An article having an invisible infrared pattern is disclosed. The article includes at least one infrared pattern printed onto a surface. The infrared pattern includes regions of high absorption and high reflection for a plurality of wavelengths of infrared radiation ranging between 700 and 2000 nm. A coating is overlaid over the infrared pattern. The coating is made of a material and has a thickness that is penetrable by infrared radiation and that has an average opacity of at least 20 for light in the visible range.