A decal printing paper for ceramic surfaces has a base paper coated with a water-soluble release layer, an image transfer layer made of liquid cover coat with glass/ceramic flux added, and a printed image layer. The glass/ceramic flux contains glass frit with a relatively low melting point to provide a one-step printing paper with a glass/ceramic flux that delivers the required adhesion, as well as reducing the firing temperature. The image transfer layer can also include a dye colorant to provide a visual indication of a functional characteristic of the decal printing paper.