?????

I rescued some cool metal shelves from a dumpster in my neighborhood last week and since it's a nice day today, I figure I'll sit out on the porch and sand and paint them. The problem is, I have no idea how to do this, being exceptionally UNhandy.

Do I sand the whole thing? Just the rough spots? What kind of sand paper do I use? Do I have to use primer before I paint them the glossy, fire engine red color they were meant to be?

If any regular readers know the answers to these girly-girl questions, please be in touch. I'll be eternally grateful.