From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Rick Kerschner Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 3:09 PM To: AIC Objects Specialty Group Discussion Subject: Re: [OSG-l] question about powder post beetles in large objects
I advise that this conversation be cross posted to the Pest List. Recent discussions on various types of powder post beetles indicate that the wood needs to be at a certain moisture content for the bugs to be attracted to it. Apparently the crates had the appropriate moisture content because they were probably made of new wood that had not been kiln dried. That does not mean that the artifacts have a moisture content that will support infestation. It should be possible to measure a moisture content of the wood in the artifacts and then consult with a pest control expert to see if the artifacts are in danger of infestation. This could be a lot easier than freezing or anoxia and safer for the artifacts. Rick Richard L. Kerschner Director of Preservation and Conservation Shelburne Museum PO Box 10, Route 7 Shelburne, VT 05482 (802) 985-3348 x3361 [email protected] ________________________________ From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Hugh P. Glover Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 1:54 PM To: AIC Objects Specialty Group Discussion Subject: Re: [OSG-l] question about powder post beetles in large objects Another couple of thoughts: The crates could perhaps be treated more aggressively using an oven/kiln or with sprayed applications of borates (Tim-Bor or Bara-Care) if the wood is not painted of varnished. Existing flight holes in the crates can be tagged to enable recognizing new holes, by counting them on each surface, circling them in pencil, spinning a pencil inside them, filling them with wax, etc. I like to fill the holes gererally so vibrations do not cause more frass fall out and set off the alarm bells again. Best, Hugh Glover (WACC) On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 12:53 PM, Arlen Heginbotham <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: Hi Rosa, I'd agree that you should proceed with the assumption that you have an infestation. Unvarnished stretchers sound like a very attractive substrate for the beetles and it would seem very likely that the beetles you've seen have laid eggs on them. If it were me, I think I'd consider a custom-sized marvelseal bag and an anoxia treatment with nitrogen, keeping the overall volume of the bag as small as possible. Eggs are the hardest life stage to kill, so keep the bag warm and go for at least the full two weeks. BTW, the GCI has put a lot of it's publications on line for free, including the classic conservation-oriented volume on anoxia by Selwitz and Maekawa: http://www.getty.edu/conservation/publications/pdf_publications/inertgases.pdf Best, Arlen >>> From: "CPRatt" <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> To: "'AIC Objects Specialty Group Discussion'" <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Date: 2/15/2011 9:38 AM Subject: Re: [OSG-l] question about powder post beetles in large objects Hi Rosa, Several years ago I had to deal with a variety of very large objects from Mongolia that had an infestation of powder post beetles. I have certainly gone down the path of rapid freezing, as well as anoxic environment. Some of the pitfalls I experienced were large scale freezer units in commercial companies may or may not freeze at low enough temperatures to ensure all the life cycles of the beetle are effectively killed. A lot of the companies gave me information suggesting that they did. However, once I entered into further discussions, they came up short. As for anoxic environments, I have had great success with inert gases replacing the oxygen. In New Jersey, you have to be licensed to transport and work with these gases. Since 9/11 it has kind of become a drag. As for oxygen scavenging materials, noting your dimensions that would be financially and physically ridiculous. Not to mention the heat generated from these scavenger systems that is not commonly discussed when purchasing the product. Good luck with your project. Regards, Gary McGowan Cultural Preservation & Restoration ________________________________ From:[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> [mailto:[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>] On Behalf Of rosa lowinger Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 8:25 AM To: Katherine Singley; AIC Objects Specialty Group Discussion Subject: [OSG-l] question about powder post beetles in large objects A client of ours has a large collection of large-scale mostly contemporary works that have been found to have powder post beetles (identified by an entomologist) in crates and packing materials. So far there does not seem to be damage or active beetles in the works themselves but there is great concern about this. The problem here is that the works are very large--oversize paintings with stretchers, sculptures, etc. as large as 10' x 8' and there are many of them. Is there any effective way of mass treating these works? If not, any suggestions would be appreciated. On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 4:02 AM, Katherine Singley <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: Helen- The pads are there on the presstek site, but hunt under "supplies": 4-4931-CS COTTON LITHO PADS 4" X 4" CASE 100 PADS/PACK ABDICK(r) SHOP CLOTHS & COTTON PRODUCTS (20 PKGS / CASE) A Non-woven 100% chemically pure cotton pad, lintless, and so soft they won't scratch the delicate surface of lithographic film. Convenient, economical, and highly absorbent. Units per Carton: 20 20 PACKS 107.16 That's a life-time supply of cloths!! Anyone interested in splitting an order? Kate Singley -----Original Message----- >From: Helen Alten <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> >Sent: Feb 14, 2011 7:39 PM >To: AIC Objects Specialty Group Discussion ><[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> >Subject: