1. Cleanliness is the greatest factor in having a long-lasting decal. Use soap and water to remove dust and grime, then rubbing    alcohol on a soft cloth to get any oil or wax off of the surface.

2. Position the decal and hold in place with several pieces of masking tape.

3. Check the position of the decal by measuring from key features and/or move back so it is easier to view.  Make any corrections as needed.

4. Place a piece of masking tape along one edge, the shorter edge is usually easier, most times it is the top edge.  This piece of masking tape will act as a hinge to allow the decal to fold back into the exact location.

5. Mix three or four drops of liquid dishwashing liquid in a small spray bottle.  Shake it up and spray the surface under where the graphic is going to be placed.  This will make it easier to get any bubbles out and it will allow you to move the sticker if need be.

6. Fold the decal along the hinge masking tape and carefully and slowly peel the backing away from the decal. The top application tape will hold the decal in place and expose the adhesive.  Avoid touching the adhesive.  You can remove the entire backing or remove it in stages, as shown here.

7.  As you pull the backing off, spray the graphic back, the sticky part, liberally with the water dishwashing mix.  Lay the graphic down.  The dishwashing mix will greatly reduce bubbles.

8. Using a squeegee or credit card, slowly work from the tape hinge side and rub the decal onto the surface. A side-to-side motion and moderate pressure will help reduce air bubbles under the decal.

9. Continue ‘squeeging’ the decal in place until all of the backing material is removed.  Then go back over the entire surface of the decal with the squeegee and moderate pressure to make sure all areas are adhered.

10. Slowly peel the top application tape away from the decal at a low angle (close to the surface, at a 180-degree angle).  Avoid pulling straight up and lifting the decal or inducing bubbles. If any areas of the decal try to lift, stop pulling the application tape and rub the area back down with the squeegee and try again.

Small bubbles may be present under the deal but will dissipate in time.  Warmer temperature will also help dissipate bubbles.  Larger bubbles can also be ‘popped’ with a needle (only use as last resort). Avoid using power washers (including the car wash) on new decals.  Allow 2 weeks for the decals to fully adhere before using any kind of power washed