Yes, ALWAYS use a backing pad or sanding block. You dont want to finger **** your bodywork. 600 grit sanding of primer is fine. basecoat will cover 400 grit but to be on the safe side wetsand using 600. DO NOT SAND BASECOAT, especially if there is metallic in it, you will cut the metallic flakes and it will look terrible. I like to do 3-4 coats of clear with a wetsand and polish at the end. Wetsand using 1500 grit and a multi stage cut/polish system