Re: [OSG-l] Nevr-Dull > >Dear Brigid, >That url goes to http://www.presstek.com >Do you have an address, phone number and maybe a photo or a little more >information or detailed description of these pads and what they were >made for originally? That might make it possible to find them through >this and other suppliers. (This seems to be a printing product.) >Thanks so much for taking the time to do this. I can't seem to find >them on the presstek site. (It is the end of the day and I am tired, so >that might be affecting my search abilities, too.) They sound very >useful and like something I would like to get for the lab. >Best, >Helen Alten > >On 02/14/2011 12:44 PM, >[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> wrote: >> Meghan - >> >> We buy the pads from ABDick...reorder number 4-4931 Cotton Pads...lint-free >> general purpose pressroom wipes. www.abdick.com<http://www.abdick.com> >> >> Brigid >> >> Brigid Sullivan >> Chief Conservator, Collections Conservation Branch >> NortheastMuseumServicesCenter >> (978) 970-5160 >> FAX (978)970-5121 >> >> >> >> >> >> Meghan Thumm >> Mackey >> <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> >> To >> inceton.edu<http://inceton.edu>> AIC Objects >> Specialty Group >> Sent by: Discussion >> >> osg-l-bounces@coo<[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> >> l.conservation-us cc >> .org >> Subject >> Re: [OSG-l] Nevr-Dull >> 02/11/2011 05:31 >> PM >> >> >> Please respond to >> AIC Objects >> Specialty Group >> Discussion >> <[email protected] >> rvation-us.org<http://rvation-us.org>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> Brigid, >> >> Where do you purchase microlith felted pads? >> >> Meghan >> >> On Fri, Feb 11, 2011 at 3:54 >> PM,<[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >> We actually have used it on extremely disfigured brass and even silver to >> good effect for some time...HOWEVER, we recognize the scratchiness of the >> wadding and pinch off some wadding, wrap it in a soft microlith pad, and >> use that on the surface...AND clear the area after use with a petroleum >> distillate solvent (benzine, Stoddard's solvent, or VM&P Naptha) followed >> by acetone. We then typically wax the object with microcrystalline wax >> buffed to a compact surface so that our park museum technicians can renew >> the protective coating as needed which they really can't do with any >> lacquer application. It seems to have worked well for 20 + years that I >> know of. We have also done microscopic scratch tests on it...negative >> result on specular surfaces when applied through microlith pads. The >> density of the microlith felted pads may remove the danger of migration >> of >> iron oxide particles to the surface of the object. >> >> Brigid >> >> Brigid Sullivan >> Chief Conservator, Collections Conservation Branch >> NortheastMuseumServicesCenter >> (978) 970-5160 >> FAX (978)970-5121 >> >> >> >> >> >> David Harvey com> >> To >> Sent by: AIC Objects Specialty >> Group >> l.conservation-us<[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> >> .org >> cc Subject Nevr-Dull AIC Objects Group >> rvation-us.org<http://rvation-us.org>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> Helen - >> >> The downside to NeverDull is that it contains bits of iron oxide in the >> wadding along with white spirits. So it is only good to use on mild steel >> or steel objects. It can be a bit scratchy on pure soft iron - it can >> scratch or mar a stable patina. Not for use on any other metals as it can >> leave microscopic iron oxide bits in pits and crevice areas that can >> eventually start corrosion. Also bits of the wadding can also catch of >> sharp corners and angles on surfaces. You need to totally clear the >> surface >> with solvent after using it - and it is pretty stinky with solvent so >> you'll need lots of ventilation or a respirator and the proper disposal >> methods too. >> >> Cheers! >> Dave >> >> David Harvey >> >> On Fri, Feb 11, 2011 at 11:26 AM, Helen >> Alten<[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> >> wrote: really wondered if Alten >> [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> >> http://cool.conservation-us.org/mailman/listinfo/osg-l >> _______________________________________________ >> OSG-L mailing list >> [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> >> http://cool.conservation-us.org/mailman/listinfo/osg-l >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> OSG-L mailing list >> [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> >> http://cool.conservation-us.org/mailman/listinfo/osg-l >> _______________________________________________ >> OSG-L mailing list >> [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> >> http://cool.conservation-us.org/mailman/listinfo/osg-l >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> OSG-L mailing list >> [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> >> http://cool.conservation-us.org/mailman/listinfo/osg-l >> > > >-- >Helen I. Alten >Northern StatesConservationCenter >www.collectioncare.org<http://www.collectioncare.org> >www.museumclasses.org<http://www.museumclasses.org> > > >_______________________________________________ >OSG-L mailing list >[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> >http://cool.conservation-us.org/mailman/listinfo/osg-l _______________________________________________ OSG-L mailing list [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> http://cool.conservation-us.org/mailman/listinfo/osg-l -- ROSA LOWINGER & ASSOCIATES Conservation of Sculpture + Architecture Miami * Los Angeles * Honolulu 305.573.7011 323.377.8425 mobile www.rosalowinger.com<http://www.rosalowinger.com> _______________________________________________ OSG-L mailing list [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> http://cool.conservation-us.org/mailman/listinfo/osg-l
_______________________________________________ OSG-L mailing list [email protected] http://cool.conservation-us.org/mailman/listinfo/osg-l
