I use the white fabric adhesive tape like in the medical section of the store 1/2" wide. I try to keep the tape with a 1/2" space in between the tape as I twist the ramrod and apply the tape. Then I take a torch, propane is okay. I proceed to slightly charr the exposed area as I twist the ramrod. The tape with slightly charr and maybe burn alittle, and shrink. Remove the tape, if you so desire, you can remove the adhesive from the tape that stuck to the ramrod with solvent Then I sand the entire ramrod down with 220 paper, then 400 paper. I wipe the ramrod down with a rag, then apply the desired color stain, then when dry, the finish 2 coats. Sanding the ramrod after you've charred it evens everything out. Hope this helped... Geo.