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Auto body repair & detailing/primer on 2-stage paint job

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Expert: William Forster - 11/24/2006


Question
Hi Bill,
I am preparing to paint a 96 Rodeo. The current paint is in ok shape. The clear coat is not cracking or breaking away anywhere. There are mostly small dings and surface scratches. Do you think I need to prime the entire car prior to base coat application. If not what grit should I use on the existing paint, and if so what grit should I wet sand the primer to prior to base coat application - Thanks

Answer
Only spot prime anywhere you break throught the paint, or apply filler. There is absolutely no need to prime the entire car. Wet sand the entire finish, including the primer, with 600 wet. Use a grey scotch brite to go around door edges or anywhere else sandpaper is not practical, or you are likely to go through the old finish.  Bill

Auto body repair & detailing

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William Forster

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22 year veteran, 2 years of vocational training. A.S.E. certified Master collision repair/refinish technician. I-CAR certified. 17 yrs. GM experience. I can answer most questions related to automotive body repairs, ranging from small scratch repairs all the way up to the most extensive collision repairs. I can expertly advise people on what to expect from their body shop experience, right down to what self repairs should, and should not, be done. Lastly, I can advise tricks and tips for classic car restoration, such as lead repairs. SORRY, I DO NOT DO ONLINE ESTIMATES OR GIVE PARTS PRICES!! BE PREPARED FOR THE CORRECT ANSWER- NOT THE ONE YOU WANT TO HEAR. I won't B.S. you, or sugar coat answers. Just plain, hard facts.

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