Before primer, what should you do to the surface?

Before primer, what should you do to the surface?

• A. Perform final sanding to create a flat surface
• B. Apply additional coats of paint
• C. Soak in solvent
• D. Clean with soap only

Answer: (A)

Final sanding to create a flat, uniform surface is the best step before primer. Sanding smooths out tool marks, levels any body filler, and feather-edges rough areas so the primer can bond evenly and build a smooth, lasting finish. After sanding, you should wipe away dust with a tack cloth and use an appropriate degreaser or wax/remover as needed; simply cleaning with soap may leave oils or waxes that can prevent adhesion. The other options don’t prepare the surface correctly: more paint goes on after priming, soaking in solvent isn’t a standard prep step, and soap-only cleaning isn’t enough to ensure proper primer adhesion.

Final sanding to create a flat, uniform surface is the best step before primer. Sanding smooths out tool marks, levels any body filler, and feather-edges rough areas so the primer can bond evenly and build a smooth, lasting finish. After sanding, you should wipe away dust with a tack cloth and use an appropriate degreaser or wax/remover as needed; simply cleaning with soap may leave oils or waxes that can prevent adhesion. The other options don’t prepare the surface correctly: more paint goes on after priming, soaking in solvent isn’t a standard prep step, and soap-only cleaning isn’t enough to ensure proper primer adhesion.