Making wood finishes for ammo boxes and cleaning rods and stuff...

Ok, This may sound like a lot of extra work but the results are worth it and looks are very real. I learned this method by accident when I was scratchbuilding model railroad structures. Now keep in mind this is working with plastic. First I take a modelers saw (xacto) and scrape the surface. This puts a "grain" on the surface. Second, I paint the object with a wood color paint, doesn't really matter what brand or if it's acrylic or enamel. Once that's dried I'll paint it again using real wood stain, any color you desire, that's used to refinish furniture. It may pool up in areas, if it does just dab those spots or you can leave them be. This has to dry for at least a day, maybe more. You'll think it'll never dry but it will, just give it time. Once all that's been done then give it a wash of some sort, thined black paint or dark seinna artist oil, whatever you normally use to weather things. The wash brings out the grainy affect and along with using wood stain really makes it look like the real thing, very authenic. Hope this helps.

Hud

There was an article in FSM about real wood finishes that I have used.  Paint the "wood" dark brown then brush in small "streaks" with a light wood color.  Then dry brush and wash.  I think it looks quite nice.

Grizz