Its more like paint. You start off with a painted color base then the film is activated with a chemical that turns it into a film of ink with the design you chose. When you dip the painted part through the film, it transfers the ink to the surface of the base color. Finish it off with a couple coats of clear that protects the surface. I've been planning on trying it myself soon, just can't decide if I want to start with my new AR or try something less expensive first.