| Richard if this is the product that I am thinking about it is basically a decal softener,I use white vinegar for the self same purpose when applying good old transfers to irregular surfaces such as corrugations etc,all that it does is to soften the gelatine of the decal making it easier to follow any curves present on the model.
Regarding darkening of the paint when clear matt finish is applied this is quite normal,why not try sealing first with Johnsons Klear/Future then applying a varnish if required,JK will certainly darken any finish usually in steady stages as it soaks into any paint,especially matt finish but it is a useful and versatile finish.
Regarding printing out your own decals via a computer this is quite a good way to get to do offbeat designs,firstly do your homework in a paint programme such as Paintshop pro etc save it to a file and do some test prints onto ordinary paper,once happy you can purchase some special waterslide clear decal paper onto which you print the design etc,then seal with Johnsons and slide off in th normal fashion,I have also used T-Shirt printing papers with some success,however the fine membrane is difficult to remove successfully from the backing paper.You cannot print white so need to plan your design say to go over a white painted ground but otherwise good results can be obtained.
I have also had good results with a digital camera image of a marking that was scaled down in Paintshop to a miniscule size and printed out ( you can even use the original marking if a decent picture is taken first of the design ),I did my Automobile Association decals for the Rapide model in this fashion,there ios plenty of room for experimentation.
Anyway I hope that this will assist you and perhaps encourage you to experiment to get the best results.
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