I turn the cob to the point I would put the ca on. Take a folded paper towel and put a couple drops of the dye (I use alumilite dyes as I already own them for casting). Turn lathe on med speed(whatever that may be) With lathe on I apply the dye to the blank with moderate pressure. As soon as I see the blank to the desired color density I hang it on a wire for a minimum of 24 hours. At that pint I put the CA finish on by my usual method. This may not be the right or only way but it is my way and works for me.
