Advice needed please

[TarheelBlue]

I have some parts on my car that I would like to paint and this is my first time so I want to take it slow and learn while going.

I have the engine cover, rear valence and wheel covers to paint.

Step 1: Sanding/prep

Engine cover and wheel covers is smooth texture, rear valence is rough texture and I want to smooth it out. Which grits should I use?

On smooth texture, I was thinking 150/320/800 for a super smooth finish.

On the rough texture, I was thinking 60 to get rid of the texture, smooth it with 220 and the final smooth with 800.

Thank ahead of time for all your help, its greatly appreciated :bigokay:

 

[Wydir]

Are you sanding by hand or machine like a DA? I use a DA and I start with 180 most times then go to 240 then finish with 320 for solvent based paint for water based I go 2 more steps from 400 to 600grit

as for sanding down the rough areas you may have to just rough sand it with 80 or 180 then use a filler primer then black sand it smooth. I guess I should ask for pictures of the valance is it plastic or metal? if its metal and has a rough texture, that's probably a chip guard coat not sure if you want to get rid of that but that is your choice. but with out seeing the parts its hard to give advice with your eyes closed haha...

 

[TarheelBlue]

Are you sanding by hand or machine like a DA? I use a DA and I start with 180 most times then go to 240 then finish with 320 for solvent based paint for water based I go 2 more steps from 400 to 600grit

as for sanding down the rough areas you may have to just rough sand it with 80 or 180 then use a filler primer then black sand it smooth. I guess I should ask for pictures of the valance is it plastic or metal? if its metal and has a rough texture, that's probably a chip guard coat not sure if you want to get rid of that but that is your choice. but with out seeing the parts its hard to give advice with your eyes closed haha...

I am sanding by hand. As far as the paint, I'll have to find the base out when I order it.

It's all plastic and here are some pictures:

Engine Cover/Valence/Wheel Covers