How to Prep Car Panels for Painting with 5-Inch 8-Hole Sanding Discs (80–320 Grit Guide)

When it comes to repainting a vehicle, proper surface preparation is just as important as the paint itself. Even the most expensive automotive paint will fail if applied over poorly prepped panels. The 5-Inch 8-Hole Sanding Discs, Hook & Loop, Assorted Grit (50-Pack) provide everything you need to take a car panel from rough to paint-ready, all in one convenient set.

Why Sanding is Crucial Before Painting

Sanding removes oxidation, flaking paint, and surface imperfections while creating a textured surface that primer can grip. Skipping this step often leads to peeling paint, uneven finishes, and reduced durability.

Tools & Supplies

• Assorted Grit 5-Inch Sanding Discs (80, 120, 180, 220, 320 grit)
• Random orbital sander with 5-inch 8-hole hook & loop pad
• Automotive degreaser
• Microfiber cloths
• Masking tape and paper
• Primer and automotive paint

Recommended Grit Sequence for Car Panels

• 80 Grit: Heavy paint removal or deep rust elimination.
• 120 Grit: Leveling and smoothing after coarse sanding.
• 180 Grit: Refining the surface before primer.
• 220 Grit: Pre-primer smoothing for even adhesion.
• 320 Grit: Final prep before applying basecoat or color coat.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Car Panels

1. Clean the Panel: Wash and degrease the surface to remove road grime, oil, and wax.
2. Initial Removal: If the old paint is in poor condition, use 80 grit to strip it back to bare metal or sound primer.
3. Intermediate Sanding: Switch to 120 grit to smooth out deep scratches and blend transitions.
4. Refine with 180 Grit: Create a consistent texture for primer adhesion.
5. Final Pre-Primer Pass: Use 220 grit for a smooth base before spraying primer.
6. Primer Sanding: After primer dries, lightly sand with 320 grit for a flawless surface before paint.
7. Clean Thoroughly: Wipe with a tack cloth to remove dust before painting.

Pro Tips for Auto Body Sanding

• Always keep the sander flat to avoid creating low spots.
• Use overlapping passes for consistent coverage.
• Don’t rush—progressing through grits evenly is key to a smooth finish.
• Mask off areas you don’t want to sand to protect trim and glass.

Aftercare for Painted Panels

• Wait the recommended cure time before polishing or waxing.
• Wash gently for the first 30 days to avoid scratching the fresh paint.
• Inspect panels regularly for chips and touch up as needed.

FAQs

• Can I skip straight to 220 grit? Only if the existing paint is in good condition and you’re not removing heavy rust or layers.
• Do these discs work on curved panels? Yes—the film backing and hook & loop attachment provide flexibility for contours.
• Will the 8-hole design fit my sander? It fits most 5-inch orbital sanders with an 8-hole dust extraction pad.

Watch the Process

For professional-quality results in your garage, equip yourself with the 5-Inch 8-Hole Sanding Discs (50-Pack). From heavy removal to fine finishing, these discs deliver smooth, paint-ready surfaces every time.