I used a manual not digital caliper to measure the Julie London LP against a typical one in my collection - same thickness.
I measured my old Dual rubber mat against the heavier Pioneer linear tonearm mat, the lighter Dual mat is a good 1mm thinner so I tried it just now in an attempt to play with VTA.
I also brushed the record both sides while grounding my body to it by holding it like a pizza tray in conjunction with a Hunt carbon fiber brush.
Either I'm now used to the surface noise on this LP or it is actually a lot less annoying now.
I can truly focus on the vocals without it being work.
When I close my eyes a pure phantom center is there with minor ticks R&L that no longer compromise the performance to a level of distraction.
Very far from perfect, but no longer makes me cringe or get upset.
Considering what I'm working with perhaps getting a better copy in good condition would be the best solution.
She has an outer and inner liner now, that is the least I can do.
I'm told finding one in good condition is rather difficult from a fellow that uses "Julie is her name" as his avatar at AK.
This cleaning episode brings up an interesting question.
Is it best to play an LP fresh off the RCM, or wait a time 24-48 hours?
Roberto once said in the Martin Logan section that an LP should not be played again for another 48 hours I think it was to allow it to cool down.
Should a freshly cleaned Record also be allowed to rest for a couple of days before playing?
And if friction causes static, and there is friction in cleaning, then discharging said static must be done prior to playing, right?
What's the best way to do that?
EDIT:
Cleaned the LP again, this time 8-10 minutes each side. Plus two distilled water rinses sucked off with RCM.
The rinse is noticeable, takes any remnants of a cloudy haze away (visual/shinny).
I then pumped/waved/fanned record in front of our Ionic Breeze by Sharper Image (Quadra) to maybe remove static built up during cleaning.
I can still hear lots of noise, but the amount of musical information has bloomed like spring.
EDIT-2:
The second LP that received similar cleaning is a used Original Master Recording of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon.
In a word - Wow!
It was all worth it, and then some.