Originally Posted by Devotee

Here are the steps I used on an aluminum frame to get the surface primed per a spreadsheet I kept:

Day 1

Surface Prep
Scuff surface – 3M Very Fine, 220 Grit, Hand Sanding Pads – Red
Blow off – Blow Off Duster
Clean/rinse – Distilled Water
Dry – Clean, Fresh Towel

Day 2

Glass cleaner – Stoner Invisible Glass Cleaner
Dry – Clean, Fresh Towel
Clean & etch – Krud Kutter – Metal Clean and Etch
Rinse – Distilled Water
Dry – Clean, Fresh Towel

Day 3

Tap/block off – 3M Auto Tape and 3M Blue Tape – Bottom bracket, head tube *Block as you see fit
Insert screws – Screws in Bottle cages (4), front derailleur (2), rear derailleur hanger (1), rear chain stay (2), pump holder (Q-tip), seat post clamp (1)
Clean – Isopropyl Alcohol (70%) w/ Clean Fresh Towel

Etch Primer
Remove dust/lint – Blow Off Duster or Tack cloth (not needed, can leave a residue if not used properly)
Apply etch primer – SEM Etch Primer 2-3 light coats only to hide, 5-10 mins btw coats (flash), 10-20 minutes to top coat
Dry – Air dry for 30 mins to 1 hour

Surface Primer
Apply primer – SEM High Build Surface Primer 2-3 medium coats, 5-10 mins btw coats (flash), 1 hour to dry

** only handle frame/fork wearing nitrile gloves (disposable heavy duty)