Primered areas should be given a very light `guide coat' to ensure the surface is fully flatted. This will highlight any dry spray, pinholes or unflatted primer as the surface is sanded.
Sand all panels using a flat sanding block with plenty of clean water. Take care not to leave gouges with the edge of the block, or by applying to much pressure while sanding. Light, even strokes are all that is needed for efficient sanding, avoiding circular motions which tend to show through the final coats. All areas that are to have paint applied must be sanded until the surface is matt when dried, otherwise paint adhesion will be poor. Particular attention should be given to panel edges and areas where trims or mouldings could not be removed, especially awkward places such as around door handles or wiper spindles.
As each panel is sanded wash the residue away before it dries, as some paints and primers can leave a slurry that sets almost as hard as the original material. Rinse and then dry all the repaired panels with absorbent cloth. Do not leave water to dry naturally on the panels, as this may cause problems with lime or contaminants in the water affecting the finish at a later stage.
