If the surface is not clean, no matter how expensive or well-made
your decal is it will not stick. Get your car’s surface shiny clean by
using a commercial detergent solution and water. Follow this up with
isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to assure you’ve gotten rid of all the oily
residue. Use a dry lint-free towel to wipe away the excess IPA before it
evaporates. DO NOT install over heavily waxed or silicone treated
surfaces! This is also true for any commercial glass prep solutions or
cleaners. DO NOT, wet apply the decals using any type of glass cleaners
as this will reduce adhesion and weaken the bond to potentially failing.
It is critical to take a few extra moments to position your graphics before you start peeling your decals for application. Even if you are able to pick them up and nudge them a bit after you apply the first time, this will weaken the bond of the adhesive and they will not last as long, so it is best to get this step right the first time!
Most manufacturers recommend applying decals only between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit, preferably in a controlled environment. Remove the backing paper little bits at a time while using a squeegee or an air release tool. Maintain tension on the backing paper and you’ll be able to keep the graphic away from the vehicle until you are ready to squeegee it down.