Hybrid Decal Set

Well, I've applied tons of decals at a sign shop I used to work at and I have always put a few on all of my cars and the only advice I have ever used or heard to clean the area is to use liquid dishwashing soap to clean the area and use PLENTY of water to wash it off. Dry the area off well, making sure that no stray cloth hairs are left on the surface. Then making sure that it's completely dry, go ahead and apply it. Using this soap will strip off all of the dirt and wax that has been used on that area before. But don't use this soap to wash your car.

 

I used the rubbing alcohol for the surface prep for the decals and for the external XM antenna. I encountered no problems. If your car is brand new and you've had any paint protection applied, I'd check to see if there are any special concerns there.

 

make sure you re wax tha area which you applied the dawn dishwashing liquid.

There is no paint protection after "dawning".

 

Having put on many decals in the past (I'm a video game nut and my Corolla is festively adorned with Sonic, Mario, and Mega Man decals) I would say the most important thing is making sure the area to be applied is absolutely clean. For the car body, I use dishwashing soap with a washrag. After rinsing the area very well with the hose, the decal is ready to be put on.

For glass, I use this stuff. It's safe for plastic and window tints, and is hands down the best glass cleaner I've used for any type of glass. Mirrors, glass shelves, car windshields (both inside and out), the outside of aquariums, you name it... I've even used it on my monitor and glasses with absolutely no ill effects. You can buy it from Costco or Sam's Club in a 4 pack. It rocks. I won't use anything else:

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If the decal is small or doesn't cover a lot of area, you can just stick it on dry. This is not recommended, since once it's on, it's on. If you slip at the last moment and there's a wrinkle you've ruined the decal, or you decide you want it just an inch to the left/right/top/bottom, tough.

For large decals or ones that are prone to air bubbles (large solid areas), the wet method is best. I used plain old water. Lay the decal on wet, float it to the area where you wish to stick it, make final adjustments, and then smooth out as much of the water as you can with a credit card. Then wait for it to dry and the water will evaporate from under the sticker.

If there are small air bubbles, you can usually work them out with the mentioned credit card. If you can't get them out, then you can prick them with a pin and squeeze the air out.