Sand Griptilian scale question

[jec88]

I have a question about the sand/tan colored grip scales. I've seen some where they fade or wear and have black underneath. Digging around on the net I came across an old discussion where at some point, the sand grip scales were painted or coated on in the past and dark underneath. From what I found, the newer sand scales are solid through?? Not painted or coated(for lack of better words.)
Does anyone know for certain if the new sand scales are solid tan all the way through or coated?
Asking because I like the way they sand scales show wear after time and I was thinking about getting one in sand, but if they are solid all the way through, I'll either pass or try to pick up an older model.
Thanks in advance.

 

[338375]

The color is mixed into the "plastic" scale material on all the colors now. The old knives were painted, and the finish would wear off showing the black underneath it...

 

[Nbrackett]

It definitely gives the knife more character.

 

[338375]

It's fairly easy to tell if the knife is an older version with painted scales, especially on the sand color because it was very common for them to have
darker and lighter spots in the coloring. I actually like the look of them. The new versions are very even coloring.