The invention relates to a device (1) for applying at least one layer of an insulating varnish to an electrically conductive element (2) that is embodied as a wound wire. The device (1) is equipped with an insulating varnish shaft (3) through which the element (2) is conveyed with the aid of a conveying means (4). The insulating varnish shaft (3) is provided with a varnish application unit (5) on the inlet side which is connected to a receptacle (6) for insulating varnish. The thermal energy required for baking the insulating varnish is generated by a central heating apparatus (7), the hot air being directed through the insulating varnish shaft counter to the direction of travel (9) of the element (2) by means of a fan (8) while being guided in a circuit. In order to simplify coating of the element (2) with an insulating varnish and an enamel, the inventive device (1) is also equipped with an enamel shaft (11) which is arranged parallel to the insulating varnish shaft (3) and to which a partial flow of the hot air can be fed by means of a distributor (12) as required. The temperature difference required between the insulating varnish shaft (3) and the enamel shaft (11) is ensured using a reduced partial flow of the hot air, which is adjusted with the aid of the distributor (12).