I probably dip finish 90% of all my pens in lacquer. I have been using PSI's dip finish, but not following their directions.
I "thin" my mixture by about 50% with a automotive lacquer thinner as I think the original is way too thick and tends to leave the dreaded ring. I just use a copper wire to hang my barrels to dry. When I recoat, I flip the barrel over and hang it from the other direction to prevent a buildup. One other note...immediately after dipping, I "helecopter" the barrel around to remove the excess lacquer (I do this in an area where lacquer on the floor/ceiling/walls is no big deal). The time required for this finish is very little as they are dry within 20 minutes. I get a fantastic finish (that lasts a long time) nearly perfect every time. If you do muff it up, just put it back on the mandrel, resand and do it again.
Wood type determines how many times you want to dip. Some woods need only a coat or two. Others you might want to dip a bunch of times.
All that being said, the undercoat of CA I have found to be the most important. I thoroughly soak the wood with CA and let it dry before I do my final sandings and then resand back down to the wood. This finish is basically a CA base with a lacquer finish.
