Dan Koretz wrote:
Brian's suggestion of clear-coat sounds promising, although if you try
that, you might want to rough up the surface a little after it cures. A
really smooth surface, once wet, won't give you optimum control.

Good point. After a couple of coats of clear, a light wet sanding with
the same 400 grit used on the shaft should do the trick, though I would
probably use 600 or 800 grit given the choice.