From Merriam-Webster dictionary:
de·cal noun \ˈdē-ˌkal, di-ˈkal; Canada usually ˈde-kəl\
: a picture, design, or label that will stick to the surface on which it is placed after the paper on the back of it is removed
Most people paint the apron and then apply the decal. Then you clear-coat it with semi-gloss clear coat and they look pretty-nice. A lot better than a scabby one.