The smoother your surface, the better and easier the decal application will be. So, if you are putting a name decal on a dining car, for example, you will want a gloss or at least a satin finish. On the other hand, if you're putting a sign on a wooden building, you can make it look old and weathered by applying it directly to a wooden surface.
I use both Microsol and Microset. The blue one goes on first, then the decal. I usually let it dry completely before applying the red one.
"Coaxing" the decal off the paper is a good term. Tweezers are harsh, because they tend to grip a small part, and have sharp edges, so they're likely to tear the decal. A small paintbrush is a good substitute. For large decals, I usually use my thumb, at least to get the whole thing loose. Push a small section beyond the edge of the paper, put that down on the model, and then slide the paper out from underneath. Regardless of how you get it off the paper, use a small brush to push it around and help it settle into the cracks.
Once it's in place, treated with the red bottle stuff, settled in and dry, give it a spray of gloss, satin or flat finish. This will keep it in place and protect the edges.
And, since we know you can take a picture, don't forget to post one for us.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Jarrell
I'm sorry that this is off topic. and by the way I love your engineer setup in front of the Y6B. But ever since I first saw your getup on your "Show me something" post, you remind me of Ben Stein, the actor?
Joe C
I'm about to try my hand at putting a decal on an HO scale 'wooden' structure (actually styrene) that has lap board sides. It's my understanding that you wet the area with Microset, while the decal is soaking in water for about 30 seconds. The decal is a sign with a border around the lettering. Pick up the decal with.... what, tweezers, a soft brush? and somehow coax the decal off it's backing paper onto the model. You have a few seconds to use the brush to gently get the decal in position, I think. But, assuming all that I just said is correct, do you then use Microsol on the decal while it is wet, or wait until it's dry? I think I remember modelers talking about using furniture polish or something similar to get a shiny surface to apply the decal to. Is that necessary?