When transitioning to a finer grit, what should you remember about preparing the surface with abrasives?

When transitioning to a finer grit, it's essential to always advance to the next grade in the sequence. This method ensures that any surface imperfections, such as scratches or uneven areas created by the coarser grit, are adequately smoothed out before moving on to a finer abrasive. Each grit level is designed to remove the scratches from the previous grit, creating a progressively smoother surface. By following this sequence, the final finish will be much more even and achieve a professional appearance.

Skipping grades can lead to issues, as it doesn't allow for the gradual refinement necessary for a smooth finish. Using the same grit until the surface appears perfect can also be misleading, as some imperfections may not be visible until the finer grits are applied. Moreover, relying solely on finer grits for final finishes would often result in inadequate surface preparation, as they are not designed to remove the larger imperfections that can be addressed with coarser options. Maintaining the proper sequence in grit progression is foundational in achieving high-quality paint and refinishing work.