An apparatus for coating a stent can comprises a support element, spray nozzle, and a shuttle sheath. A method of coating a stent comprises contacting a first axial portion of a stent with the support element, such that a second axial portion does not contact the support element or any other support element, applying a coating material to the second axial portion, and inhibiting or preventing application of the coating material on the first axial portion. The shuttle sheath can be used to push the stent off the support element.
