Could someone explain to me the particulars of each of these agents ?
(1) Why would i want to use either one ?
(2) When would i want to use either one ?

Micro SET is applied to the rod and the decal is slid onto it. Then more is applied over the top before you press the decal with a wet papertowel or coffee filter (for less fibers).

Once the decal is set in place and everything looks good, one quick brush stroke of microSOL is applied over the decal. This will soften the decal and make it look all gnarly... don't worry... once it dries it will dry flat and clear on the rod with no wrinkles. Don't touch the decal after the MicroSOL takes hold or you can easily damage it.

Decal Connection has full instructions for this on their website...

[www.decalconnection.com]

Micro Set prepares the surface for application and Micro Sol (for lack of a better word) melts the decal to the finish.

I'm looking forward to getting my first decals from Decal Connection. I've used the printer paper in the past, but messed it up. I like doing my own decals, but I think the clear waterslides will be much better than the mailing lables I've been using.

Jay

Micro-sol and other types of decal setting solutions allow a couple of things to happen. Placing the solution on the spot where you want the decal to finally rest allows you to easily slide the decal around without using water. Water may leave unsightly mineral deposits unless you always use distilled water. The solution also shrinks the decal which is a need that model builders have when decals are placed over uneven surfaces like door handles, grooves or other type of detail. The decal will end up looking like it was painted on. The glue on the back of the decal actually holds the decal to the surface as the solutions have no adhesive properties.

This isn't a characteristic needed for rod blanks as the surface is completely smooth. I remove all of the water from the decal before placing on the rod and use solvent diluted 50% with distilled water. There is a tendency of a 100% solution to disolve very thin decals to the point that they will break up. All decals should then be coated with some type of protective finish, for rod builders, epoxy, most model builders will use some sort of fixative or thin laquer finish like Testor's Dull Cote..