Go to your favorite fishing store that carries rod tying equiptment. Get some varnish for the rod windings. I use steel wool to sand down the old varnish and re-apply new. Sometimes it takes a couple of sandings and re-application to get the finish I want. After it drys, there is a spay on lacquer, for fishing rods, that I spray over the rod. Spray light coats only. If handle is permanetly attached I would cover the handle with a plastic bag and tape it off. When spaying, and drying, I have a piece of fishing line attached to my basement's unfinished ceiling. I put an old fish hook on the end of the line and slip it through an eyelet on the rod. Makes for easier spraying and a good way to hang the rod to dry. Make sure where you're working has plenty of ventilation