I've got probably 30-40 places where I need to use filler, some of them broad areas like the side of the door where I want to really block it nice and smooth.

What's the easiest/fastest way to sand down to metal to get ready for the filler?

Even with 80 grit it's taking me a long time on a DA. The factory paint has proven really durable so far. Especially for areas where I need to get down into the dent.

Are there any tips or tricks here? At this rate it's taking me about twice as long to get ready for filler as it is for me to file it/block it/paint it!!!!

 

Nothing works better than this stuff. Dont get it on plastic. Spray it on and the paint instantly turns too easily removable goo!!! Most autoparts stores have this stuff.

 

What's best to use to clean that residue up before filler application? wax and adhesive remover?

 

used a "poly abrasive" wheel on a angle grinder on my spare hood to prep it and get it all down to bare metal, it had tons of layers of paint, including the stock paint and factory primer. I got down to factory primer with it, then used 1 coat of aircraft stripper to remove the factory primer.

literally touched the grinder to the hood for maybe 3 seconds and you could see metal

 

high speed grinder with 36 grti will get you to bare metal real fast...then clean with DX 103 or DX 330