Framing Vinyl Records: Why isn't it safe?

[ibrittanybutler]

I was recently told that it's less safe to frame a record than to keep it stored elsewhere? (Not just the record itself - But in it's cover.) I'm curious as to the reasons why. I love looking at my wall and knowing there's a rare, gold pressing of one of my favorite records in that frame. For that reason, it was the first thing I thought of doing once I got it. I just tried to google why it wouldn't be safe to frame them.. But, all I got were links to buy record album frames, lol.

Just started this topic because I couldn't quickly find an answer, and the info might be of use to another newbie in the same boat...

[xadamhudsonx]

Most folks aversion to framing is less about it being safe and more about it not being listened too.

 

That being said, possible "safety" issues could include fading if in direct sunlight as well as warping due to heat.

 

Otherwise, don't worry about it. Do what you like with your records. There is a reason you googled framing records and a ton of stuff came up for buying frames. Lots of people do it.

[elnombre91]

I was thinking of framing a copy of the axe to fall clear with shards when I find it as I'd never play it..

[+hecollec+or]

Not really sure but I would guess the frame glass compressing against the record even in its sleeve can't possibly be good for the vinyl. Just like storing records on top of each other as opposed to straight up in a row. In short, extended pressure on records is very very bad.

[corey.]

Do you plan on listening to the record? If it's in a frame, then it's serving the purpose you bought it for, at least. Although some may not agree with it. But as someone mentioned, direct sunlight to the record can cause it to warp and what not and having the record pushed up against the glass (depending on the frame) can't be good for it either.

[gmoney]

I have three record sleeves framed - cause they're signed and mean something to me. The actual records are on the shelf to listen to. No harm done.

 

As someone said above - do what you want. It'll be fine - records are a ton more resilient then most people think.

[GhostTrail]

Aside from damaging the record itself, the sleeve is also subjected to a great deal of "ring wear" -- the record will essentially dig into your sleeve. It's best to remove the record and just frame the sleeve if you really want to frame something. 

[McCandless]

I bought my favourite album twice so I had one to listen to and one to get framed.

 

http://instagram.com/p/l8Oct2pXVz/?modal=true

 

I've never understood people who frame the cover without displaying the record though. Might as well of printed off the record sleeve and kept the actual one in your collection to enjoy.

[corey.]

I bought my favourite album twice so I had one to listen to and one to get framed.

 

http://instagram.com/p/l8Oct2pXVz/?modal=true

 

I've never understood people who frame the cover without displaying the record though. Might as well of printed off the record sleeve and kept the actual one in your collection to enjoy.

 

Agreed. That looks rad haha. I framed a record that I received warped in the mail:

 

(The record is a bit crooked in the photo)

 

[GhostTrail]

I had imagined the record and the sleeve framed separately for some reason, but yeah this is also true. A friend of mine had a record still sealed in a frame hanging up in his office forever (also exposed to direct sunlight) and when he finally opened it, it was extremely warped and the record sleeve had formed/bent around the warping.

 

Agreed, this is how I would have typically imagined it as well; given the language of the OP though, it seemed as if the record was inside the frame.

 

Thumbs up on displaying that warped Hotelier record. Its too damn good to not find some use for.

[McCandless]

Agreed. That looks rad haha. I framed a record that I received warped in the mail:

 

(The record is a bit crooked in the photo)

 

 

That looks awesome. I really wanted that type of frame but it was going to cost me $100 (£60) compared to the $30ish (£20) my cheap one cost me.

[Shitty Rambo]

It's not safe because people here will wanna kickbox you.

I have rare lathes that sound terrible and never get played that I wouldn't mind framing, I'm just lazy when it comes to stuff like that.

[dkrtz]

I saw Walmart has cheap <$10 12.5" record frames now. I've been meaning to get some for some extras that came with certain records, like the HOLOGRAMS -FOREVER deluxe edition bonus 12" art board. I'd be too worried about sun to actually hang a record

[McCandless]

I think if you're hanging a record you've got to give up the idea of ever playing it again. If it works when you finally take it down then it's a bonus, but more often than not it won't.

[warmhouses]

is the frame 12x12? if so, take the record out and just frame the artwork.

 

alternatively, frame the artwork and some shitty record so that if it warps who cares!?

