When refinishing a vehicle, what should be done to prepare for optimal paint adhesion?

Preparing a vehicle for refinishing involves several crucial steps to ensure that the new paint adheres properly and looks good over time. The correct choice highlights the importance of ensuring that the surface is clean and sanded.

When refinishing, it is essential to remove any dirt, grease, wax, or old paint that may be present on the surface. Any contaminants can hinder the bonding between the new paint and the underlying surface, leading to issues such as peeling or flaking. Thorough cleaning typically involves both washing the surface and possibly using solvents to remove residues.

Sanding the surface also plays a critical role. This process creates a rough texture that allows the new paint to grip better, facilitating proper adhesion. Different grits of sandpaper may be used, starting with coarser grits to remove old finishes or imperfections and then moving to finer grits to smooth the surface before applying paint.

Together, cleaning and sanding provide a prepared substrate, reducing the risk of poor adhesion and ensuring a durable, high-quality finish. Thus, this answer encapsulates the fundamental practices needed for proper paint adhesion during vehicle refinishing.