Vinyl scuffs and scratches

So I noticed the other day on one of my records that if I hold it directly under light there was a load of visible swirly scuffs and hairline scratches which was quite annoying as it was relatively new. So I then started going through nearly every one in my collection and have noticed quite a few have them. I’ve spent the last 2 days playing them all through and none actually skip bar one. I’m just wondering what could be the cause of this? I’m thinking maybe I’ve been applying a little too much pressure when using the microfibre brush so I’ve relegated that to the bottom of a drawer far away. But other than that I can’t really think how I’ve done this anyone got any ideas? Paper sleeves?

Yes definitely paper sleeves have a lot to do with it, particularly if the record is really tight when you first pull it out of the sleeve. That and poor quality control at the pressing plant if they’re not handling them properly.

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i could be wrong about this, but i think of most of those visible, hairline/swirly superficial scuffs as affecting the flat part of the vinyl, and not (usually) in the grooves themselves. and for that reason, i don’t worry about it too much, because it’s visible but doesn’t (necessarily) affect play.

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I buy poly lined paper sleeves. I don’t know if they prevent scuffs but they are a better option than a rough cardboard inner. I haven’t sourced a decent generic cardboard sleeve which takes a paper sleeve well but they will be out there.

I tend to store open end upwards (as a bad DJ habit) this is likely to have dirt drop down inside.

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I use these for rare records but keep the original inners aswell. They’re silky smooth inside and anti static too.

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Nothing looks its best under a bright light.

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i’ve had a few recent arrivals (usually Japanese pressings), where they have used these sleeves and the records always slide out nice and hassle free.

would love to buy enough to upgrade the majority of the collection, but couldn’t afford to spend 5 bags on inner sleeves, and it would probably need to be a job for retirement, which is at least 20 years off yet
sob