The protective plastic on record blanks often leaves a residue on the record blank, it's near imperceivable by touch, but there are some precautions you can take to remove it, and in effect reduce the surface noise on your embossed record.

Pre-Embossing Surface Preparation

Proper surface preparation means less surface noise on your embossed record. Over time, I've tested numerous cleaning methods, including Turtle Wax, lighter fluid, brake cleaner, vaseline, and various other compounds. While many of these showed initial promise, most ended up leaving a residue on the disc, which would end up in the grooves, or in the record sleeve.

Recommended Cleaning Solution

  • 53% Distilled water
  • 13% Vinegar
  • 33% Isopropyl alcohol

While other mixtures can work, I found them expensive, and difficult to clean up. This combination seems to provide all the benefits of harsher fluids, without the health risks or cleanup. I like to apply it with a melamine sponge (Magic Eraser or equivalent) - the micro-abrasive action is particularly effective at removing leftover adhesive and it doesn't leave fibres on the blank to get stuck to your embossing stylus.

I like to wipe the blanks down as they spin on the turntable. The blank shouldn't be dry - a slight moisture film on the blank can be beneficial - I've noticed a drier blank can introduce noise, particularly squeaks or squawks. This is most likely a sign of a bigger problem, however, if you encounter squeaks or squawks during cutting, sometimes a quick spray of this solution can solve it.

Post-Embossing Surface Cleaning

After embossing, the record will likely need a final clean to remove water spotting. It doesn't hurt to wipe the embossed blank with this solution and a microfibre cloth without a pile. This ensures your record is looking good, and is definitely dust free.

Post-Embossing Cleaning Solution

  • 60% Isopropyl alcohol
  • 40% Distilled water

Apply this mixture to the embossed record and wipe it with a microfibre cloth that has no tuff or fibres. This final cleaning step is crucial - ensuring no fibres are left in the grooves means the record should track without issues.