John,

 

I am at the same stage as you with the first coat on that was applied with a squeegee. Next I will use 80 grit on the flat surfaces and 120 or 150 on the curves with a flexible sanding board. Then I will spray on the next coat and fly till I am comfortable that there will be no more changes to the painted areas. I expect the painter to sand the last time and he will probably be in the 200 to 300 range. I painted a plane once. It came out well, but I don't have a booth this time and after spending so much time on the build, I don't want to see any cold joints.

 

Gary