Do you or "should you" clean NEW VINYL???

Triode Pete · « **on:** 8 Jan 2011, 06:53 pm »

Fellow Audiophiles,
When I go to favorite used record store (Infinity Records on Long Island), I always clean the used LP's with my Disc Doctor record solution.

Recently I picked up some nice NEW 180 gram Vinyl LP's from Elusive Disc. I was once told it was a good idea to clean them to remove the "mold release compounds" from the pressings.

On the Mo-Fi inner sleeve info, it says "Once the master lacquer is finished it is then plated in a specialized process that protects transients in the modulated groove. Due to this process, there may be occasional pops or ticks inherent in the initial playback, but as the disc is played more, a high-qulaity stylus will actually polish the groove walls and improve the sound".

Should I clean my new vinyl? Thoughts?

Thanks,
Pete

dminches · « **Reply #1 on:** 8 Jan 2011, 06:55 pm »

Absolutely. New vinyl has tons of dirt and oils on it. You need to clean that.

twitch54 · « **Reply #2 on:** 8 Jan 2011, 07:01 pm »

Quote from: dminches on 8 Jan 2011, 06:55 pm

Absolutely. New vinyl has tons of dirt and oils on it. You need to clean that.

Agreed, mold release, etc needs to be removed and if the LP dosent have a quality archivable sleve....and that to the mix as well.

Photon46 · « **Reply #3 on:** 8 Jan 2011, 07:22 pm »

The ticks and pops that are the result of imperfections in a plated master would have nothing to do with the reasons we clean new vinyl. Those imperfections referred to would not be affected by cleaning, but that's no reason not to clean and address dirt and mold release that do affect playback quality.

Wayner · « **Reply #4 on:** 8 Jan 2011, 07:34 pm »

I don't think there is any "mold release" used to press vinyl. The videos that I have seen do not show anyone applying anything to the stampers. Since the grooves have 90° draft there isn't any need. As far as there being dirt on a new vinyl, there isn't much. More like maybe some lint.

The pops in the groove are from several causes. First is contaminated vinyl. The second can be caused by over-heated stamping plates, and the vinyl actually gets bubbles in it from excess heat. These are, of course, totally "F'd" and no amount of wear will remove it. I have 2 LPs with this problem.....popcorn anyone?

Wayner

Letitroll98 · « **Reply #5 on:** 8 Jan 2011, 08:27 pm »

The best answer is, "It's optional". I've done both and had mixed results with both. I've have good sounding new lp's washed and had them sound better, and also have no difference. I've had good sounding new lp"s that I've never washed, with no ill effects so far. Needless to say all new lp"s with any noise, clicks, pops, background hiss, etc. have all been washed. Some showed improvement, most not. I've never experienced noisy lp"s being "polished" by the stylus and sounding better.

Wayner · « **Reply #6 on:** 8 Jan 2011, 08:54 pm »

New records are always full of static. It usually take several playings for this to go away. That may account for pops and tick that some may hear.

I also notice a drag on my damp cleaning brush (discwasher brush), for the first few plays. I have no explanation for this either.

Wayner

vinyl_guy · « **Reply #7 on:** 8 Jan 2011, 08:59 pm »

I believe you should always clean new vinyl prior to playing. In addition to mold release compound, pressing plants are industrial plants, not surgical centers with airborne dust, etc. The records are handled by humans as they are inserted into the inner sleeve and cover (finger prints). Michael Fremer's 2d video includes footage from Pallas and RTI, and after watching the entire process of pressing and packaging a record there is no way I would ever play a new record without cleaning it first.

Fido2 · « **Reply #8 on:** 8 Jan 2011, 09:27 pm »

I always clean new vinyl with my VPI 16.5.

Scottdazzle · « **Reply #9 on:** 8 Jan 2011, 09:43 pm »

Quote from: Fido2 on 8 Jan 2011, 09:27 pm

I always clean new vinyl with my VPI 16.5.

Me too. Always.

Wayner · « **Reply #10 on:** 8 Jan 2011, 09:53 pm »

I'd like to know what "mold release" compound is used. Anybody know or is it just something you've heard. I seen a few videos on stamping records, and there was no "mold release" used at all. So what is the story. I'm not sure if it could even work.

