Obviously laser and inkjet printing is not 3D printing, so is a bit off topic, but:
I'm not surprised that laser printed material didn't last. Often doesn't last on wet paper.
Most ink jet printer inks are very water soluble, which probably isn't ideal for ice either. Some black ink cartridges are specifically made with non-water soluble ink, though I don't know if they adhere well to metal. (But see "DigiBond Primer - Enables Inkjet Printing on Metal, including Nameplates" at
http://www.inkcups.com/equipment/industrial-uv-inkjet-printers/uv-led-industrial-inkjet-printer-conveyorized/Default.aspx, though I know nothing about it.)
Are metal engraving techniques very difficult? Lots of Youtube videos on it. Engraving looks very, very classy. (Look at old swords, or engraved musical instruments.) No doubt the acids are somewhat dangerous, so be careful. Engraving is virtually impossible to remove, so maybe practice on less expensive things like sheet steel and old blades first? But I don't see why you couldn't use a laser or inkjet printer to create a complex pattern on transparency material, then photo-etch it.
But it would probably be much easier to use adhesive metal foil (including for Cricut machines). Cut something out and stick it on the blades. Highly visible, and removable at will.
It's a real shame that some figure skating judges don't like colored blades. I think they are beautiful.