A method for heating a substrate between a first process and a second process using a plasma is described. The heating method comprises thermally isolating the substrate on the substrate holder by removing the backside supply of a heat transfer gas and removing the clamping force. Furthermore, an inert gas, such as a Noble gas, is introduced to the plasma processing system and a plasma is ignited. The substrate is exposed to the inert plasma for a period of time sufficient to elevate the temperature of the substrate from a first temperature (i.e., typically less than 100° C.) to a second temperature (i.e., typically of order 400° C.).