Old 870 makeover...
#3
#6
The pattern is printed onto a dehydrated film. The ink used is more or less a paint all by itself. The film is laid into a clean temperature controlled tank of water for about a minute so it can hydrate.
Then a chemical activator is applied to the film via a spray gun. Once the item is dipped into the film that is now liquified and floating on the surface of the water, the paint on the item and the paint in the film bond together and create the pattern you want.
Then you clear coat the item to protect the finish and let it cure. The item will have the same durability as your cars finish... I use alot of automotive paints and clear coats to get this accomplished.