Do PVC Sleeves Really Harm Records? #vinylcommunity

I've heard from several sources that those PVC sleeves meant to protect vinyl records actually harm them. I decided to put it to the test using two records that are previously unplayed, but stored in PVC sleeves for decades.

[cuppadan]

Dude, not only have you educated us on the horrors of PVC sleeves, but also made it very entertaining. Thank you and Bravo!

[rodantkapoor]

My original David Bowie Black Star came with a thick PVC inner sleeve that had a nauseating odor. I knew that wasn't normal, so I put it in a mofi sleeve. I took the record out to play some time ago and realized I left the original sleeve in there. I noticed that the sleeve was hazy and had these weird patterns on it. I'm glad I didn't leave the record in there!

[spacebearsven]

Thank you for the information, Robert! I have only two or three records in sleeves like these and I will change that immediately! Thanks again!

[Pauldjreadman]

I'll play them :) Your impersonations are spot on :) I heard about the PVC issue and replaced all mine.

[busmekanx]

I thought your mic was a star trek shirt

[punkrrock]

I've collected records for ages. Specially obscure, early punk records. Mostly 7 inches... Many of these records came out in really small pressings, many came with xerox sleeves or inserts. I used to store all my 7i records in PVC record sleeves, they looked so cool... After some years I felt those xerox inserts were starting to get "sticky", didn't know what was happening. More time passed, most of those folded inserts are now stuck together, can't even spread them out to read the lyrics or whatever. Some got stuck to the sleeves, some to the record labels! I ended throwing away all those sleeves, but the damage was done. Supposedly it’s all caused by the combination of plastics: xerox toner contains plastic components and pvc is a kind of plastic. Its combination makes them unstable and problems start.

[garyscarpulla]

I bought Back In Black on Discogs a few months ago. Seller had the disc in a PVC liner shipped (properly )outside of the cover. It was the summer and when I opened it the liner had adhered itself to the LP and warped the recorded rendering it unplayable.

[aggielonghorn]

I love that you have all types of media displayed behind you.

[johnmcmahon]

I can confirm that this can hi. I bought The Clash London Calling 12 inch 45 rpm new in 1979. This was an import to the U.S. The paper picture sleeve was in a thick PVC outer. Years later I realized that a cloudy film had covered the vinyl record. I had no idea what caused this until a few years ago. It went through the paper sleeve and onto the record. I live in GA and didn't have AC for years so maybe heat and humidity contributed.

[dutchcoyote]

Hi Robert, I just replaced the thick PVC inner sleeve of David Bowie's Blackstar, indeed the record was already looking a bit cloudy, after 8 years in my collection, but fortunately still played without any problem, thanks for your informative video .

[ralphalder]

I got rid of all my pvc sleeves a few years back after watching the video by Andrew from Parlogram that you mention. Most of mine are now “naked” as nature intended, except for a few with die cut covers (which catch on the neighbouring LP when removing from the shelf) or ones that have damaged sleeves or flaky spines… those are in poly sleeves now simply to prevent further deterioration!

[markhdubs]

I have an older picture disc where one of those sleeves actually stuck to the vinyl. The record makes a noise when it hits that spot.

[brianjames]

I took all my picture discs out of the PVC covers last year, I haven't checked to see if they are effected as they probably never sounded good anyway, especially my glow in the dark Kraftwerk 12 inch which always sounded horrible. I had a couple of boxes of donated vinyl and a copy of Sinatra "In the wee small hours" had a PVC sleeve which seems to have adhered itself to the records cover. Soon as I realised it was now a sticky mess I binned it. Anyway all in all could have been a lot worse, there are pictures on line of full boxes of ultra-rare first presses which have all been wrecked, cover and vinyl, by PVC sleeves. Thanks for the content dude.

[PJHVols]

Our boy Rob calling out the trolls before they even get started! 😂

[EmbryonicRobot]

This was informative.I have heard about this, but hadn't seen any proof. I still have some records in PVC sleeves, so I will change that.

[PiecesofVinyl]

GREAT VIDEO! GREAT PSA for the VC - I am a huge fan of spreading this knowledge! Thank you for giving some REAL WORLD experience on this. @5:33 is a HUGE reason why it's so important - since like you are even showing - a lot of times PVC sleeves come with promo or one off editions - color variants - or singles - so someone might just throw it on the shelf - thinking (rightfully so WTF would I ever listen a REM single???) - but then it screws up your really nice record that is right next to it! Also - if you want a GREAT Mic option - check out the Rode Wireless PRO - it's a little pricey but it has a TON of amazing features (like you dont have to set the volume or worry about clipping!) - or any of the Rode wireless mics they are really great.

[davepounds]

Love the color combination of the orange records and orange shirt!!! PS I’ve never used a PVC sleeve and after your review never will

[CREANER]

Love your videos. I can confirm that pvc sleeves do cause damage. I have two Beatles records - housed in pvc gatefold sleeves. These black vinyl records have a grey haze and when played have a continuous rasping sound throughout the records.

[jamiecottle]

Thanks for this. Was surprised how long several RSD releases were issued with these sleeves.

[jahblessin]

Great video, always heard this was a thing it’s nice to have some proof