Abstract: A method for dip coating the exterior surface of a hollow substrate having an open first end and an open second end, the method including: (a) inserting a chuck assembly through the open first end into the substrate interior, wherein the chuck assembly includes a head section and a polymeric member and defines a space that communicates with the substrate interior but is otherwise enclosed, wherein the space is located in the head section; (b) holding the substrate with the chuck assembly wherein the polymeric member forms a hermetic seal with the substrate; (c) contacting the substrate with a coating solution, starting from the second end, while the chuck assembly holds the substrate and the hermetic seal is maintained between the polymeric member and the substrate, wherein there is a closed area into which vapor from the coating solution can flow and the closed area is defined by the space of the chuck assembly and the substrate interior; and (d) separating the substrate and the coating solution to leave a