Welcome Adam. Hope you enjoy our forums.
As far as painted anything. Yes it is deceptive and being a big fan of variegated plants, I would be very upset with any one who would paint stripes on a plant to sell it. It should have a big sign stating that these are painted plants and the paint will not be on any new leaves if they survive that is. I think a class action lawsuit might be the best way to teach them not to fool around with stupid people. Most of us here saw thru this and was upset. When asked why they do this, he said, because it sells. Most of the buyers will say, they did something wrong or they can't grow this kind of plant after it dies.
