Sanding is the most intensive step in paint correction and the foundation for good paintwork. Whether you're tackling spit drops, built-up contamination, stone chips, or entire paint layers, the right grit and technique determine how much work the polish has to do afterwards. Sanding too coarse leaves deep scratches you can't remove with polish; sanding too fine doesn't do enough.

Paint preparation also means cleaning and degreasing. Sandpaper and abrasives bond better to a clean, grease-free surface. Don't skip preparation: dirt and silicone under sandpaper cause scratches and poor adhesion.