The best advice for this particular holder is to make sure the surface is as clean as possible and very smooth. Having holes where I put it was not an option, so the adhesive product was my choice. I tried a spot on the wall, but didn't have much luck. After deciding to attach it to the side of the sink cabinet, I cleaned the area first with glass cleaner then with denatured alcohol. Then heated the 3M tape and cabinet with a hair drier. Also, make sure the side with the paper roll stop is pointing up. Otherwise the roll will fall off of the end of the holder. 3M recommends that if you ever need to remove this holder, heat it with a heat gun to soften the tape, rotate and pull at the same time to remove it. The glue residue can be cleaned off with rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone.