[78-L] Cleaning Gels

[Martin Fenton]

Graeme Jaye wrote:
> Although it's not a technique I would personally use, I've seen
> reports of people using PVA wood glue to this effect.

I've used PVA wood glue twice. Different brands (sorry, with the passage 
of time I don't remember which brands,) and only on LPs that were 
scratched almost to the point of being unplayable, but of which I'd 
spent years trying in vain to locate a second copy.

The first time was fine. Peeled off a treat, I gave the LP a brush, it 
played much better. Second time was using a different brand. The dried 
glue didn't peel - it cracked. I eventually got all of the bits off the 
record, but it took me a long time to muster the courage to actually 
play it in case there was still a small chunk hiding in one of the 
grooves waiting to de-tip my stylus (there wasn't, and it didn't.)

The glue has to be kept well away from the label of the record - not 
easy - as it will tear the label when you remove the dried glue.

I know somebody who swears by using silicone bathroom sealant for 
cleaning ruined 78s. I have a whole host of reservations about that, though.

Martin.