After leveling a surface with sandpaper, what should you apply next?

After leveling a surface with sandpaper, applying a wax and grease remover according to manufacturer recommendations is a critical step. This process ensures that the surface is clean and free of contaminants such as oils, waxes, and dust, which can interfere with the adhesion of subsequent coatings like primer or paint.

Before any painting or priming begins, it's essential to have a clean, properly prepared surface to achieve a smooth and durable finish. The use of wax and grease remover prepares the surface effectively by removing any residues that could affect the bond between the substrate and the coatings.

Other options, such as simply using water to clean the surface, may not adequately remove all contaminants, especially oily substances. Applying a thick coat of primer immediately after sanding, without proper cleaning, risks issues such as poor adhesion or the possibility of imperfections showing through the finish. Using more sandpaper would be unnecessary at this stage, as the goal is to have a clean surface ready for the application of coatings, not to continue leveling it further after the initial sanding is complete.