I apply all my finishes to turned items while they are still on the lathe.
I stop the lathe, apply the finish with a rag, paper towel or whatever, let
it stand for a short time, depending on the finish, then turn the lathe back
on and buff with a dry etc. HOWEVER, before you buff, be sure the lathe
bed, lathe table and any nearby wall are protected, and stand to one side
when the lathe starts. I use saran wrap for protection but that is just
because we always seem to have a lot in the kitchen. Mongoose hide would
probably work just as well.

Bob Moody