I need the name of a paint procedure
 

Everyone: thanks upfront for answers if you have one.

At car/motorcycle shows I've seen an "old school" paint procedure where it looks like material is beneath the clearcoat. Mostly flower designs or a tasteful thing. I've seen it mostly on car roofs and motorcycle tanks.

I would post an example, but I cannot as I do not know the name of the procedure to search for a photo.

lots of clearcoat over the design would bury it.

That's sort of the effect as the design is very faint, but noticeable under the paint.

What I think you are describing I would call ghosting. I've seen shops do it by masking off and spraying the design with a pearl or mica coat, then cleared over. From some angles you don't see it from others you see the ghost pattern as light hits the pearl. I've seen it done in person with stripes and a flame job. Added some realism to the flames as the pearl added to the illusion of them being real.

-J

Look here:
House of Kolor- the Official Site for House of Kolor Custom Finishes

or ask these guys - they do it all the time. Did something similar to a Coupe de ville and my friend has a bubble top with stars 'incorporated' in the roof.

www.DeluxeCustoms.com - Custom Painting and Metal Fabrication - Home