Support Mahlstick Buiko
Original Support Mahlstick
A New Tool for Painting and Drawing
The Support Mahlstick is a quick-release, rigid hand support for artists working on canvas, art panels, or other painting surfaces.
The tool self-locks under its own weight on the side edges of the stretcher frame, at any height and at any angle.
A short demonstration of how it works
A traditional mahlstick helps keep the hand from touching the canvas. This mahlstick is designed specifically as a support tool. It is made not only to keep the hand at a distance from the canvas, but also to provide a steady support for the artist’s hand.
This kind of support is especially useful during long working sessions, when painting small details, and in situations where the hand needs extra stability.
It can be helpful for older artists, as well as for anyone who finds it difficult to hold the hand in the air for a long time.
This page briefly explains how to choose the right mahlstick for your task.
This kind of support is especially useful during long working sessions, when painting small details, and in situations where the hand needs extra stability.
It can be helpful for older artists, as well as for anyone who finds it difficult to hold the hand in the air for a long time.
This page briefly explains how to choose the right mahlstick for your task.
Detailed video overview of the Support Mahlstick
The video is in Russian, with high-quality English subtitles available.
The video is in Russian, with high-quality English subtitles available.
How it works
Two side clamps, connected by a rail, are placed on the opposite side edges of a stretcher frame, art panel, or another rigid support.
The clamps are slightly reminiscent of little cranes in shape. This is not a decorative choice. The shape came naturally from the function of the tool.
The geometry of the clamps is designed so that the tool self-locks under its own weight. The more working pressure is applied to the rail, the more firmly the clamps press against the side edges of the support.
To reposition the tool, simply lift the rail upward. At that moment, the wedging action is released, and the support mahlstick can be freely moved to another height, set at a different angle, or removed.
The position of the tool can also be changed by spreading the clamps apart. One clamp can be fixed tightly on the rail, while the other can be adjusted so that it slides easily along the rail. This is done with the rear adjustable tab. In this setup, the clamps can be easily spread apart and moved together, allowing the tool to be quickly repositioned in height, set at a different angle, removed, and installed back onto the stretcher.
Two side clamps, connected by a rail, are placed on the opposite side edges of a stretcher frame, art panel, or another rigid support.
The clamps are slightly reminiscent of little cranes in shape. This is not a decorative choice. The shape came naturally from the function of the tool.
The geometry of the clamps is designed so that the tool self-locks under its own weight. The more working pressure is applied to the rail, the more firmly the clamps press against the side edges of the support.
To reposition the tool, simply lift the rail upward. At that moment, the wedging action is released, and the support mahlstick can be freely moved to another height, set at a different angle, or removed.
The position of the tool can also be changed by spreading the clamps apart. One clamp can be fixed tightly on the rail, while the other can be adjusted so that it slides easily along the rail. This is done with the rear adjustable tab. In this setup, the clamps can be easily spread apart and moved together, allowing the tool to be quickly repositioned in height, set at a different angle, removed, and installed back onto the stretcher.
Thanks to its design, the tool can be set at different angles, including vertically.
In this position, the mahlstick can also work as a guide for the brush, for example when you need to draw a long line with a brush at a specific angle.
In this position, the mahlstick can also work as a guide for the brush, for example when you need to draw a long line with a brush at a specific angle.
Two versions of the side clamps are available.
The Small Support Mahlstick has a grip range of 6 to 25 mm (0.24 to 0.98 in). It is suitable for thin plywood art panels from 6 mm (0.24 in) thick, as well as for most standard stretcher frames with side edges up to 25 mm (0.98 in) thick. The rail length is not fixed and can be chosen to match the size of the work.
The Large version is designed for supports with a side thickness of 15 to 40 mm (0.59 to 1.57 in). It is suitable for more substantial stretcher frames, including gallery stretcher frames, with side edges up to 40 mm (1.57 in) thick.
In the large support mahlstick, the distance from the rail to the surface of the canvas is 1 cm greater than in the small version. It is designed more for a larger, typically male hand.
Important: the size of the support mahlstick should be chosen not by the size of the painting, but by the thickness of the stretcher you usually work with.
Both the small and large versions are suitable for large formats. The working width depends only on the length of the rail.
