Re: [ARSCLIST] Audiodisc acetates with the while filmy surface

[Richard Warren <richard.warren@xxxxxxxx>]

Hi Tom,

The whitish substance is a product of chemical deterioration. My 
experience suggests

1) Try playing discs as they are -- sometimes the goo doesn't sound 
(though it may clog the stylus and cause mis-tracking, in which case 
you can play each side in segments). You can try playing the discs 
wet, too, though usually the goo prevents this method from doing any 
good. ALWAYS copy the discs this way first, before any cleaning, in 
case the lacquer is decayed enough to be ready to fall off the base.

2) The goo is difficult to remove. I've had best results using Lane 
Audio's fluid with a painting pad to apply, as they suggest. This 
method may take repeated soakings and cleanings (scrubbings) in 
order  to work. The results can be variable, depending on the degree 
of degradation and can, alas, take the lacquer off the base, hence 
the warning to copy before cleaning.

Good luck, Richard

.At 10:55 PM 3/24/2008, you wrote:
> Is there any treatment that I can do to some AudioDisc acetates that 
> have a milky white coating on the surface? Is it OK to use a 
> non-alcohol cleaning solution or simple diluted ivory and a sponge? 
> Will playing the disks with the substance on them ruin them? This 
> batch appears to be wide-groove, probably 78RPM, do not know much 
> else about them. They would date from the mid-50's.
>
> -- Tom Fine