removing paint and priming

how would you go about removing the paint from your body panels without damaging them? as well as what kind of primer should you use? 

I have actually been asking these type of questions on 3 different message boards.

Here is what I have been told.

The nose and rear bumper skin should be sanded down until the paint is basically gone. Its because you want a good base for your new paint to adhere to. The rest of the panels for the most part should be scuffed but due to the fact they are more ridged and don't get "flexed as much" you don't need to be as perfect with the paint removal.

Primer is of little use and only needs to be considered if you are doing a drastic colour change, IE Painting a black car white. Primer is more used for painting on metal.

Sanding is the most common way to prep the car. Lisa used a palm sander when she sanded her car down and the finish came out great.   I was planning on doing it the same way, however was recommended to get a D/A Sander. Instead of vibrating or spinning it kinda wobbles on 2 axises. Head spins as well as rotating the spinning axises. So it kinda rotates and wobbles.

    I still don't know what grit I should start with and end with, and I don't know what paint is the best bang for the buck or even how to mix the paint.

awsome guys, as well i should post some pics of my car, when i take them. soon i hope! my car is black and had some front end damage. but here is what i have, replaced with a white hood silver bumper and was a gold left fender but was cheaply spray painted black and started peeling off its a mess paint seperated from the plastic panel, or what ever its made of anyways the point of this is i want to paint my whole car and sand down the faded black and other peeling paint

thanks guys, painting shouldnt be a problem. i think if i cant get the right things together i might go to my old highschool and talk to my old teacher its been almost 6 years now, i used to build trailers and go carts and paint them for fun instead of those stupid projects in metal class :P