I don't know how bad the rubbing alcohol will affect the paint. I rinsed it off after I was done, just in case.

Side note: when I installed my adhiesive the side moldings, the instructions recommended that you apply rubbing alcohol prior to applying the 3m adhiesive. It depolarizes the surface or something, so I *assume* that its safe to use on the paint of the Xterra. (Considering that I bought the official Nissan Side Moldings from Nissan)

edited to add: Hmm.. I just reread the instructions for the side moldings. It says that the alcohol should be a 50/50 mixture with water. http://www.xterraparts.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/body-mld_instr_pg2.html Doh!