how to fix warped records

Improper storage or exposure to heat can cause your record to warp, bringing tons of strange sounds while playing the record.

And this warped record definitely ruins your experience when enjoying your favorite songs.

So, how to fix a warped record right away?

Scroll down my article below to check out the step-by-step instructions on how to repair your record with little to none effort.

How To Fix A Warped Record - Simple Yet Highly Effective Solutions

1. Use Large And Heavy Objects

Let's begin with the simplest method you can try at home to restore your vinyl record to its original shape - using two weighty objects.

Step 1: Select the suitable objects for your record-repairing project

So which are the must-have factors of the objects?

First, the objects' size needs to be larger than that of the record so that they can cover it entirely. Another factor to keep an eye on is their surfaces, which need to be flat and smooth.

A Warped Record

What else should you pay attention to?

Your objects need to be heavy enough to put pressure on the record. Two large and heavy books may be the best choices for you in the process of repairing the damage on your record.

Caution: If you use the objects that do not meet these primary conditions, you may further warp your record. Thus, be careful with your choices.

Step 2: Clean your record

Even they have no problem, you should clean your vinyls usually.

The first thing to do is to use a specialized brush to remove dust. Then, soak the record in warm, soapy water.

After that, wet your record brush and gently move it in a circular motion over the record's surface. Once one side is clean, repeat the process with the other side.

The next step to do is to run cold water over the record to rinse it off. Then, use a washcloth to hold the record in your palm, and another one to dry it.

Make sure it is completely dry before moving to the next step, or else it would have ugly dots of water on the surface later.

Step 3: Place your record in the middle of the two objects.

Place your record in the middle of the two objects.

The process is quite simple. All you have to do is to put the first object on a flat surface, put your record on it, and then the remaining object.

A bonus tip for better results is to cleanse the objects before placing your record between them. This helps you avoid sand grains scratching your record and ruining the whole process.

Step 4: Be patient and wait for a few days

Since you rely mostly on constant, gradual pressure to fix your vinyl record, you may need to wait for days or even weeks for the best results.

2. Use Heat And Pressure

Although the prior solution is easy to do, it takes you a lot of time to complete, and you do not want to wait for that long.

Is there any solution that helps to restore your record to its original shape more quickly?

Fortunately, yes. Take advantage of the heat, and you can bring back the smooth surfaces of your record within minutes. Here, let me show you how in four easy steps.

Step 1: Clean your vinyl record.

Follow the mentioned instructions above to cleanse your record. For more detail you could read this blog.

Step 2: Sandwich your record between two glass panels.

two glass panels

Cautiously place your record between two glass sheets so that they can cover the entirety of the record.

It would be easier for you to pick up this special sandwich afterward if you leave one of the glass sheets' corners out of the edge of the table as you set it up.

Step 3: Preheat your oven and place your "sandwich" inside.

Preheat your oven to about 175 °F (79 °C) for 10 to 15 minutes. After that, slightly slide the "sandwich" you've just made in the oven, and keep it there for around 20 minutes at the same temperature.

In case you do not have an oven, you can make use of the sun heat. So how can you do that?

Place your sandwich on a flat surface at noon for about an hour or more depending on the temperature.

Cautions:

Some types of glass can shatter when experiencing high temperatures. Thus, ensure that you use tempered glass.
If you notice any strange smell or sound during the warming process, quickly remove the record from the oven.

Step 4: Remove the record and add pressure

Use the oven mitts to take the glass and record out from the oven. Then, place your "sandwich" between two large and heavy objects. Let it rest for about an hour until your record is entirely cool.

This step will help to remove the scratches and return your record to its original shape.

In case your record still shows significant warping, repeat the heating process, or move to the part below to try on another solution.

3. Use A Specialized Machine To Flatten Your Warped Record

If the results of the two prior solutions do not satisfy you, you can try a machine specifically made to flatten out vinyl records.

This machine enables you to say goodbye to days waiting for the objects' pressure to flatten your record or heating your record inside the oven from times to times.

Most importantly, in certain cases, these two solutions above cannot promise to bring back the perfect shape for your record, so you yearn for another advanced one.

All you have to do is to carefully cleanse your record and place it inside the machine, and then you will have your record unwarped without breaking a sweat.

Try a record flattener if you prefer an advanced solution

Among the three solutions, this one is the most optimal solution as it delivers the best results.

However, unless you have a record collection and want to fix the ones from these old days, it may cost you an arm and a leg to buy a quality record flattener (a new record flattener usually costs thousands of dollars).

For that amount of money, you can purchase tons of vinyl records and even a new stereo. So, reconsider your budget carefully before bringing this machine home.

Additionally, while using this machine, you have to stick to some strict implementation rules to ensure your safety and properly fix your record.

More ways to fix your records: How To Fix A Skipping Record in 3 Steps

Final Thoughts

Now you have known about how to fix a warped record. What are you waiting for but employing one of them right away to unwrap your record and bring back its original shape?

If you still have any questions about repairing a warped record, please let me know by commenting down below. It is my pleasure to help you out!

Last but not least, thank you for sticking with me until the end. If you find this article useful, give it a like and share it with those who may need it.