If you wish to draw and colour transfers it can be done this way. Place the paper shiny side down and draw your design on the paper side An other one or two pieces of paper beneath will determine how raised the lines will become on the transfer side. Paint in between the raised lines using them as a reservoir for the paint. Enamel or cellulose can be used. A drop of Castor oil stirred into the celly will keep it from cracking when dry. When all dry use as normal and seal when in place. Not a good artist? it's amazing what you can do with a pencil and ruler and coins.👍 👍

Thanks for the link Havelock,
For me though a can of fixer is still cheaper than a laser printer for the few times I need to print decals, an' I've already got two A4/A3 ink jet jobs any way.
Bon chance to our richer members who have laser printers.
Cheers, Doug 😎

https://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/laser-decal-paper

My point was and is using an inkjet requires you to seal the printed item before water slide since inkjet ink tends to be water soluble while laser printer ink is not so its one step saved.

obviously once in place on a model it needs to have a protective layer of something.

Hmmmm!!
Waterproof? Have you ever tested that?
I'm not so sure, having used them in the office virtually since their inception.
Anyway, when they are mounted on the boat / ship they need sealing in with a coat of clear lacquer or they may sometime 'float' off again.
Apart from that have not yet seen any transfer paper made for Laser printers. Transfer paper made for ink jet printers may melt 😲 in laser printers in the final transfer / fixing unit.
I can tell you, it makes an 'orrible sticky mess wot ain't easy to get rid of. Doug

its even better if you can get a hold of a laser printer since the "ink" is waterproof so no need to varnish before doing the waterslide.

G'day Sidley,
You know you can get transfer paper for inkjet printers these days!?
All you need is a PC, inkjet printer and a word processor app, MS Winword or similar. I use the Word Art function in Winword, allows you make curved prints etc.
If you ain't got none o them let me know which names you would like, and size, and I'll make you some. You just need to PM me your postal address. Cheers, Doug 😎