A new method for treating the typically fragile and brittle water damage flaking of canvas paintings, locally, and without removal from the stretcher is outlined. There follows a discussion of the theoretical aspects of the interaction of moisture during treatment with each layer of the painting structure. The treatment strategy is derived from these considerations. The method works primarily by creating a moisture content gradient which is higher in the paint layer and lower in the underlying canvas. The technique has broader implications for moisture-based treatments.