How to Primer a Car for a Paint Job

Top coat paint is applied on a car after a sub-layer of paint (called the primer) is applied to the metal or plastic surface. This step provides a clean, smooth surface which helps the car paint adhere to the car body. Without primer the top coat will not be as smooth and may flake off. Applying primer is the first step to take when touching up a car or applying a completely new paint job.

Instructions

1

Thoroughly sand off the rust and old paint from the car body using a paint grinder with a metal abrasive pad. Wash off the sanding residue with a sponge and water and let dry.

2

Perform touch up sanding on areas where rust remains with a fine metal abrasive sandpaper on a hand-held sanding block. Rinse again with water and a sponge. Thoroughly dry the surface with a towel.

3

Apply masking tape to areas you do not want to paint, including trim and molding around the doors and windows. Completely cover the windshield and windows in paper. Tape the paper to the car using masking tape.

4

Hold the primer spray paint can eight inches from the vehicle. Spray automotive primer paint to the surface of the vehicle moving the can evenly across the surface. Overlap strokes by three inches as you apply the paint from top to bottom on the car. Allow the paint to dry for five hours.

5

Sand the painted surface using 200-grit sandpaper to knock down (lightly sand) the surface texture of the paint and create a smoother surface for the next application.

6

Apply another level of primer to the surface of the car and let dry again. Sand and apply one more coat of primer to the car.