Sofia Martinez
Keeping records in plastic sleeves is a highly debated topic, with many vinyl enthusiasts advocating for or against it. Some people believe that plastic sleeves are essential for preserving the condition of records and their covers. They help keep the records dust-free, reduce friction when pulling the record out, and prevent seam-splitting and ringwear. On the other hand, some collectors have noticed issues with plastic sleeves, such as hazing and misting appearing on the records' playing surfaces or colour bleeding on picture sleeves. Additionally, some people feel that the use of plastic sleeves hinders their enjoyment of the records as it makes the process of accessing them cumbersome.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Protection | Plastic sleeves protect records from dust, dirt, scratches, seam-splitting, ringwear, edge damage, spills, and mould. |
| Preservation | Plastic sleeves help to maintain the artwork's vibrant colours and prevent colour bleeding. |
| Ease of use | Plastic sleeves can make it more cumbersome to access records. |
| Aesthetics | Some prefer the look of records without plastic sleeves. |
| Suitability | Polythene sleeves are better than PVC sleeves, which can react with records, causing hazing and distortion. Paper sleeves with an anti-static plastic lining are also an option but may retain moisture and release dust. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic sleeves prevent seam-splitting and ringwear
Plastic sleeves are a great way to protect your vinyl records from seam-splitting and ringwear. Seam-splitting is when the edges of the jacket rip, and ringwear is when circular wear patterns appear along the edges of the vinyl. These issues can occur when records are stored without sleeves, causing the album cover to rub against the record next to it. Outer plastic sleeves provide a protective layer that prevents this friction and minimises the risk of ringwear and seam-splitting.
While PVC sleeves have been used for decades to keep records clean and dust-free, collectors have recently noticed issues such as hazing and misting appearing on their records' playing surfaces. This is due to how PVC reacts to other materials and warmer conditions. As such, it is recommended to use polythene sleeves, which are less reactive to warmer conditions than PVC.
Outer sleeves also help to preserve the visual appeal of your record covers by preventing damage from handling, storage, and accidental spills. They can maintain the artwork's vibrant colours, ensuring your collection remains visually captivating. Additionally, outer sleeves can offer some protection to the easily bent and dinged edges of a record jacket, further reducing the chances of edge damage.
Some people may choose not to use outer sleeves as they find it cumbersome and prefer to enjoy their records without the extra layer of protection. However, for those who prioritise preservation, outer sleeves are a great option to keep records in pristine condition.
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They keep records dust-free
Plastic sleeves are a great way to keep records dust-free. They act as an additional barrier, protecting records from dust, dirt, and other contaminants. This is especially important for vinyl records, as they are incredibly susceptible to dust and dirt, and their artwork is an integral part of the overall aesthetic experience.
Outer sleeves provide a protective layer that prevents friction and minimises the risk of ring wear, which occurs when vinyl records are stored without sleeves, causing the album cover to rub against the record next to it and resulting in circular marks. Plastic sleeves also keep the covers in good shape by preventing seam-splitting and ringwear. They also reduce friction when pulling the record out of the sleeve.
However, it is important to note that not all plastic sleeves are created equal. PVC sleeves, for example, have been known to cause hazing and misting on record playing surfaces and colours on picture sleeves to bleed or fade. Polythene, a plastic-based product, is a better alternative as it does not react as harshly to warmer conditions as PVC. Rice paper or mylar sleeves are another option and provide top-tier dust protection and superior anti-static qualities, although they are the most costly.
Overall, plastic sleeves are an effective way to keep records dust-free, but it is important to choose the right type of plastic sleeve to avoid potential damage to your records.
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Plastic sleeves can cause hazing and distortion
The chemical reaction between the PVC sleeve and the record, when exposed to extreme changes in temperature, can cause the PVC sleeve's internal plastics to distort and bleach through to the record. This issue is more common with picture discs, which are often released in just a PVC sleeve.
Polythene is a better alternative to PVC as it does not react as harshly to warmer conditions. It is important to note that only PVC sleeves are at risk of causing damage to records due to their thickness and hardness. Paper sleeves, although they can cause damage due to the release of dust and the inclusion of dyes, are a better option than PVC.
Overall, if you are looking for a safe and effective means of storing your records, polythene or paper sleeves with an anti-static plastic lining are recommended over PVC sleeves, which can cause hazing and distortion.
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Polythene is better than PVC
Plastic sleeves are widely used to keep records clean and dust-free. While PVC sleeves have been used for this purpose for decades, collectors have noticed issues such as hazing, misting, and discolouration on their records.
Secondly, PVC sleeves react with the materials that make up records, causing hazing and distortion. This is especially true in warmer conditions, where PVC sleeves can distort and bleach through to the record. Polythene does not react as harshly to warmer conditions as PVC.
Thirdly, PVC is harder and thicker than polythene, and it can tear like paper. The thicker seam on the edges of PVC sleeves can cause seam-splitting and ringwear. Polythene sleeves, on the other hand, are more durable and less likely to tear.
Finally, PVC often requires the use of additives such as plasticizers, stabilizers, lubricants, and fillers, whereas polythene does not require these additional compounds. This makes the manufacturing process for polythene simpler and more environmentally friendly than that of PVC.
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Paper sleeves are another alternative
Paper sleeves are a common alternative to plastic sleeves for record storage. They are more common with 7" records due to their size but can be used for any record format. Paper sleeves are an environmentally friendly option that can effectively protect records from dust and debris.
Paper sleeves are not without their drawbacks, however. Paper is absorbent and can retain moisture, which can cause mould to form on records. Paper also releases its own dust, which can damage records, and some paper sleeves contain dyes that could also cause damage. Paper fibres can also rub off and settle into the grooves of records, causing scuff marks.
To mitigate these issues, paper sleeves with an anti-static plastic lining are recommended. Poly-lined paper sleeves can be used for inner sleeves, while crystal clear, wrinkle-free, high-density polypropylene sleeves can be used for outer sleeves. Polyethylene is a particularly good option for paper sleeves, as it is not a mixed bag of chemicals and plastics, and does not react as harshly to warmer conditions as PVC.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic sleeves provide an extra layer of protection against external damage like dust, scratches, and other potential damage. They also help to preserve the visual appeal of your record covers by preventing damage from handling, storage, and accidental spills.
Some users have reported that keeping records in plastic sleeves can make the process of playing them more cumbersome. Additionally, PVC sleeves have been known to cause hazing and distortion due to their reaction with the materials that make up the record.
Yes, paper or cardboard sleeves are more common for 7" records due to their size. However, paper sleeves can cause damage as they release their own dust and can absorb moisture, leading to mould. Polythene sleeves are another alternative, which does not react as harshly to warmer conditions as PVC.
When selecting sleeves, choose a material that suits your needs. Material choices include PVC (with or without flap), PP, and PE. Ensure that the plastic sleeves are acid-free and of archival quality.
It is recommended to store vinyl records in an upright, vertical position to prevent warping and guarantee that the record maintains its shape over time. Store them in a cool, dry, and stable environment, away from heat sources such as radiators, vents, or heating units.
