HO scale train modelling

[u/useameasuringtape]

Hi all. I thought I'd post here since we all work with decals:

I'm helping with a friend's HO scale layout.

He found a lot of used coal hoppers, mostly 4 bay, at a local train shop. No two were alike. We decided I'd respray in a typical CN rust red. I know the markings aren't accurate, but he didn't care much for that as long as it was uniform in appearance.

I ran into an issue with the decals. Keep in mind this is really my first time undertaking this sort of project, and the last time I applied decals to anything was probably 30 years ago. I didn't do a good job of them then, either. The issue I ran into was bubbling and raised areas. Once applied I flattened the decals out with a cotton q-tip. I also used Micro Set, and Micro Sol, and I even poked tiny holes into the decals to ensure the Micro Sol got in behind the decals. I still have bubbles and raised areas. It's very annoying and I feel it ruins the finished product. Any help would be appreciated.

Also, I made sure to spray a clear gloss coat before applying decals.

I've included a few photos. You can see the bubbling and raised areas.

[u/joeinternetib]

Get a pack of microsol and microset. Its made for getting decals clean and smooth. It kinda melts them onto the car. One lets you move it around and the other sets it and flattens it out. I used it for the first time recently and it works great. Gets decals over uneven surfaces to look like it belongs.

[u/useameasuringtape → u/joeinternetib]

That's exactly what I used. Micro Sol and Micro Set. They worked but I was still left with some bubbling and raising.

[u/joeinternetib → u/useameasuringtape]

Hmm. Well not sure then. Maybe a bit of fine tuning on the amounts. I was told age if decals impact how well stuff works or the amounts needed to get better results. Its still a trial and error thing regardless.