Last night we painted one side of the Duck in its first coat of Craftmaster Union Blue. It is beautiful. Such a rich indigo. And it's shiny. Even on our battered boat, we can see our reflections in it (although they are quite hazy!)
Now, I am beginning to think about signwriting! Exciting. Although I have one question, which I hope someone can answer: What is the point of a mahl stick and how does one use it?
It's for straight lines, I think- the padded end doesn't rub the paint, and you use it to guide the paintbrush-holding hand.
ReplyDeleteDIdn't you read "Signwriter's Art"? :P
That still deson't help! I don't understand how its held, despite seeing pictures. Perhaps there's a video on youtube...
ReplyDeletehttp://vimeo.com/12680714
ReplyDeleteAha! But isn't that what tape's for?
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2010/02/more_on_signwriting.html
ReplyDeleteWow, this is amazing... I think I get it now. Its all about steadying the hand.
The point of a mahl stick is covered with cloth so it doesn't scratch the paintwork when you rest it against the side of the boat. It provides a support for your wrist so your paint strokes can be steadier than without it.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it so that you've got something to rest your wrist on, to keep a steady hand, whilst remaining at a good distance for wielding the brush? Post on CWF and Dave Moore will tell you. Or PM him.
ReplyDeleteA mahl stick, as far as I know, keeps your hand steady - and away from the previous wet paint. I'm sure someone who has used one will come up with the definitive answer!
ReplyDeleteIt's for beating about the head of the person that says,"You spelt that wrong".
ReplyDeleteMy father was a sign writer, and he explained it to me when I was a kid. My memory is a bit fuzzy on it now, but, it is used to hold your brush hand steady. Also sign writers used to rest the tin of paint on top of the hand that held the malh stick. That way they could be at the top of a ladder sign writing and have all of their equipment on hand and useable.
ReplyDelete