on playing your vinyl records, you will need to unwrap them first.
The Pros and Cons of Unwrapping Vinyl
There are also a few pros and cons to unwrapping vinyl.
Pros:
- Unwrapping vinyl allows you to inspect the record for defects.
- Unwrapping vinyl also allows you to clean the record before playing it.
- Unwrapping vinyl allows you to enjoy the artwork on the record sleeve.
Cons:
- Unwrapping vinyl exposes it to dust, dirt, and moisture.
- Unwrapping vinyl can also make the record sleeve more susceptible to damage.
Which Option is Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to unwrap vinyl is up to you. If you are concerned about protecting your vinyl collection, you may want to keep the records in shrink wrap. However, if you are planning on playing your vinyl records, you will need to unwrap them first.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:
- If you are a serious audiophile, you may want to unwrap your vinyl records in order to clean them before playing them. This will help to ensure the best possible sound quality.
- If you live in a humid environment, you may want to keep your vinyl records in shrink wrap to protect them from mold growth.
- If you are planning on selling your vinyl collection in the future, you may want to keep the records in shrink wrap to make them more valuable.
Additional Tips
- If you do decide to unwrap your vinyl records, there are a few things you can do to protect them from dust, dirt, and moisture:
- Store your vinyl records in a cool, dry place.
- Keep your vinyl records in inner sleeves.
- Clean your vinyl records regularly with a record brush and cleaning solution.
- If you are concerned about the record sleeve getting damaged, you can put it in a protective sleeve.
- If you are planning on selling your vinyl collection in the future, you may want to keep the records in their original packaging.
No matter what you decide, make sure to take care of your vinyl records so that you can enjoy them for many years to come.
Personal Opinion
Personally, I believe that the best way to enjoy vinyl is to unwrap it. This allows you to inspect the record for defects, clean it before playing it, and enjoy the artwork on the record sleeve. However, I understand that some people may want to keep their vinyl records in shrink wrap to protect them.
If you do decide to keep your vinyl records in shrink wrap, be sure to store them in a cool, dry place. You may also want to consider putting them in protective sleeves.
