Removing wax from vinyl...

[someblokecalledfuz]

So I'm cleaning a few finds and I notice that one of them has a few drops of candle wax on it...

Before I dive in and "have a go" at removing them, does anyone know of an "approved" method to rid vinyl of wax?

Thanks in advance...

[someblokecalledfuz]

Anyone?

[highland cow]

I can tell you that lighter fluid or washing with warm water don't work.

I gave up after that.

Would the craft glue do the trick I wonder?

[someblokecalledfuz]

I can tell you that lighter fluid or washing with warm water don't work.

I gave up after that.

Would the craft glue do the trick I wonder?

Well, if life permits i'm gonna give it a go...

[babycart]

My mum would bung it in the freezer for 20 minutes then try and get it off. This is the approved chewing gum/candle wax on school clothes remedy.

Maybe melt more wax on top first so you get a good solid chunk to lift off? I am theorising here so don´t blame me when you ruin your rare record.

[amidar]

Wax is a pain. I know if its left for about a year it will come off in one piece 'sometimes' (I've observed this with carpet stains). I've not heard of a chemical for loosening it but common methods include heating it with a hairdryer or freezing like babycarts mother, the latter would seem to be the one to go for in the case of vinyl and then try to chip it off in one or more large pieces. The problem is the grooves of the records have given it the perfect surface with which to adhere strongly. If some remains once its been chipped away the wood glue method might work to remove what is left in the grooves. Might be worth experimenting with a crap record first.

[Cacapo]

A bit adventurous for most of you I guess but I have used a toothpick for the bigger chunks and than "played" it with an old record needle five or so times to get the rest of the wax out. Worked just fine.

[Mang]

If the wax was molten when dripping onto the vinyl then wouldn't that damage the record anyway?

[eclipsechaser]

I have had good results using pva and then any residue left using a normal cleaner

[eclipsechaser]

Also those sticky rollers you use to get fluff off of clothes. I use one you can rip the sticker tape off. I rip a small amount off and apply and lift. Too much tape and it leaves bits on the record

[LDJB]

I've removed wax on a Nucleus LP (Under the Sun since you ask) and it was largely successful with a bit of after glue cleaning.

[Daddy Ya Ya]

Have you tried a cocktail stick ? - also works well for bad scratches.

[eclipsechaser]

Any news fuzz. How did you get on?

[someblokecalledfuz]

I went for the toothpick followed by the PVA approach... the glue is drying as I type, but initial signs are good.

I didn't realise this was a cliffhanger of a thread!

[someblokecalledfuz]

Well, the results are in... and I guess they depend on whether you are an optimist or not.

After picking as much of it off as possible with a toothpick and PVA'ing the vinyl the result is that it plays through with a few clicks.

So not a perfect result, but obviously much better than not being able to play it at all...