How to Fix a Warped Record

One of the worst things for a record collector to find is that they have managed to leave an LP in the car and have warped it or that they have bought a warped album. Keep in mind that really valuable records and ones that play fine should be left alone as it is possible that you will only make your problem worse. But there is hope for the rest of your wavy vinyl!

Before starting this process, go to the local thrift store and buy a few Partridge Family and William Shatner records. You’ll want some LPs to practice on that you won’t mind ruining. The ones that you do, you can always heat up and make into bowls for snacks at your next party.

While you’re at the thrift store, buy some old frames or something with glass shelves and remove the glass. You will need two pieces of glass, at least 14 inches square and 1/4″ thick, preferably thicker as that will increase the weight. You’ll also want 5 pieces of cork of an even thickness (an old cork board or trivet can easily be cut up) and some glue.

Glue the five pieces of cork on the bottom piece of glass to avoid striking the glass when setting it down – you don’t want to break it! Place one piece of cork in each of the corners and another in the center. The cork also makes it easier to pick up your “LP sandwich” as they allow you to get your fingers under it without shifting the whole thing.

Clean your album very carefully then clean the glass even more carefully. Rinse everything with filtered or distilled water and wipe it dry with a lint-free cloth. You don’t want to bake any dirt or fuzz into the vinyl! Put the record between the two pieces of glass. You can use a good quality sleeve as additional protection for the grooves, but there is no guarantee that they will not get flattened or tilted anyway. That’s why you only want to do this on records that are replaceable or that are badly enough warped that they don’t play as they are.

Place your sandwich outside if it’s a hot, sunny day or in an oven preheated to “Warm” or the lowest setting available, no higher than 150 degrees Fahrenheit, and then turned off. If you will be using the outdoor method, make sure to cover the label portion of the album or the sun will fade it.

Twelve to fifteen minutes is usually plenty of time to have your sandwich exposed to heat. If it’s outside, bring it inside, set something square and heavy on top, and let it cool overnight. If it is in the oven, place a weight on top after about 15 minutes and leave it in the oven overnight. You can use a marble or stone floor tile or even a coffee table or other large, solid book for the weight.

This technique does work on 45s and other sizes as well. The low heat and short exposure shouldn’t damage pressings on styrene or other materials but, again, use caution. If in doubt, don’t do it. And remember, once you’ve fixed your problem, to store your records upright and closely pressed together without crushing them. Keep them out of direct sunlight and as close to 70 degrees Fahrenheit as possible. You don’t want to chance working on the same album again.

After all of this, if the vinyl gods are smiling on you, your LP will be flat enough to be playable if not practically perfect. You can enjoy those fun KC and the Sunshine Band albums once more.