What is the first step before any paint work begins?

• A. Proper surface cleaning and preparation
• B. Masking
• C. Featheredging
• D. Sealer

Answer: (A)

The first step before any paint work begins is thorough surface cleaning and preparation. Clearing away oils, waxes, dirt, and contaminants ensures the paint will adhere properly and lay out evenly. This phase includes washing and degreasing the surface, removing rust or damaged coatings, repairing any imperfections, and then roughening the surface (scuffing or sanding) to create the right profile for adhesion. Wipe with a tack cloth to remove dust and inspect the surface for remaining defects.

Masking, feather-edging, and sealing come after the surface is clean and prepared. Masking protects areas not to be painted, feather-edging smooths transitions between repaired sections, and sealer is applied to control porosity or create a uniform base, but none of these can compensate for poor adhesion caused by a dirty or improperly prepared substrate.