Unfortunately you still have to use transfer paper and trace the stencil outlines. The tracing paper just makes it a lot easier to verify where you're tracing once you're working beyond the first stencil layer...
Ah, now I got it! Thanks mate, that I have to try !
I think there's a misunderstanding, which is fair enough, because this didn't make sense to me at first. You should ask AFFOD for the definitive, but my understanding is this:
The basic helmet colours get laid down, e.g. dome and cheeks green, upper cheeks black, red trim in DH10 caboose, and so on. My understanding is that the base colour for this process will generally be the colour that covers the largest area, so the back panels would be RLM73.
The stencils are sized to the helmet.
The stencils, once sized, are used to create water slide decals. The decals, when complete will be perfectly scaled for the helmet.
The decals are created in black, on a clear background.
The decals are cut out, as precisely as is reasonable, and applied directly to the helmet - this gives a black shadow in the shape of the desired layer.
The paint is applied, I believe AFFOD uses a topical method, directly over the black shadow in the desired colour.
This process should not involve tracing onto the helmet. At least, that is my understanding. If you ask him, AFFOD may be able to advise you.
I've tagged him below; it's his method so he will be able to tell you best. He's done some impressive painting over the years, which is why you'll see many of his threads are paint commissions.
AFettFullofDollars
Since completing my last helmet commission, I have gotten several requests to purchase a set of the waterslide decal stencils that I used. I was hesitant to offer them since I was using the stencils created by Rich D. and Rafalfett. However, I have contacted both of them, and they have told me...
www.thedentedhelmet.com