you shouldn't need to apply the profile to the image.
My basic workflow for prionting is.....
Load image
Sharpen for printing (beyond what would normally be acceptable for web viewing)
then this is what my print with preview box looks like....
Then this is what my printer properties looky likey!
The this is what my print preview screen looks like ( notice is doesn't look like anything like it should!) colours way too limited, overbright etc.
Now, this works ok for me. I sometimes have to lighten the image either with levels or a curves adjustment in PS.
I think where people go wrong is they think that using a digital darkroom is omehow gonna be easier than a wet one. (that's not a dig at you specificaly BTW) With all the variables involved it's as much of an intricate and confusing a process as the good ole days were.
I hope those screenies give you some ideas to try. But really. the best way is to print a series of small images on a large sheet of paper, side by side, using all the possible combinations of settings on PS and the printer driver. eventually you will come across one that works for you. and then you'll change paper and have to start all over again.
Alternatively, you could pay £200+ for a colorimeter and then £35+ a time to have profiles made for your paper/ink/printer combos.
Oh, and by the way, Don't forget that the light you view your prints under will affect how your eye percieves the colour/brightness of the print
