A process and apparatus for applying a needle lubricant to a syringe. The interface forces between the needle lubricant and the syringe at the tip of the needle are balanced by optimizing the flow rate of a positively pressurized gas that is delivered to the syringe. Such optimization prevents the formation of bubbles in the needle lubricant that is applied to the syringe, thereby providing a confluent, uniform and smooth lubricant coating on the exterior wall of the needle and prevents lubricant from contaminating inner portions of the syringe. The smooth and uniform lubricant coating may minimize dilation and glide forces and pain associated with the insertion of the needle into a patient's tissue. Additionally, a gas pulse may blow off the droplet of needle lubricant from the tip of the needle to further minimize dilation forces and associated patient pain.