Paint color for wood handles on tools

Hi BarrettDuke.

I like Model Master wood thinned down a bit myself, choices and mixes are endless, just ned to find one that appeals to you. Dark wash, pastel or even a pencil should get the grain showing up. I'm sure many more ideas and techniques will follow.

Cheers from Mick.

I paint mine with Tamiya buff or sometimes sand, XF-59. Once that's dried I go over it with Raw Umber oil paint. I leave it for a while, but not long enough for it to completely dry, and go over the oil with a brush removing little bits here and there.

I typically use MM enamel or Vallejo "Old Wood" or something like that as a base color. Then, I mutilate it with oil washes, colored pencils, dry-brushing, etc.  

I also like Modelmaster Wood with a brown wash,for a little lighter I have used Vallejo Wood

All of the above are good ideas and methods.

Also give a thought to the time frame of your model Is it fresh out of the factory?  Just been on a road trip over: muddy,dusty, wet, dirt,grass, forest? all would have an effect on the handles.

The age of the tool  brand new; well used; through a battle? will be a factor.

All this is to say that a combination of colors can be used to represent the handles. some quite light (ie new) vs very old/used (darker/stained??) 

Regardless you can't go very wrong.  If you need some ideas look at the tool section of a hardware store, tools you or a neighbor  may have in the  garage; look at the ones on the back of yard maintenance trucks

Have Fun!

I use Tamiya's Desert Yellow for the base wood color.

Thanks, everyone for all these great suggestions and specific paint mentions. I have several good sounding ways to proceed.