Not a good idea to put a lot of paper towels on it, that can also make it overheat, and possibly catch on fire..just get a rheostat, thermostat, or something. If you have a rheostat then also get an infared heat gun so you can spot check the hot spot and adjust it accordingly
Yes i am picking up rheostat tomorrow. What do you suggest instead of paper towel? I don't want aspen, because I heard of a snake that went blind because aspen got in his eye...