NYCHA SUPERVISOR
PAINTER WRITTEN
EXAM
200 Practice Questions with Answers and Rationales
SECTION 1: PAINT TECHNOLOGY & MATERIAL SELECTION (Questions 1-40)
Question 1
Which paint type provides the best resistance to repeated scrubbing in NYCHA hallways?
A) Flat latex
B) Eggshell acrylic
C) Semi-gloss latex
D) Chalk paint
Correct Answer: C – Semi-gloss latex
Rationale: Semi-gloss latex offers exceptional durability, washability, and scuff resistance required
for high-traffic public housing corridors. Flat and eggshell finishes are less scrubbable and mark
easily; chalk paint lacks durability for municipal applications .
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, Question 2
What is the primary binder in latex paint?
A) Linseed oil
B) Alkyd resin
C) Acrylic or vinyl resin
D) Epoxy
Correct Answer: C – Acrylic or vinyl resin
Rationale: Latex paints are water-based and use acrylic or polyvinyl acetate (PVA) as binders.
Linseed oil and alkyd are oil-based binders; epoxy is a separate chemical family .
-
Question 3
You need to paint a NYCHA basement floor that receives light foot traffic and occasional oil drips.
What is the best choice?
A) Flat latex
B) Epoxy paint
C) Chalk paint
D) Acrylic craft paint
Correct Answer: B – Epoxy paint
, Rationale: Epoxy paint provides superior durability, abrasion resistance, and protection against
moisture and oil. Standard latex or acrylic paints would wear rapidly on a horizontal walking surface .
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Question 4
What is the VOC limit for compliant flat paint used inside NYCHA buildings per NYC Local Law 47?
A) 50 g/L
B) 100 g/L
C) 250 g/L
D) 500 g/L
Correct Answer: B – 100 g/L
Rationale: NYC Local Law 47 strictly limits VOCs to 100 grams per liter for flat paints and 150 g/L
for non-flat (eggshell, satin, semi-gloss) finishes. Higher limits are non-compliant for interior use in
NYCHA .
-
Question 5
Which paint is best suited for interior walls in residential apartments regarding application and odor?
A) Water-based latex paint
B) Oil-based enamel
C) Industrial epoxy
D) Lacquer
, Correct Answer: A – Water-based latex paint
Rationale: Water-based latex paints dry quickly, emit low VOCs (fewer fumes), are easy to clean
with soap and water, and provide good durability for residential interiors .
-
Question 6
A NYCHA resident reports paint peeling in a bathroom. What is the most likely cause?
A) Primer was used
B) High humidity without moisture-resistant paint
C) Too many coats were applied
D) A synthetic brush was used
Correct Answer: B – High humidity without moisture-resistant paint
Rationale: Bathrooms are high-humidity environments. Standard paints fail under prolonged
moisture exposure. Moisture-resistant paint (semi-gloss or satin) is required for these spaces .
-
Question 7
Which primer is best for covering water stains on a NYCHA ceiling?
A) Latex primer
PAINTER WRITTEN
EXAM
200 Practice Questions with Answers and Rationales
SECTION 1: PAINT TECHNOLOGY & MATERIAL SELECTION (Questions 1-40)
Question 1
Which paint type provides the best resistance to repeated scrubbing in NYCHA hallways?
A) Flat latex
B) Eggshell acrylic
C) Semi-gloss latex
D) Chalk paint
Correct Answer: C – Semi-gloss latex
Rationale: Semi-gloss latex offers exceptional durability, washability, and scuff resistance required
for high-traffic public housing corridors. Flat and eggshell finishes are less scrubbable and mark
easily; chalk paint lacks durability for municipal applications .
-
, Question 2
What is the primary binder in latex paint?
A) Linseed oil
B) Alkyd resin
C) Acrylic or vinyl resin
D) Epoxy
Correct Answer: C – Acrylic or vinyl resin
Rationale: Latex paints are water-based and use acrylic or polyvinyl acetate (PVA) as binders.
Linseed oil and alkyd are oil-based binders; epoxy is a separate chemical family .
-
Question 3
You need to paint a NYCHA basement floor that receives light foot traffic and occasional oil drips.
What is the best choice?
A) Flat latex
B) Epoxy paint
C) Chalk paint
D) Acrylic craft paint
Correct Answer: B – Epoxy paint
, Rationale: Epoxy paint provides superior durability, abrasion resistance, and protection against
moisture and oil. Standard latex or acrylic paints would wear rapidly on a horizontal walking surface .
-
Question 4
What is the VOC limit for compliant flat paint used inside NYCHA buildings per NYC Local Law 47?
A) 50 g/L
B) 100 g/L
C) 250 g/L
D) 500 g/L
Correct Answer: B – 100 g/L
Rationale: NYC Local Law 47 strictly limits VOCs to 100 grams per liter for flat paints and 150 g/L
for non-flat (eggshell, satin, semi-gloss) finishes. Higher limits are non-compliant for interior use in
NYCHA .
-
Question 5
Which paint is best suited for interior walls in residential apartments regarding application and odor?
A) Water-based latex paint
B) Oil-based enamel
C) Industrial epoxy
D) Lacquer
, Correct Answer: A – Water-based latex paint
Rationale: Water-based latex paints dry quickly, emit low VOCs (fewer fumes), are easy to clean
with soap and water, and provide good durability for residential interiors .
-
Question 6
A NYCHA resident reports paint peeling in a bathroom. What is the most likely cause?
A) Primer was used
B) High humidity without moisture-resistant paint
C) Too many coats were applied
D) A synthetic brush was used
Correct Answer: B – High humidity without moisture-resistant paint
Rationale: Bathrooms are high-humidity environments. Standard paints fail under prolonged
moisture exposure. Moisture-resistant paint (semi-gloss or satin) is required for these spaces .
-
Question 7
Which primer is best for covering water stains on a NYCHA ceiling?
A) Latex primer
