How to Fix a Warped Vinyl Record

An easy-to-use guide to fix damaged vinyl records for smooth listening

Whether they were exposed to UV radiation, excessive heat, or simple storage mistakes, it’s possible for your vinyl records to become warped. Depending on the severity of the warp, there are a few methods you can use to try and repair the damage. You can either let the record sit between heavy objects for some time or use a combination of heat and pressure to repair the record. It’s also crucial to know how to prevent warping, to avoid having to repeat these processes too often.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Two Heavy Objects

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These objects need to be wide enough to cover the entirety of the record. They need to be heavy enough to put pressure on the record without warping it further. Two large books are best for this purpose.
2
Place the warped record between the objects. Put the first object on a flat surface, such as a table. Put the record atop the object, followed by your second heavy object. Make sure the objects cover as much of the record as possible; if any part sticks out, they may be warped.
- Before you place the record between the two objects, ensure it is clean. The last thing you want is a grain of sand grinding a scratch into your record.^{[1]XResearch source}
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This is perhaps the longest method you’ll use. You’re relying on constant, gradual pressure to un-warp your record, and this will take some time. Prepare to wait for days, maybe even weeks for the record to un-warp.^{[2]XResearch source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Heat and Pressure

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1
Place the record between two sheets of glass. Center the record atop the first pane of glass. Take the second sheet and place it on top of the record, essentially sandwiching the record between the glass panes.
- It’ll be easier to pick up the glass sheets afterwards if you leave one of their corners hanging off of the table as you set it up.
2
Preheat the oven to about 175 °F (79 °C) and place the record inside.^{[3]XResearch source} Depending on your oven, preheating should take between 10-15 minutes. Once the oven has reached the right temperature, carefully slide the record and glass combination onto the oven rack. Don’t push the glass too far into the oven; this will make it easier to retrieve later.
- Make sure the glass is at room temperature before putting it in the oven, otherwise it might shatter.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Use oven mitts to avoid possible burns.
Any longer than this and the record could melt. Keep a close eye on the record as it warms. If you notice any strange smells or noises, remove the record quickly.
4
Remove the glass and record from the oven. Use oven mitts as the glass will be hot to the touch. Place the glass panes on a flat surface, such as a table or countertop.
- To avoid damage to your surface, you may want to place a potholder, towel, or cutting board between it and the glass.
This constant pressure, combined with the heat, is what will help repair the record. Leave the object on the glass pane until it cools. Once the glass has cooled, you can remove the record.
If the record still shows significant warping, try repeating the above steps until it has been fixed. Otherwise, try placing it in a record player to see if you’ve been able to repair the damage.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Record Warp

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Leaving them in sunlight or heat can cause warping. Keep the records away from windows and heating. You’ll also want to make sure you don’t leave your records in a vehicle on a hot day.
Vinyl records are relatively heavy, and stacking them atop each other puts significant pressure on the records at the bottom of the pile. This can cause them to get warped, scratched and scuffed. Make sure you store your records vertically to avoid this pressure. Cube shelves works great for storing vinyl records.
While most people typically store their records in a basement, the typical humidity in these spaces will likely warp the records. Try to find a space you can use that isn’t overly humid. If a basement is your only choice, you should consider installing a dehumidifier to provide a safe place to store your records.

Community Q&A

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Question
Should I use tempered or regular plate glass? Could I use smooth ceramic tile?
Community Answer
Use tempered glass. Ceramic tile is too thick, and you can't see the record. It will warp it even worse. Keep the record in the oven for about 5 minutes, and then pull it out with the tempered glass and put a 25 pound weight on it carefully so as not to break the glass. Then let it sit for about an hour.
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Question
Why are my records warped when I stored them safely flat on top of each other? And why does the needle get thrown off the warped record?
Community Answer
If you stack them horizontally, the 2 or 3 records on the top will be okay (probably), but on a stack too large (or left too long) you will inevitably add excessive pressure on your records. They are meant to be stored vertically with vertical support between each 6" of records. The needle gets thrown because it's meant to skate on a flat surface. A bump knocks against the needle and throws it off its course.
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Question
How do I heat up an oven to fix my warped vinyl record if the oven only has a minimum temperature of 200 F?
Community Answer
Turn your oven on to 200 and let it rise to that temperature. Turn the oven off and slide your "sandwich" inside. Crack open the oven door and pull the "sandwich" out in 5 minutes, then let it cool down with the weights on it. You may have to try it again. If your oven is hotter, just shorten the time.
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Tips

If you’re worried about placing glass sheets in the oven, you can just let the record sit in direct sunlight between the panes of glass. Place a heavy item on top of the glass and let everything sit in the sunlight for 10-15 minutes.^{[5]XResearch source}
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Gradual flattening is always preferred to quick change because it will preserve the grooves of the record more accurately.
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Don't hesitate to do what you need to fix the record. The damage already prevents if from being played, and the above methods are unlikely to damage it further.
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Warnings

You will notice that small bits of glass might come off the edge of the glass sheets. This glass dust will embed itself into the oven mitts you use, so it's not advisable to use them again when cooking food.
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