Should I sand after primer metal

yes!
minimum 220

Thanks, guys. I already hit it with 400 grit, and I'll do 800 next. Its previous finish was matte and I couldn't stand it, so I want a very smooth finish this time around.

cbchess said:

yes!
minimum 220

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Many automotive shops only go up 320 grit wet sanded.

Doug (also flyinfrog) are of course correct. Doug has been a professional painter for 30+ years? Or something like that amount (Hi Doug)

Automotive shops may only go to 320 because of speed. Time is money of course. That is not necessarily what does the best job. If using metallics or pearls you must sand to a finer grit (600 wet is standard) to reduce sand scratches that can be seen after clearing.

I use dry papers that are graded to a particular coursness. Realize that 600 wet would typically be something like 800 dry and that a lot of papers are now micron graded so there is not an absolute direct correlation.

Good luck, lets see pictures after you are done.

flynfrog said:

I wouldn't go much past 600 you will start to lose to much bite on your paint. Check with the data sheet for the paint you are using most are 400-600. The color will make a difference to metallics will settle into any sanding scratch you missed.

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I usually do only minimal sanding on primer, pretty much just knocking down any rough spots. Then I use the first base coats as guide coats and sand them flat. That way there's less of a chance of sanding though the primer and having to respray primer. It's a lot more time consuming and uses more paint, but I think the results are worth it.

Do you need to sand after priming?

How many coats of primer should I use on metal?