I'm having a custom paddle made but will finish it myself. I want it to be a little different and definitely cool looking.

One idea is to paint it red. More like an aged look where there is red with black streaks. (Don't know how to describe it but I've seen painting done this way). Or maybe there is a nice finish?

If I do paint it, it might be a good idea to make the hand part a little less slippery than paint would provide.

Thanks for any ideas!