Silk-Painting Frames, Pins and Hooks.

Today we will look closer on ways to attach the silk to the frame.
As people say "one picture is worth 1000 words" below are detail pictures of two most common methods of attaching silk to a stretching/painting frame.

Above - 3-point pins on adjustable ONE level stretching frame.

Above: example of 3-points with the tool for removal.

Above: detail picture of 3-point pins on one-level, adjustable professional stretching frame (with knobs)

Above: detail of the submersible hooks, here on TWO-level stretching frame. The hooks have rubber elastic attached which regulates the pressure and adjusts without the need of adjusting the frame.

Above: Scarf stretched with submersible hooks (three-prongs in this case/ there are also new 2-prong hooks)

Three-point pins.

Pros:

• easy use
• safe to handle
• less expensive than the hooks
• tool for removing the pins is in the package

  Cons:

• the silk under the pin is not accessible for painting
• not suitable if you have many frames to pin (your thumb will feel the work/ you'll need a supporting tool )

Submersible hooks

Pros:

• easy to unhook and hook
• no frame-adjustment necessary as the stretching pressure of the rubber elastic adjusts itself, keeping the silk stretched 
• long lasting use

Cons:

• stretching the silk with hooks requires more finesse than the use of the pins (after few time you have your skill)
• more expensive than the pins

Still more options:

very easy is the use of special short sawing pins and push-pins which are inexpensive options. The use of sawing pins is less safe as the pin-head can break under your finger and cause injuries. The push pins are better in this regard, but the pin is somewhat thicker and your thumb will suffer as well.

The choice will depend on:

• your personal preference
• skill level (beginners are comfortable with the 3-point pins which are also safe to handle). 
• work you are doing (volumes and sizes)

Have a wonderful Tuesday:)