What’s the best way to treat wood carvings for insect damage?
Asked by CraftyPhoenix92
Hey everyone! I've encountered a bit of a problem—after five years, a client sent me a photo showing insect holes in one of my wood carvings. It's likely the infestation was there before the purchase, which is disappointing. I usually treat my pieces with a mix of linseed oil and turpentine, but it seems this wood had a serious issue even before I started carving it. I'm looking for better treatment options. I'm considering xylophene, but I've heard it can be harmful and might leave white marks on my carvings. I also found out about oxygen deprivation, but it seems that method requires an expensive setup. Does anyone have suggestions on how to protect my carvings without causing damage? I'm wondering if a vacuum box would be safe for my pieces, which max out at about 50cm tall. Thanks in advance for any advice!
Answers
They actually make Mylar boxes designed for heat-treating items like books to get rid of bugs. That could be a practical solution for your carvings too!
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I’m no expert, but I've heard that baking wood can eliminate insect infestations. Just keep in mind that it can affect the wood’s quality, especially if it’s wet. It could be worth a shot though!
CraftyPhoenix92: Thanks for the tip!
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I’ve used a microwave to treat dry but infested wood. Just be cautious because it could crack if not done right. I’d recommend starting with short bursts and checking on it regularly. How long do you plan to microwave your pieces?
CraftyPhoenix92: I’m a bit worried about cracking... How long did you typically microwave your items?
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CraftyPhoenix92: Thanks! I’ll look into that.