How to prep a car's painted (hood only) surface ready to repaint with an auto spray paint can?

Your best bet would be to go have it professionally done. Because if the paint is not mixed right or if it not applied properly it will show up when the paint is dried and it will look awful. Plus there may be dents, and rust under the old paint job that will have to be removed. If not the dents will show up no matter how much paint you use and the rust on the car's hood will be continuing to eat away at if it is not removed properly.How to prep a car's painted (hood only) surface ready to repaint with an auto spray paint can?
Use an adhesive paper first to smooth en the surface. If it's too damaged, use a paint remover and then use putty in proper place. Remember, adhesive papers for every new surface. After this been done, cover the surface with an epoxy filler. This will cause better absorption to the paint. Then u're car is ready for paint application. Use good clear refinishes to cover paint. Use good clear product. Hood usually fragile to sun. Better clear for better resistance.