How to Sand Car Paint Before Repainting

Repainting a car requires more than spraying fresh paint—proper sanding is the foundation of a smooth, durable finish. Sanding prepares the surface by removing imperfections, leveling old paint, and creating texture for the new coat to bond. Here’s a complete guide to sanding car paint before repainting.

Why Sand Car Paint?

Sanding removes scratches, oxidation, and peeling paint while promoting strong adhesion for new coatings. Skipping sanding risks paint failure, visible flaws, and uneven shine.

Tools You’ll Need

• 9x11 in wet/dry sandpaper sheets
• Orbital sander for large panels
• Sanding block for edges
• Spray bottle with water for wet sanding
• Microfiber cloths
• Automotive primer and paint

Best Grit Sequence for Car Paint Prep

• 320 grit: Removes peeling paint and rough spots.
• 600 grit: Smooths the surface and levels transitions.
• 1000 grit: Refines scratches for primer and basecoat.
• 1500 grit: Final prep before paint for a uniform surface.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Car Paint

1. Clean the car. Wash thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, and wax.
2. Start with 320 grit. Use 320 grit (25-pack) to strip peeling paint and rough areas.
3. Smooth with 600 grit. Apply 600 grit (50-pack) for leveling and transition blending.
4. Refine with 1000 grit. Use 1000 grit (100-pack) to prep for primer and basecoat.
5. Finish with 1500 grit. Wet sand evenly for a smooth, paint-ready surface.
6. Clean again. Wipe with microfiber to remove sanding residue.
7. Apply primer and paint. Build thin, even coats for durability and shine.

Special Cases

For bare metal spots, use self-etching primer after sanding. For minor touch-ups, you may skip coarse grits and start at 600–800 grit.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand fine grits to minimize scratches and dust.
• Sand in overlapping strokes for even coverage.
• Don’t oversand edges—they’re easy to burn through.

Aftercare

• Allow fresh paint to cure fully before waxing (30–60 days).
• Wash only with pH-neutral soap to preserve finish.
• Inspect paint regularly for chips and repair quickly.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand to bare metal? No—just feather edges and smooth the surface for primer.
• What grit is best before basecoat? 1000–1500 grit gives the smoothest primer surface.
• Can I sand new paint before repainting? Yes—use 1000–1500 grit for adhesion.

Watch & Learn

Get showroom-ready results with eQualle’s wet/dry sandpaper sheets, available in 25, 50, and 100 packs for auto refinishing. Shop car paint sanding sheets here.