Paintings in the packtite? « Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums

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Paintings in the packtite?

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Rhianne10

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Posted 1 year ago
Mon Jul 4 2011 12:59:18
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Hi - I'm wondering if it's safe to put oil paintings and photographs that are in wood and metal frames in the packtite. They can't be taken out without ruining the frame job, which I would like to avoid. Thanks in advance for your help!
Nobugsonme

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Posted 1 year ago
Mon Jul 4 2011 19:42:13
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I don't actually know but it seems like it might be damaging.
bbgirl

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Posted 1 year ago
Mon Jul 4 2011 20:42:09
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If you are having your home treated your PCO might lightly spray the wall behind the painting - that way if they are infested the bugs would have to cross poison to come out to feed. If there are no signs of infestation though - fecal tracings the paintings may be clear. You should ask your PCO perhaps they can treat the frames as well
uberpiano

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Posted 1 year ago
Tue Jul 5 2011 21:35:27
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I've been wondering about this too. I had one of my watercolor/pastel paintings professionally framed a couple years ago, and since it's been hanging in my bedroom (and I noticed a nymph sitting on the frame itself), I have to treat it somehow-- it was no small expense getting that framed. I think it will fit in my PackTite, so I'm going to give it a shot soon. I'll let you know how it goes, although oils might react differently to the heat (cracking maybe?). I've read elsewhere on the forums that people have put photographs and photo albums in the PackTite with no adverse side effects. If the paintings and photos are extremely precious and you can't chance damaging them, I might explore alternative options. Perhaps Nuvan strips? I have no experience with them but others have posted copiously on the topic. Your PCO might also have suggestions.
flippingoutalittle

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Posted 1 year ago
Fri Jul 8 2011 5:46:26
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I tried getting an answer to this awhile ago to no avail.
I wouldn't risk the photographs. I wouldn't really risk the oil, either; best case scenario is that you'll just cause the pigments to degrade a tiny bit faster (which may not be noticeable for years), like any exposure to heat would, but that's still damaging. I don't know the worst case scenario.
Rhianne10

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Posted 1 year ago
Fri Jul 8 2011 10:21:56
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ugh, this is so frustrating. i was trying to avoid using the pest strips but it sounds like that's the only truly safe way to go for the paintings and photos (unless there's something i don't know, which is likely?). living with bare walls for however many months is going to make this even more depressing than it already is.
Rhianne10

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Posted 1 year ago
Tue Jul 12 2011 10:10:28
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Update: I ran a bunch of framed photos and paintings through the packtite and they appear to have come out ok. Didn't do the ones that aren't in a glass frame yet, but might try. What a wonderful invention the packtite is, don't know what I would do without it!