New approaches to an old problem: A precision mild heat transfer method for nuanced treatment of sensitive contemporary and modern artworks

When treating sensitive modern and contemporary artwork materials, the degree of accuracy and the steadiness of heat transfer are essential in achieving effective and safe consolidation of paint, treating planar deformations, cupped cracks, 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 regulation and even heat distribution across the surface, which limits the approaches and degree of success of conservators in their practice. This paper describes an innovation in both design and methodology – flexible mats and e-textile mats made with nanomaterials for highly accurate and steady mild heat transfer. Flexible heating mats have been applied in a series of treatments since 2003. Multiple advances to their design have been made and protocols refined. Recent developments in nanomaterial heated mats have radically expanded their technical capabilities, resulting in safer and more nuanced treatments.