Hi Guys
I am preparing to paint my new rocker soon and would like to know what grit paper you should sand filler to before priming. Also what would you recommend as a good primer? How many coats? I will be using enamel to paint the rocker area. I could probably just wing it, but thought I would get some pro advice to do it properly.

Steve

Not a pro, but am willing to offer my 2 cents worth. Are they painted or bare metal (in addition to the filler)? Many people like to start with an epoxy primer (1-2 coats) then a 2k surfacing primers 2+ coats. That should work well over bare metal or old paint. I'm not even sure you need the epoxy over old paint. Make sure whatever you use will be compatible with which ever type/brand of color coat you use. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but you could just sand the filler with 80 grit if you are going to use a surfacing primer. If should hide the 80 grit sanding scratches. I'd like to hear any other opinions.

You need to get the surface of the primer as scratch free as you can. You should finish up by wet or dry sanding with at least 450 grit prior to your color. Buy a spray can of sandable primer in the opposite color of your primer. Spray a very light coat over the primer and start sanding with 320 grit. You should use a paint stick or sanding block for this. Never use your hand.
If you see small scratches in the spray can color, you need to sand them out. Also, this will show any high or low spots that you missed.
( I missed a bunch on my car. Grrrr..)
This is called using a guide coat.
When you are able to sand the guide coat off, you are ready to paint. Finish sand with 450 and then follow with a green 3M scuff pad.
Paint will not fill scratches!
Whatever scratches there are there, will be there when you are done painting.

Dave