The Small Support Mahlstick has a grip range of 6 to 25 mm (0.24 to 0.98 in). It is suitable for thin plywood art panels from 6 mm (0.24 in) thick, as well as for most standard stretcher frames with side edges up to 25 mm (0.98 in) thick. The rail length is not fixed and can be chosen to match the size of the work.
The Large version is designed for supports with a side thickness of 15 to 40 mm (0.59 to 1.57 in). It is suitable for more substantial stretcher frames, including gallery stretcher frames, with side edges up to 40 mm (1.57 in) thick.
In the large support mahlstick, the distance from the rail to the surface of the canvas is 1 cm greater than in the small version. It is designed more for a larger, typically male hand.
Important: the size of the support mahlstick should be chosen not by the size of the painting, but by the thickness of the stretcher you usually work with.
Both the small and large versions are suitable for large formats. The working width depends only on the length of the rail.
The working distance from the surface of the painting to the support rail is designed to keep the hand in a comfortable position. On average, it is about 6-9 cm (2.36-3.54 in). When the tool is set at an angle, this distance may become smaller.
The support rail can be any length. It is chosen according to the size of the work. In most cases, it is convenient to use a rail equal to, or slightly longer than, the diagonal of the canvas. This makes the tool comfortable to work with and allows it to be used as a guide for drawing lines with a brush at different angles.
The rail can have different cross-sections: square, round, triangular, or another shape. However, its thickness should not exceed 20 mm (0.79 in).
The support rail can be any length. It is chosen according to the size of the work. In most cases, it is convenient to use a rail equal to, or slightly longer than, the diagonal of the canvas. This makes the tool comfortable to work with and allows it to be used as a guide for drawing lines with a brush at different angles.
The rail can have different cross-sections: square, round, triangular, or another shape. However, its thickness should not exceed 20 mm (0.79 in).
The side clamps have auxiliary holes. They reduce the weight of the part and can also be used to hold or attach small accessories.
A sliding carriage or removable clip can also be mounted on the rail. It can be used to attach a magnifying glass, a small palette, or other auxiliary accessories. This part is currently under development.
The side clamps are made of stainless steel. It is a strong and durable material designed for many years of use. The metal parts are covered by a 15-year warranty.
The metal thickness has been chosen for an optimal balance: the tool is light enough not to overload the stretcher frame or easel, while still being rigid enough to provide proper hand support. The two metal parts weigh about 200 g (7 oz).
The metal surface has a satin finish, so it does not produce strong reflections.
The metal thickness has been chosen for an optimal balance: the tool is light enough not to overload the stretcher frame or easel, while still being rigid enough to provide proper hand support. The two metal parts weigh about 200 g (7 oz).
The metal surface has a satin finish, so it does not produce strong reflections.
The contact edges of the metal grips on the front side of the painting are ground at a 60° angle. So, during normal work without heavy hand pressure, they do not leave marks on the side edges of the stretcher.
For extra protection, you can use the rubber pads included in the set. An even more convenient option is to cover the contact areas on the metal grips with 2–3 layers of narrow masking tape. It holds well, is easy to replace, and softens the contact with the stretcher.
For especially delicate work, you can also glue thin leather pads onto these same areas.
For extra protection, you can use the rubber pads included in the set. An even more convenient option is to cover the contact areas on the metal grips with 2–3 layers of narrow masking tape. It holds well, is easy to replace, and softens the contact with the stretcher.
For especially delicate work, you can also glue thin leather pads onto these same areas.
The shipped set includes only the metal parts of the Support Mahlstick. You can choose either the small or the large set. The price is approximately 85 USD, depending on the current exchange rate. The rail is not included. You choose the rail yourself according to your task and working size.
Prices for tools already include international shipping, logistics, taxes and mediation of the Boosty website. We ship the tools as a gift without an invoice, so you won't have any problems receiving them.
Current prices for all my tools on Boosty https://boosty.to/oleg-buiko (there you can select and pay for the tool)
(If you have made a purchase, please immediately send me a message on the website or by e-mail at 126801@gmail.com and specify your address. The Boosty website does not display the buyer's address)
Support Mahlstick is sold and shipped worldwide.
Postal communication between Russia and most countries of the world is working. The package takes about two weeks
The metal parts of the tool are covered by a 10-year warranty under proper use.
