What is vinyl?

Vinyl is a synthetic material, usually made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), widely used in the production of phonograph records. But is our beloved "vinyl" actually real vinyl?

In chemical terms, "vinyl" refers to the monomer ethene. However, both older and most modern records are made from the polymer polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This material is commonly found in everyday items such as drainage pipes and inflatable swimming pools.
To make PVC suitable for records, various additives are added, including colorants (since vinyl isn’t naturally black) and plasticizers, which determine its flexibility.

Phonograph records, also known as vinyl records, come in different sizes:

• Singles: 7-inch - approx. 18 cm diameter
• Mini-LPs: 10-inch - approx. 25 cm diameter
• LPs: 12-inch - approx. 30 cm diameter

The music is physically embedded in grooves on the surface of the record. When the needle of a record player follows these grooves, it converts the vibrations into audio signals, which are then amplified.

Vinyl records became a popular music format in the 1940s and are still cherished by collectors and audiophiles for their warm sound quality and nostalgic appeal. Besides their audio quality, vinyl is also valued for the aesthetic appeal of album covers and the ritual of playing music on a turntable.

At Walvis, we offer a wide range of high-quality record outer covers, including many LP en single sleeves that are made of PVC. So, are these vinyl sleeves? The answer is yes! And in both meanings of the term. Looking for vinyl protective sleeves for your vinyl records? At Walvis, you’ll find both modern and classic covers!