Abstract: A method of coating a machined surface of a plastic optical element includes providing a holder having a rotational axis therethrough for receiving the optical element such that the machined surface is openly receptive to the coating material. The optical element is positioned within the holder. The machined surface is then wetted with the coating material and the holder is spun about an axis to form a nonconformal coating material surface on the machined surface. The nonconformal coating material surface on the machined surface is then cured. The machined surface is an optical asphere. An apparatus for coating a machined surface of an optical element with a coating material includes a holding member having an axis therethrough and a cavity portion for accepting the optical element therein. The holding member has its weight substantially equally distributed about the axis after the element is inserted in the cavity.