New approaches to an old problem: Precision mild heat transfer method or nuanced treatment of contemporary and modern art works

When treating sensitive modern and contemporary artwork materials, the degree of accuracy and the steadiness of heat transfer are essential in achieving the effective and safe consolidation of the paint, treating planar deformations and cupped cracks, and in the use of lining, enzymatic cleaning and other treatments. Most of the various heating instruments commonly employed today were developed for non-conservation uses and, lamentably, lack precise controls and an even heat distribution. These deficits limit the utility of these instruments and the degree of conservation success. This paper describes an innovation in both the design and methodology of heat transfer, using both flexible mats and e-textile mats made with nanomaterials. Both result in highly accurate and steady mild heat transfer. Flexible mild heating mats have been applied in a series of treatments since 2003. Multiple advances have since been made in their design and the protocols have been refined. Recent developments in nanomaterials have radically expanded the technical capabilities of heated mats, resulting in safer and more nuanced treatments.