Why do conservators use suction tables when repairing canvas paintings?

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Inside the ongoing preservation of the Vatican — Art conservation and restoration Learn about the restoration of tiles in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.

Conservators use suction tables and suction plates to perform precise, controlled treatments on canvas paintings. These devices are equipped with perforated surfaces that allow for the application of regulated heat, humidity, and gentle pressure.1

By using a powerful downdraft of air to remove moisture or pull adhesives through the canvas, these tools enable conservators to execute a variety of essential repairs, including:

Structural Repair: Realignment and repair of tears in the canvas.1
Deformation Correction: Reduction of planar deformations in the support.1
Consolidation: Introducing adhesives to reattach paint layers that are flaking, blistering, or scaling (a condition known as cleavage).1

These instruments are favored in modern conservation because they allow for more refined and localized treatments compared to traditional, wholesale lining methods, helping to preserve the integrity of the original artwork.1