What should you do if the surface of the paint feels rough after drying?

When the surface of the paint feels rough after drying, sanding between coats of paint is an important step to achieve a smooth finish. This process helps to remove imperfections, such as dust particles or brush strokes, that can become embedded in the paint layer. By sanding lightly, you create a better surface for the next coat to adhere to, enhancing the overall appearance and durability of the paint job.

Choosing to apply a second coat without sanding may result in a less than ideal finish, as the rough texture could show through on the final layer, compromising the aesthetic quality. Leaving the surface as is doesn't address the issue; the roughness could remain noticeable. Adding a primer before the next coat doesn't specifically resolve the rough texture from the previous layer and might not be necessary if a proper sanding is done. Thus, sanding between coats is the best practice to ensure a smooth and professional-looking paint job.