Hint for a good finish: warm the part. A hair dryer works perfectly for this. An oven is a bit of overkill.
You want it warm enough to promote good flow, but not so much so that it flashes off the thinners. If you can comfortably hold it in your hand, it's okay. Any warmer, let it cool for a bit. This helps the laquer to settle better, giving a more uniform finish. I've used this to coat polished brass parts (a door knocker) and it has held up to the weather for several years, looking as good as new.
Also, be sure to cover the entire part. If you leave the back exposed, the oxidation will work it's way under the finish. You need to seal it off from the air to maintain the finish.