HOW TO Make a warped record flat again No doubt you’ve got a few vinyls that are at least a little bit out of shape. Fear not, however, as this handy guide will help you turn those bowl-like records into the once flat incarnations they once were. Assess the severity of the damage. No record is going to be 100% flat, so if it only has slight kinks around the edges then you will most likely be able to bend it back into shape with your own hands. Warm it up a little by putting it under a duvet for a few minutes, and then just flex it back to as flat a shape as possible. Don’t overdo it though, as vinyls are disturbingly easy to snap. If you record is ‘bowled’ and it’s obvious that you’re not going to be able to bend it back into shape, the only tried and tested way to fix it (that will actually work) is as follows: Make sure it’s a fairly sunny day and take the two dust-covers from your decks and go outside with your record. Place one of the dust-covers the right way up somewhere in the sun, then put the record on the dust cover and complete the sandwich by placing the other dust-cover upside down on top. All you have to do now is wait a little while until the record warms and flattens out. You may need to add a little pressure to the corner of the dust-cover, so take out a few mugs with you as well. Be careful not to leave the record in the sun for too long or it will melt, which you don’t want. Finally, take your record and let it cool off in the fridge et voila. One newly flat, playable record. Home > Features > ^top