How to Sand and Prep a Car for Paint: Complete DIY Bodywork Guide

If you want professional results from your automotive paint job, surface prep is everything. Sanding and prepping your car before painting ensures that new paint adheres perfectly and lasts for years. This SEO-rich guide explains every step—from choosing sandpaper grits to body filler blending—so you can tackle DIY car painting with confidence.

1. Why Sanding Is Critical Before Car Painting

Proper sanding removes old paint, minor rust, and surface defects, and creates a smooth, matte finish for primer and paint to bond. Skipping steps leads to peeling, bubbling, and poor durability.

2. Best Sandpaper Grits for Auto Body Prep

• 80–120 grit: Strip old paint and shape body filler.
• 180–220 grit: Smooth filler and blend into surrounding paint.
• 320–400 grit: Final smoothing before primer and between coats.

3. Step-by-Step: How to Sand a Car for Paint

1. Wash and dry the car thoroughly.
2. Mask off trim, glass, and non-painted areas with tape and paper.
3. Use 80–120 grit sandpaper with a sanding block or DA sander to strip old paint and rough spots.
4. Apply body filler where needed, let cure, then sand smooth with 180–220 grit.
5. Feather edges and final sand with 320–400 grit for a uniform, matte surface.
6. Wipe down with a tack cloth to remove all dust before priming.

Pro Tips for Flawless Bodywork

• Always wear a mask and eye protection when sanding auto surfaces.
• Use light, even pressure to avoid low spots or sanding through to bare metal unnecessarily.
• Inspect your work in bright, angled light to spot imperfections.
• Don’t rush: time spent on prep pays off in paint quality!

Watch & Learn

Stock up on automotive-grade sandpaper at eQualle and get more car care and bodywork tips on our DIY blog!