Yes, you have to use a small amount of soapy water. Not alot just enough to activate the adhesive.

I believe it happened when I use my credit card to get out the bubbles and excess water..

Please don't let this discourage you from buying the Invisible shield as it's a GREAT product. I use it on my ipod nano, my wifes sidekick and now my blackberry. There are no bubbles and you can't even tell it's there.