Textiles

[City Framers]

Does anyone know a proper way to "bug-proof" a hand-loomed rug? My customer asked me if I would do a treatment for this when I open his old frame to reframe this rug. He said the person who sold it to him told him to freeze it for 24 hours(every once in a while, to kill any moth eggs and such), or to spray it with an inhibitor ( bug spray?). I said I probably wouldn't do anything without consulting someone, maybe a conservator. Any thoughts or comments would be welcome.

[JFeig]

Welcome to the Grumble.

Is your question how to prevent bugs or how to get rid of bugs?

Your comments on freezing the item and or spraying should kill that is already there. I would not use a chemical on any textile without first testing the product for staining, color change or lingering materials that might change in the future. Vacumn will also remove bugs and eggs.

For the prevention of bugs most chemicals will leave materials that will change in the future and probally damage the textile in the long run. I would advise periodic inspection of the textile and not much more.

Any additional comments from our conservators?

[HannaFate]

A good solid freeze will kill bugs, and not harm the rug. You can also discourage insect invasion by placing a little bag of silica gel in the package, and sealing it well.

[JPete]

That is exactly what they do. Using a low suction vacumm and then freeze. I do believe there was a forum about this and I think freezing and thawing and freezing again and so On. I will see if I can find that post and put it up for you. I don't know anthing about the spray. Read this thread http://thegrumble.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=001024

[ 09-09-2003, 10:53 PM: Message edited by: JPete ]

[Kit]

I saw an interesting product in Atlanta - it's a dessicant disc made by Lineco and designed to be fit into the back of the framing package. It's effective over about a four sqare foot area and lasts 2-3 years.

Kit