As wood, I only use "high-end" quality red cedar. I then apply two coat of epoxy to make them waterproof.
They are then paint either conventionaly or personalized to your choice. For finish I apply two more coat of epoxy.
I use a fabrication method call " thrue wires " by using a armature thread of inoxydable steel caliber 0,061, Wolverine split rings and Eagle Claw 4X hooks