What must you do after properly preparing and sanding a surface?

After properly preparing and sanding a surface, it is essential to clear it of sanding residue and dry particles. This step is crucial because any leftover dust, debris, or particles from the sanding process can interfere with the adhesion of the paint or primer, leading to an uneven finish, peeling, or other defects in the final product.

Removing the sanding residue ensures that the surface is clean and ready for the next step, whether that involves applying a primer or directly painting. The effectiveness of the finish depends in large part on how well the surface was prepared; a clean surface allows for optimal adhesion of subsequent layers.

While applying a primer, paint, or allowing the surface to air dry can be part of the process, these steps cannot be effectively executed unless the surface is first cleared of any contaminants.