Joe, depending on how fast you use up the DN, most guys now go with the "tap the can" method of dispensing it and storing it. That's the only way to avoid having it harden in the container over several months. If you use this method, you dispense only what you need for a task. For most guys, that means brushing the DN on instead of dipping. You can't put it back in the can after dipping lures in it, so dipping wastes lots of expensive topcoat - but it's player's choice. After application of the DN, you want to hang the object up to drip off any excess finish. That avoids having the DN wrinkle paint. Do not use a lure turner as it will prevent excess from dripping off the lure and will often cause the DN to pool somewhere on the lure and cause the paint to wrinkle! Brush it on fast and heavy, then just hang it up. Ready to fish in about 36-48 hours. The solvent evaporates pretty fast off the DN but then the moisture cure process starts, which takes several days to complete itself. Before then, it is dry and slick but it still pretty fragile.