The 11" Fotospeed Coating Rod is for the application of photographic sensitizers and emulsions to flat surfaces, for coating paper with alternative process solutions in photography. It features 10mm acrylic tubing and has handles that you can hold while coating. The 11" size of the rod refers to the straight-line portion for coating. The straight-line portion is within exacting tolerances to ensure that sensitizers are being coated evenly. The paper that you're coating onto should be laid on a piece of glass to ensure that the surface is smooth.