Apparatus and methods for coating elongated medical devices, such as guidewires and catheters, incorporating infrared (IR) heating tools for curing the coating while the medical devices are still in place on the coating apparatus. Coating and curing may be accomplished evenly in a dipping machine by utilizing IR heaters having heating heads with openings, the heating heads being mounted for the extension of such elongated medical devices through their openings so that the heating heads are in generally surrounding juxtaposition to the elongated medical devices. The voltage supply to the IR heaters may be selectively adjusted so as to match the wavelength of the generated IR heat to the energy absorbing capability of the particular coating solution being utilized for proper timed absorption of the infrared energy.