I second what Philipy has said.philipy wrote: βTue Jun 11, 2019 10:24 am You can solve the cracking problem by using "Decalset" ( or similar) when you apply the decals. It softens the film and allows it to be drawn tightly around small obstacles.
The 'slightly glossy sheen' of the carrier film will largely disappear when the whole thing is given an overspray of varnish, whether matt, eggshell or gloss
As well as drawing the decal down onto the surface, decal set will soften the edge of the clear film so it blends in better when clear coated.
If the surface is very complex, even a decal setting solvent may not help and sometimes you just have to slit the decal film with a new scalpel blade and touch in the cracks later with paint.
Always apply waterslide decals on a gloss surface. On a matt or satin surface even Solvaset won't remove all the air trapped under the decal and when the final clear coat is applied you get the effect known as 'silvering' in the areas under the clear film.
Dry transfers do have the advantage of not silvering and are less particular about the gloss level of the surface.
Regards,
Graeme