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Hi Jeff,

I use paraffin wax instead of something permanent because the flake(s) 
can be re-positioned if needed. The obvious goal is to get something 
that can be restored. As I said: "The process is very labor intensive."

Best,

CB

Corey Bailey Audio Engineering
www.baileyzone.net

On 10/19/2020 8:38 AM, Jeff Willens wrote:
> Wow. You live dangerously bro. I admire that.
>
>
>
>
> On Sun, 11 Oct 2020 17:45:26 -0700, Corey Bailey <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>> Hi Michael,
>>
>> I use paraffin wax to repair flaking acetates if the damage isn't too
>> severe. It's very, very labor intensive. And then, the digitized results
>> have to processed because, a lot of restoration work is needed. However,
>> I have saved a number of 'one of a kind' recordings.
>>
>> Basically, the flakes are positioned using a heat gun (carefully) to
>> melt the wax and position the flake(s). I do this under magnification to
>> line up the grooves. Often, the disc will have to be played at a slower
>> speed because the repair(s) look a skate board ramp to a stylus.
>>
>> This process also works on broken shellacs, if the breakage isn't too
>> severe. I use wood glue to repair the break and then use paraffin to
>> fill in the repair. My last repair/restoration project was a good copy
>> of George Gershwins' "Rhapsody In Blue" (Victor 35822). The disc had
>> beenĀ  broken in shipping and the broken piece encroached about 40% into
>> the disc. The disc had been barely played (if at all) so, it was deemed
>> worth saving. After reparations, the disc was able to be played at 78
>> RPM. However, a considerable amount of digital restoration was needed.
>>
>> It usually takes more than one pass when it comes time to transfer and
>> you will be putting a stylus at great risk when the transfer is made.
>>
>> Be safe,
>>
>> Corey
>>
>> Corey Bailey Audio Engineering
>> www.baileyzone.net
>>
>> On 10/11/2020 2:58 PM, Michael Barmak wrote:
>>> I'm new to this group and am hoping someone can help me or refer me to someone who can.
>>>
>>> I have a very old record (probably from the early 30's) that is 'flaking' i.e. the black covering is starting to come off.  I'm afraid to play it because I just tried to and it started flaking even more leaving a spot of shiny silver metal.
>>>
>>> Is there anyone or anything I can do to repair this?  Or at least to find someone who can digitally transfer the disc?
>>>
>>> I believe it is a recording my grandfather did of his friend, WC Handy, the famous blues musician/composer and may even have my late grandfather's voice on it.  Or it may be a recording of a radio show that WC Handy was being interviewed on.
>>>
>>> I appreciate any help you can give me on this.
>>>
>>> Thanks!
>>> Michael