Yes, light can damage records. Both sunlight and artificial light can cause damage, but sunlight is particularly harmful because it contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to the human eye, but it can be very damaging to organic materials, including the PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic used to make records.
There are two main ways that light can damage records:
- Warping: When a record is exposed to heat, it can cause the PVC plastic to expand and contract unevenly. This can lead to the record warping, or becoming bent or disfigured. Warping can make records unplayable or cause them to skip or sound distorted.
- Degradation: UV radiation can break down the chemical bonds in the PVC plastic, causing it to become brittle and discolored over time. This can also lead to the record becoming unplayable.
Direct sunlight is the most damaging type of light for records, but even indirect sunlight or artificial light can cause damage over time. It is important to store records in a cool, dark place to protect them from light damage.
Here are some tips for protecting your records from light damage:
- Store your records in a cool, dark place. A closet or basement is a good option.
- Avoid storing records near windows or other sources of direct sunlight.
- If you need to store records in a room with windows, use blackout curtains to block out the light.
- If you are displaying records on a shelf or wall, make sure they are out of direct sunlight.
- When playing records, make sure to put them away in their sleeves when you are finished.
If you notice that your records have become warped or discolored, there are a few things you can do to try to repair them. Warped records can sometimes be flattened by placing them under a heavy object for a period of time. Discolored records can sometimes be cleaned using a mild soap and water solution. However, it is important to note that once a record has been damaged by light, it cannot be fully restored.
Here are some additional tips for protecting your records from other types of damage:
- Handle records with care. Avoid touching the playing surface of the record with your fingers.
- Clean your records regularly with a record brush or anti-static cloth.
- Store records in their inner sleeves and outer sleeves when you are not playing them.
- Place records on a turntable mat when playing them.
- Avoid placing heavy objects on top of records.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your records in good condition for many years to come.
