While there’s no foolproof way to remove scratches, you can still use some methods to keep records clean. Cleaning with a toothpick, dry brush, or wood glue can do magic for the record.
Hold your record from the edges and store it properly when not using it to prevent scratches. If skips are still there, you may have to buy a new one.
How to Fix Scratches on Vinyl Records
Fixing scratches starts with a complete cleanup of dirt and dust. There are three major ways to do it.
- Toothpick to Clean Out Vinyl Scratches
- Use of wood glue to fully clean records
- Use of Sandpaper to Smooth Out, Record, and Remove the Scratches
Toothpick to Clean Out Vinyl Scratches
Removing dirt and dust might be enough before we fix the scratch. You only need a toothpick and a few cleaning materials to remove stubborn dust from the grooves. This is temporary, and you have to do it repeatedly.
You need a toothpick, a vinyl brush, a vinyl cleaning solution, or a DIY equivalent.
Step 1 – Brush off the dirt: Put the record on the player and turn it on. Hold a dry vinyl brush lightly on the record’s surface. Keep the brush on the record for 1-3 spins. Keep holding it at an angle and remove it slowly from the record. Clean brush after that.
Step 2 – Clean thoroughly: Buy a professional vinyl cleaning kit online. The kit usually features a brush for cleaning records, a liquid cleaner, and a brush for cleaning the first brush. Follow the instructions for the cleanup. If you are on a budget, have a solution at home. Take 0.5% isopropyl alcohol only in 99.5% distilled water. Add 1 or 2 drops of dishwasher fluid in a spray bottle. Put a record on the microfiber cloth and spray cleaner on it. Wait 30 seconds to let the liquid soak in, then take another microfiber cloth to wipe it. Then, soak another microfiber cloth in distilled water and wipe both sides. Avoid spraying the label, and clean both sides of the record.
Step 3 – Use Toothpick now: Find the scratched space and grab a toothpick. Hold it diagonally at an angle and press into the scratch, slowly moving back and forth. Repeat the process for any other scratch on the record.
Use of wood glue to fully clean records
Step 1 – Apply Wood Glue: As the record spins on the turntable, apply wood glue to the entire record. Place the tip of wood glue on the edge of the inner label, and squeeze the bottle with little pressure. Continue squeezing the bottle as the record spins to create lines around it. Stop as you reach the outer edge. There should be thick, even lines throughout the record. Following the circular grooves, the record will have stripes of glue. It’s okay if you squeeze too much glue. If you use excess glue towards the outer edge, wipe it with a paper towel. If you’re worried about glue on the turntable, apply it to the table. As the turntable spins, glue spreads on the record.
Step 2 – Use cardboard or cardstock to spread glue: Take a 2-inch-wide piece of cardboard or cardstock and touch it to the outer edge of the record. Continue the record spinning so the glue spreads out and covers the record. Then, lift the card and place it inside the record so all of the glue spreads out. You can leave your hand unmoving and let the glue spread out with the spin. This will lead to a smooth surface of wood glue covering the entire record.
Step 3 – Leave it until dried: Stop the turntable and let the glue dry for 24 hours. You can leave the record this way on the record overnight. Check whether the wood glue is dry by gently touching the outer edge with a finger. Leave it for another 1-2 hours if it feels sticky. You can also leave a record on a newspaper piece if you don’t use a turntable.
Step 4 – Pell away wood glue: Peel away dried wood glue, starting from the outer edge. Use your index finger and thumb to pull up on the outer edge of the wood glue. Then, peel away all the glue, lifting the record with steady, consistent force. Pull it up in one piece to remove the glue slowly and gradually. Nothing to worry about if the glue doesn’t peel away in one solid layer! Lift it from another edge and pull it up slowly and gently until all the glue is removed. Avoid touching the surface of the record while peeling away the glue.
Step 5 – Play a recording to test the sound: Put the arm of the turntable on the record and power it on. Listen to the recording; the song that used to skip may play now. Wood glue can even help remove the toughest dust and dirt. Remember that learning with wood glue doesn’t guarantee the problem on your record will be fixed. The wood glue provides thorough cleanup by removing dust and dirt and smoothing uneven vinyl surfaces. If the record still skips, go for another coat or try another method. You can also avail of the services of a professional vinyl restorer online.
Use of Sandpaper to Smooth Out, Record, and Remove the Scratches
Refinishing the record surface using sandpaper is a more permanent solution to prevent scratches. If you store your record properly, you won’t have to worry about repeating it, but you must be careful with this approach.
Note: This method won’t work if scratching has destroyed the entire groove or dirt has melted into the record.
You need 1500 grit or finer sandpaper, a towel, and a sink of tools.
Step 1 – Clean Up: Methods 1 or 2 are suitable for pre-sanding cleanup.
Step 2 – Head to the Sink: First, wash your record if the disc is wet. Grab some sandpaper and wet it. A tiny bit of liquid soap is also good to make it smoother.
Step 3 – Sand time: Place the record on a hard and flat surface. Better keep it on the counter with the edges of the disc hanging off slightly to give you a grip. Rub the sandpaper lightly on both sides of the record. Go for a curvy motion that goes along the way. If the smoother surface of the record is getting dull, you’re sanding hard, so do it with light pressure. Keep the sandpaper wet if it has dried up. Avoid going more than 4-6 times on any surface of the record. Do it 2-3 times more if scratches are still there. There might be some small scratches because of the sandpaper, but it shouldn’t damage the record.
Step 4 – Wash and Test: Wash the record to dust it off to avoid any damage to the needle or disc. The upper damaged part of the grooves will be gone, which leads to a crisper sound.
Wrapping up
Now, you have three easy ways to remove scratches from the record. Remember to touch them carefully and as little as possible. Store them properly in their sleeves. This will help minimize scratching and cleaning.
This small effort will be a wealthy time and money investment for you. Use any of the methods and keep your records safe.