Digitally printed finish.

[stan]

i bet it's plastic wrap like they use on cars...

[quiet1_au]

Aldi had some Strat clone guitars recently. I took a look at one as it was price-cut to $60 or so (from $90ish) and I swear it had a dotty printed sunburst finish/sticker exactly as Pablopepper described. I'd seen enough and I couldn't close the box fast enough - to put back on the pallet not to buy that is - UGH! Never!

[Fretworn]

Some Asian guitar empires have been doing this sort of thing (plastic wrap) since the 90s to get the quilted maple look on their bottom of the line guitars. Usually with thick clear gloss coat over the top.