picked up on a recent excursion -  not sure why it had the paint on it.

I've had an occasion to use a few Barcalo's like that and liked them more than I thought I would.

Hello, p_toad. I have picked up several tools with plenty of paint that seemed intentional. Could have been a company marking, or to differentiate between departments within a factory. I have also seen where certain wrenches that went with specific tools were painted a certain color, and the corresponding tool had a spot of the same color. Regards, Lou

Likely at a shop to identify personal tools.  Better than engraved initials.  And lots faster.