Block sanding. It may not be the only thing that sets a custom lacquer paint job apart from the rest, but it is the most important. Surprisingly, it is one element seldom mentioned in "How to Paint" ...

Applying a coat of primer before painting can seem like a waste of time to any DIYer in a hurry, especially since many paints come with primer formulated into them. However, in some situations, not ...

You don't want the primer to be smooth. It should have light grooves to help the paint bond to it. Scuff it up lightly w/ ~320grit before you paint it.