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I heard some good things about microsol/microset for the use of applying transfers. However, when I asked the experienced hobbyists at my club, they said they never heard of it, and only really used 'ardcoat- one layer before applying the decal, then one after.

Which is better? Are there disadvantages and advantages to either one, or is one superior?

Use both.

http://www.winterdyne.co.uk/maz/winterdyne_tutorial3.pdf

What seems to be most important is that the surface is smooth. the glossier the surface the smoother it will be. Ardcoat applies a clear gloss that will more or less create that solid smooth surface for you.

Micro-sol SOFTENS the decal, making it easier to get it to follow the surface curves (or other surface features). It is not a varnish, it is a solvent used to make the decal more flexible (because without it, they are pretty fragile and prone to tearing).

'Ardcoat is a gloss varnish (which provides a good, smooth glossy surface for the decal to cling to).

Use both, then 'ardcoat OVER the decal to seal it down.
(And a matt varnish after that if you want to flatten the entire model down and stop it looking toylike).

 chromedog wrote:
Micro-sol SOFTENS the decal, making it easier to get it to follow the surface curves (or other surface features). It is not a varnish, it is a solvent used to make the decal more flexible (because without it, they are pretty fragile and prone to tearing).

'Ardcoat is a gloss varnish (which provides a good, smooth glossy surface for the decal to cling to).

Use both, then 'ardcoat OVER the decal to seal it down.
(And a matt varnish after that if you want to flatten the entire model down and stop it looking toylike).

This EXACTLY!! I use the Testors microset and it works great to make the decal conform to the surface, almost no matter how curved or detailed. Soak your decal in water, like normal, then brush some microset onto the surface where you will place the decal, slide the decal into position, and use the microset over the decal to blend it down. And, as noted, a smooth surface is critical. I use an acrylic semi-gloss under the area of the decal to make it smooth. Then once the decal is applied and dry, another coat of the semi-gloss or a matte. Both of these coats are VERY LIGHT!! Don't go too heavy or you can dull the color of the paint it is going on. I find using the semi-gloss for both coats gave me a finish most close to the final and did not alter the base color much at all. But, you can use gloss, semi, matte, whatever works best. Just do not use matte for the base coat - it will give you adhesion problems and cause trapped air.

If you do not feel like running to the store to find Microset, just take a clean small bottle, fill with about 1/4 with white vinegar and the rest with filtered water.