I can vouch that some plastic inner sleeves leach some sort of nasty residue onto LPs. For instance,
a while back I bought a load of original-pressing Pablo records from the late 70's thru mid 80's,
still wrapped in plastic. Most had paper inner sleeves but the Pablo Digital issues had
plastic-lined inner sleeves. In a few cases, not all cases though, the plastic inner sleeve was
firmly attached to the record. I could carefully peel it off but there was a residue that did not
come off with VPI treatment, including with a liquid containing isopropynol. The net result was
noisy surfaces, not groove distortion but really noisy surfaces. I can't understand why some of
those records had this problem but not others. All were from the same defunct record shop and all
had been warehoused under similar conditions.

Plastics -- unstable chemistry by definition.

As a result of this experience, I avoid replacing inner sleeves with plastic. I handle my records
carefully and store them carefully and have not had any issues using smooth paper inner sleeves.

-- Tom Fine

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Richter" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 6:21 PM
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] speaking of LP storage...


> D. Blake Werts wrote:
>> This talk about the storage of CDs and LPs has me thinking... Are there any
>> known issues with the storage of LPs in "plastic" bags? I have been using
>> some of the nice re-sealable sleeves made available through Far West Record
>> Supply (polypropylene?) and wondered if I will be causing damage in the long
>> term with these?
>>
>> Any advice or experience that you can offer?
>>
>> Thanks Much!
>> D. Blake Werts
>
> It depends on the plastic.
>
> We 'spoke' some time ago about plasticizer leaching out of some plastics to clog the LP grooves.
> Even a light coating is lethal and it cannot be removed without etching the vinyl. I've several
> old European EMIs that died that unfortunate death.
>
> Mike
> --
> [log in to unmask]
> http://www.mrichter.com/
>