Wayner

Elizabeth · « **Reply #11 on:** 8 Jan 2011, 10:06 pm »

I feel bad, being too lazy

to clean LPs nearly at all. The usual for me is to run a vacuum (brush attachment) over the LP surfaces. Once in awhile I will wash one in the sink that has really dirty stuff on them.
No problems.
I tend to be able to buy pretty clean used LPs.

Triode Pete · « **Reply #12 on:** 8 Jan 2011, 10:09 pm »

Quote from: Wayner on 8 Jan 2011, 09:53 pm

I'd like to know what "mold release" compound is used.
Wayner

I heard it was "PAM" LOL!..only kidding...

I cleaned the new vinyl in between all these reply posts. It sounds great!!!

Thanks & audios,
Pete

Elizabeth · « **Reply #13 on:** 8 Jan 2011, 10:32 pm »

Couldn't be "PAM". PAM is my sister, and once she got hold of ANTHING, no gettin' it back!
(8^Q...

writeface · « **Reply #14 on:** 8 Jan 2011, 10:37 pm »

A slight digression if you don't mind..

Unfortunately, I don't have room for VPI 16.5 RCM. Is there a hand-held vacuum mechanism available for cleaning? I currently use a carbon fibre dry-brush to clean before playing. Additionally, I have ROR-Vinyl solution to clean by wet-brush. However, I find the drying process to be cumbersome as some dirt gets collected during the drying time.

Thanks.

Photon46 · « **Reply #15 on:** 8 Jan 2011, 11:14 pm »

If you don't have room for a record cleaning machine, a hand held steam cleaner is a very viable alternative. Just a bit less convenient too use. I find it works just as well, if not better, than my Nitty Gritty. Audiogon has several long threads in their archives about steam cleaning. I get de-ionized and purified water intended for use in automotive radiators from auto parts supply stores to use in my steam cleaner as opposed to distilled water. I suppose if I were obsessively anal about it, I could get lab grade water, but the de-ionized stuff works very well. Another thing worth mentioning in favor of cleaning all records well is the good effect it has on stylus life. When you're using expensive cartridges, I want get all the life I can out of a cartridge.

DaveyW · « **Reply #16 on:** 8 Jan 2011, 11:21 pm »

Quote from: Wayner on 8 Jan 2011, 09:53 pm

I'd like to know what "mold release" compound is used. Anybody know or is it just something you've heard. I seen a few videos on stamping records, and there was no "mold release" used at all. So what is the story. I'm not sure if it could even work.

Wayner

I'd go along with this, having worked with a number of plastic forming companies. If surface finish is important and/or a need to avoid costly post mold cleaning, then the releasing aid is typically included in the base material.
Saying this, I have seen new records with visible surface contamination typical of plastic leaching. Generally though I've observed this with plastic liners and I've always suspected these as the culprits.

I'm personally aligned with Letitroll, play each on an individual basis.
I clean if it looks anything other than pristine & shiny, also if I feel it sounds a little dull on first spin.
Good topic though and it's interesting to hear everyone's approaches.

Cheers
Dave

Photon46 · « **Reply #17 on:** 8 Jan 2011, 11:30 pm »

http://www.tnt-audio.com/accessories/discdoctor_e.html

As mentioned in this older product review, stearic acids have always been a part of record vinyl formulas. When heated, these acids can rise to the surface of the hot vinyl in the press and act as a release agent. (Stearic acid is used a release agent in numerous industrial molding processes.) It would be interesting to find out if stearic acid is still used in vinyl formulations today.

orthobiz · « **Reply #18 on:** 8 Jan 2011, 11:58 pm »

Time to be honest, right? I'm guilty of just using a carbon fiber brush on a lot of my new vinyl.

There, I said it.

Paul

neobop · « **Reply #19 on:** 9 Jan 2011, 12:17 am »

In the heyday it was said that mold release agents were used so records could be removed from the press while still hot. This accounts for the number of warped records. I can't verify this, but I figure that cleaning a new record does no harm and it might help. So why not?
neo