Glue from inner sleeves leeching onto records


I have gone through some of my collection of 'audiophile' records that were pressed at RTI pre-2010 (Cisco, Analog Productions, Classic Records etc.) when they used an inner sleeve that was made up of paper on the outside and a poly liner on the inside, which was held together with a line of glue about 1" from the perimeter.

I have found quite a few records with these sleeves where the glue has leeched onto the vinyl. I tried cleaning it off at first with my Degritter RCM, but it did not remove much.  I also have a Keith Monks Gemini RCM, but it won't be ready for use for a little while.

I was curious if maybe using one of the 'glue' record cleaning process might work for this?  I never thought I would try such a cleaning method, but it may be the best for this scenario?

Has anyone had this issue and found a successful way to clean the glue off the records?

Thanks
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xrich121

Showing 1 response by mijostyn

rich121, I have never seen this happen. Is there some source of heat by the records?
You obviously need to replace the liners. Take apart a sleeve and expose the glue. You have to find a solvent that will dissolve the glue. First try isopropyl alcohol. Use either a clean cotton or microfiber cloth. Saturate it with Alcohol and wipe gently. If the glue comes off you are in business if not you have to move to a non polar solvent. A chlorofluorocarbon will work best. "Last" the record preservative is one but at $50 a little bottle not so practical. This  https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/crc-brakleen-brake-parts-cleaner-19-wt.-oz.-05089/7060459-p?prod...= is very practical. I have used this exact brand on a record with absolutely no deleterious effects. Test on the sleeve first. If it works remove the bulk of the glue with your cloth always moving to a clean area of the cloth. Then spray the record directly to rinse it off. It dries very fast and will not hurt the label. You might want to do this outside and you will want to wear gloves. After the record dries give it a run through your ultrasonic unit then put it back in a new sleeve. Good to go:)