what to do..

I know people that do both and I'm one of them. I usually do this on models that have only a few decals. Keep in mind that clearcoating darkens the color somewhat so I'd recommend that if you want to go this route, give the model at least on overall coat of clear after you're done decalling. This will seal the decals and also even out the color tone.

1/72 scale: cover the whole thing.

1/35th scale: Spot it with Future, decal, then apply dullcoat.

That's how I would do it.

rgr... thx guys