I was planning on painting the hood of my car. I was told by a friend that I need to wet sand it first. Is this true?

 

yes....you need to get all the clearcoat off or scuff it, then degrease it.

 

checkthis out!! How to Paint a Car it should help you!!!

 

Be sure not to sand thru to factory dipped rustproofing underneath the factory paint or you may be inviting future rust. I only mention this as I've seen the unaware attempt to sand out low spots like hood common dings and stone chips, only to have new chips and time cause stripped sheetmetal rust to return in it's place.

Good Luck and post a few pics when your done!