What is the general term for the initial preparation step of preparing a surface before painting?

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Starting a paint job with a surface that will hold the coating well is essential for a durable, smooth finish. This general step, surface prep, covers cleaning away oils, dirt, and old coatings, and making the surface even and receptive to primer and paint. It often includes washing or degreasing, sanding or abrading to remove gloss and create a good mechanical key, filling any defects, and applying primer if needed. The goal is to ensure proper adhesion and a uniform base for the color and topcoat to follow. Tinting refers to adding color, a reducer is a solvent used to adjust viscosity during application, and a basecoat/clearcoat system describes the type of paint layers rather than the preparation step.