just to remind one important point.. after every coating (be it primer or paint) the -dried- surface must be sanded with at least 800 grid (and not less than)
Excuse my stupidty, but why do you rub down between coats?
For a key surface for the next coat and a smoother finish "i think"
yep.. for the covering coat -whatever it is- the surface must have "tiny channels" or tiny scratches that it can hold..
normally , there is no sanding between final paint layer and laquer layer as the laquer is applied on partially wet surface..
but if you want an extraordinary good paint
(for a stronger and deep looking paint ) - although factories dont use - method of using an initial -preparation- paint layer is a good practice.. also if you are painting on bare metal surface, both metal surface and primary coat must be sanded..
and forgot to add.. for a smoother finish is the second reason.. generally the coated surface will not be glassy instead will be like orange surface.. there are several reasons for that.. first one being lower cabin temperature.. second low solvent percentage (this technique is used by painters to prevent paint flow) .. and finally spray gun.. but even in best paint methods there wont be a perfect surface.. also even sanding final laquer will give better quality.. but its labour intensive