Using primer before painting is very important. Primer helps the paint stick to the piece, which makes the paint job last longer.

There are a few different kinds of primer:

Gap Filling/Sandable - This primer is normally only found in auto parts stores and in the automotive section at Wal-Mart. It goes on smooth, fills small gaps and pin holes and is sandable. This is one of the best primers we've found.

Sandable - You can normally find sandable primer at any hardware store.

Stick with name brand paint products whenever possible. Krylon and Rustoleum are great and for automotive primers, DupliColor and Plasti-Kote are recommended.