Prices for tools already include international shipping, logistics, taxes and mediation of the Boosty website. We ship the tools as a gift without an invoice, so you won't have any problems receiving them.
Current prices for all my tools on Boosty https://boosty.to/oleg-buiko (there you can select and pay for the tool)
(If you have made a purchase, please immediately send me a message on the website or by e-mail at 126801@gmail.com and specify your address. The Boosty website does not display the buyer's address)
Support Mahlstick is sold and shipped worldwide.
Postal communication between Russia and most countries of the world is working. The package takes about two weeks
The metal parts of the tool are covered by a 10-year warranty under proper use.
Unfortunately, at the moment it is not easy to buy tools directly from Russia. PayPal, Visa and MasterCard do not work for direct payments to Russia, so I sell my tools through Boosty.
Boosty is an established creator platform, similar to Patreon. You can check the official website here: https://boosty.to. Payments are processed through the Boosty platform, according to its own Terms of Service and Payment Terms.
The tool itself is not very expensive, but the final price is significantly increased by international postal shipping from Russia, taxes, Boosty’s 15% platform commission, withdrawal fees, currency conversion fees, and other expenses. That is why buying through Boosty is more expensive, but at the moment it is the only working option for international orders from Russia.
On Boosty, you can pay for the purchase with Visa or MasterCard. The price already includes shipping and all fees.
Delivery to the USA, Europe, and most countries of the world is carried out by Russian Post from Moscow. Usually, the parcel arrives within 12 to 20 days, but in some cases delivery may take longer.
Please note: postal delivery is currently unavailable to the following countries and territories:
Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; Barbados; Belize; Bhutan; Comoros; Curaçao; Dominica; Eswatini; Fiji; Finland; Grenada; Guadeloupe; Guam; Guatemala; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Haiti; Honduras; Kiribati; Lesotho; Libya; Marshall Islands; Federated States of Micronesia; Nauru; New Caledonia; Niue; Palau; State of Palestine; Papua New Guinea; New Zealand; Paraguay; Poland; Saint Barthélemy; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; São Tomé and Príncipe; Solomon Islands; South Sudan; Sudan; Suriname; Syrian Arab Republic; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Trinidad and Tobago; Tuvalu; Ukraine; Vanuatu; Yemen.
If your country is not on this list, shipping from Moscow is currently available.
If you make a purchase, please send me your full postal address right away. Boosty does not automatically send me the buyer’s address. It only notifies me that the payment has been made.
Here is my Boosty link: https://boosty.to/oleg-buiko
Boosty is an established creator platform, similar to Patreon. You can check the official website here: https://boosty.to. Payments are processed through the Boosty platform, according to its own Terms of Service and Payment Terms.
The tool itself is not very expensive, but the final price is significantly increased by international postal shipping from Russia, taxes, Boosty’s 15% platform commission, withdrawal fees, currency conversion fees, and other expenses. That is why buying through Boosty is more expensive, but at the moment it is the only working option for international orders from Russia.
On Boosty, you can pay for the purchase with Visa or MasterCard. The price already includes shipping and all fees.
Delivery to the USA, Europe, and most countries of the world is carried out by Russian Post from Moscow. Usually, the parcel arrives within 12 to 20 days, but in some cases delivery may take longer.
Please note: postal delivery is currently unavailable to the following countries and territories:
Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; Barbados; Belize; Bhutan; Comoros; Curaçao; Dominica; Eswatini; Fiji; Finland; Grenada; Guadeloupe; Guam; Guatemala; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Haiti; Honduras; Kiribati; Lesotho; Libya; Marshall Islands; Federated States of Micronesia; Nauru; New Caledonia; Niue; Palau; State of Palestine; Papua New Guinea; New Zealand; Paraguay; Poland; Saint Barthélemy; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; São Tomé and Príncipe; Solomon Islands; South Sudan; Sudan; Suriname; Syrian Arab Republic; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Trinidad and Tobago; Tuvalu; Ukraine; Vanuatu; Yemen.
If your country is not on this list, shipping from Moscow is currently available.
If you make a purchase, please send me your full postal address right away. Boosty does not automatically send me the buyer’s address. It only notifies me that the payment has been made.
Here is my Boosty link: https://boosty.to/oleg-buiko
Patent pending!
