Painting dash question?

[djtoothowd]

i have torn my dash out of my hoe to do a PTA recirculation actuator and figured since i have the dash completely out of the truck already it would be the best time to go ahead and paint it. i want to sand it down smooth to begin with and paint it black to match the truck. my question or questions are:

1) whats the best way to sand it down smooth? what materials to use?
2) what kind of paint? i know they have a paint for plastic but i was curious as to if i could use some that (i think its duplicolor) "ready to spray" paint that comes in pint cans for a spray gun?

 

[2005yukonxl]

the tailgate handle on my tundra was textured and i sanded the bumps off it, sprayed it with high build primer, sanded, did the primer again, sanded, etc till it was smooth. as far as paint my neighbor is a body shop owner and he painted it for me with auto paint. i'd go with a good base/clear coat automotive finish for the best durability but if u just sand it somewhat smooth and use high build primer u can get it smooth...