As part of the solution is anchored to the surface, this facilitates stretching of the thread as it forms. With a liquid thread running from the surface to the end of the dispensing tip, the thread is then bridged/stretched across a gap. Once bridged, if the tip is simply pulled away, the thread acts as a rope and will be pulled away from the gap. Thus, the dispensing tip must be touched onto the surface of the beaker to 'end' the thread as shown in Figure . The threads can be left uncovered in the open-air to dry overnight. Alternatively, 12M HCl can be added to the bottom of the beaker, where the acidic vapour gels the threads.