[dkrtz]

Framing empty sleeves of your favorite albums seems like a decent idea, I mean I often leave my favorites out of the shelf and propped where I can admire them whenever I enter my room, so I do get that. But idk what you would do as far as storing the record whileyoure not listening. The simple answer seems to be finding a spare sleeve from a less important record, but I don't wanna hafta keep, like, boring ecstasy inside of an emmylou Harris sleeve lol (not that I'd frame boring ecstasy's sleeve and deny myself the scented goodness)

[xadamhudsonx]

 If it works when you finally take it down then it's a bonus, but more often than not it won't.

 

Huh?

[TheWindBlower]

For what it's worth, my old man has had some of his favorite LPs framed for 30+ years, and they are in great shape. We took them out recently to check the vinyl and give a couple of them spins. Everything was fine.

[TFP]

It's not safe because people here will wanna kickbox you.

 

HA!

[thomasj182]

It's not safe because people here will wanna kickbox you.

 

Best thing ever said on this board! 

[corey.]

That looks awesome. I really wanted that type of frame but it was going to cost me $100 (£60) compared to the $30ish (£20) my cheap one cost me.

 

DIY! haha. Mine was about $30-$50 ish

[ibrittanybutler]

Most folks aversion to framing is less about it being safe and more about it not being listened too.

 

That being said, possible "safety" issues could include fading if in direct sunlight as well as warping due to heat.

 

Otherwise, don't worry about it. Do what you like with your records. There is a reason you googled framing records and a ton of stuff came up for buying frames. Lots of people do it.

 

 

I mean, they're technically not in direct sunlight. They're more kinda in the corner. (The Green Day one is just a wooden plaque I bought years ago, btw. Haha.) And, I don't have much wall space in my room. So, that was really the only spot!

 

I bought my favourite album twice so I had one to listen to and one to get framed.

 

http://instagram.com/p/l8Oct2pXVz/?modal=true

 

I've never understood people who frame the cover without displaying the record though. Might as well of printed off the record sleeve and kept the actual one in your collection to enjoy.

 

That's what I did with the Amy Winehouse record! She's one of my favorite female artists and her albums mean a lot more to me now that she's gone. So, I wanted to frame one of hers. But, I listen to her music so often that I decided to buy two for that reason, as well! Although, Back To Black was only around $13 a copy and isn't anywhere near as rare (and now, expensive) as my gold copy of Panic! At The Disco's A Fever You Can't Sweat Out.. (pictured above.)

 

I think if you're hanging a record you've got to give up the idea of ever playing it again. If it works when you finally take it down then it's a bonus, but more often than not it won't.

 

I wasn't really planning on listening to the gold copy of AFYCSO too much. I just really wanted to own it for sentimental reasons. And, even though the record itself can't be "seen" in the frame I have.. I still like to look at it and know that I'm lucky enough to own one and that it's actually in there, ya know?

 

I've had it framed for almost two years now in the same spot and took it down last week to listen to it for the first time since I got it. Played fine, sounded fine!

[cfrancese5]

Really surprised how tame this thread is.. was expecting to come in here and see lots of Cat gifs... I agree with what a lot of people on here have said if you're going to frame it you should just prepare yourself for the fact that it could be damaged and isn't ultimately a good idea to do to a record that you want to listen to.. with that said if that's what you want to do with it then go for it.. do what makes you happy.

[cfrancese5]

I bought my favourite album twice so I had one to listen to and one to get framed.

 

http://instagram.com/p/l8Oct2pXVz/?modal=true

 

I've never understood people who frame the cover without displaying the record though. Might as well of printed off the record sleeve and kept the actual one in your collection to enjoy.

 

 

this looks beautiful.

[+hecollec+or]

Really surprised how tame this thread is.. was expecting to come in here and see lots of Cat gifs... I agree with what a lot of people on here have said if you're going to frame it you should just prepare yourself for the fact that it could be damaged and isn't ultimately a good idea to do to a record that you want to listen to.. with that said if that's what you want to do with it then go for it.. do what makes you happy.

 

I think people realize that she's being sincere, is new to the scene & genuinely looking for advice/tips in the world of vinyl. If not, she's a helluva of troll (but I dont think thats the case).