Yep Aceman, just 1 layer.
You can use the Remove White filter if you're on a PC,
http://www.simmerspaintshop.com/forums/cat11.html
And see this tutorial-
http://www.simmerspaintshop.com/foru....html#post5959
If that won't work for you, you can try using the Multiply setting for your layers. You can either put the template layer above your painted section and set the template layer to Multiply, or you can make a new layer above it, set it to Multiply, and paint on it.
Will either of those things work for you?