My LP cleaning method

[oshifis]

I used to clean dirty LPs by rinsing them in lukewarm water and detergent (dish washer), washing the dirt out of the grooves with a velvet brush.

Recently I tried out another method. I cover the surface of the LP with water-based wood glue. The label area is left out. A flat brush comes handy. Then I let it dry for overnight. I treat several discs at once, separating them with some spacer. Once dried, the glue is water-resistant. The next day I simply peel off the dried flexible layer of glue. It takes all dust and dirt with itself. I use the white Henkel wood adhesive (called "Ponal"), Pattex works equally well. These are available in Europe. Everbuild 502 in the US might also work, but I haven't tried it.

Here is a pic:

http://tube.fw.hu/PIC00014.JPG

The only problem is that static charge is built up on the LP when the vinyl and glue layer is separated, but it can be easily neutralized with a carbon fiber brush.

[kamis]

I have been using this method for years with perfect results. Long time ago, there was a product called disco film or something like this which was in fact a clear PVA wood glue, easier to apply.Some brands of glue are less suitable for disc cleaning since they become hard when dry, but still safe for records. Allow glue to dry completely and use a soft brush to apply.

[ashok]

Is there any risk of some areas being too thin and tearing away when pulled off when dry ? That would mean it stays in the groove

The solution I guess is to apply it over again then pull it all off again ! Probably the key is that it must be really fully dry before pulling it off. The layer didn't come off very easily if I remember correctly. One had to pull it off with some force but gently. Would a wetting agent help here ?

I assume there are no harmful additives in the glue which will react with the vinyl or it's plasticiser.

This was a popular method in the 80's and there were Japanese products that I saw demonstrated at some show's. There must have been several brands at that time. Can one add a bit ( couple of drops ) of antistatic solution to the glue ? What would an antistatic solution be made up of ?

[oshifis]

The method was popular also in my country in the 80s. There was a product called "Disc guard" (translated), a pink stuff that came with a plastic applicator. The applicator helped in evenly distributing the liquid over the groove area only. The stuff was allegedly identical to the peel-off face cleanser that women used, and it was some cellulose derivative. Perhaps this makes it static. I found the wood glue a perfect replacement.

The glue is initially white, and it becomes opaque after drying. It is strong enough so that it comes off in one piece. The edge must be lifted with fingernail, then it comes off easily. The secret is in distributing it evenly and not too thin. I haven't experienced any harm on my LPs yet.

[SY]

This sounds like a superb idea! I'm not too worried about plasticizer leaching, since the base of PVA glue is water.

[fergs1]

greettings , I too have used this method on records that have been run over by a burning tank and it works well. Personally I wouldn't bother on good records so Sy as far as leaching of plastisicers is concerned I figure its the least of the records concerns.

peace and goodwill fergs

[cannext]

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=99837

for more .
hope this helps ,regards F.

[Conrad Hoffman]

Out of curiosity, I just tried this on a junk record using Weldbond, a catalyzed PVA glue. It goes on white, then turns clear when it dries. It gave me enough confidence to try it on a good record, but I did notice that static attraction caused a fair number of small thin pieces to cling to the record. I'd certainly follow this method up with a conventional wet cleaning and extra-rigorous visual inspection. What I really want is a cleaning method that fixes groove damage and pressing problems...

[havar]

Thanx!

This is something I will try out ASAP... I just need to find a dirty record first.

However; will this work on fingerprints as well? Waterbased glue, will it stick to grease/fat from fingerprints?

[oshifis]

Originally posted by cannext
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=99837

for more .
hope this helps ,regards F.

cannext,
Honestly, I did not know about that thread at Audiokarma. It seems the thing was "invented" independently by many.