NYC NYCHA SUPERVISOR PAINTER
PRACTICE EXAM 2026/2027 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. When preparing a masonry surface affected by efflorescence, what is the most appropriate
first step to ensure long-term coating adhesion?
A. Applying a high-gloss oil-based enamel immediately
B. Increasing the humidity in the room to reabsorb the crystals
C. Painting over the salts with a heavy-duty acrylic primer
D. Wire brushing the salts and treating the surface with a mild acid wash
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Efflorescence is caused by salt deposits. It must be mechanically
removed and neutralized, often with a weak muriatic acid solution, before any coating is
applied to prevent further peeling.
2. According to OSHA standards, at what height is fall protection mandatory for painters
working on a supported scaffold?
A. 4 feet
,B. 10 feet
C. 6 feet
D. 15 feet
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: For construction work, including painting, OSHA requires fall
protection for workers on scaffolds at heights of 10 feet or more above a lower level.
3. Which paint defect is characterized by a loss of adhesion between the paint film and the
substrate, often resulting in large, brittle flakes?
A. Chalking
B. Saponification
C. Inter-coat peeling
D. Alligatoring
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Inter-coat peeling occurs when the topcoat fails to bond with the
previous layer, usually due to contamination or lack of surface profile.
4. A Supervisor Painter needs to calculate the quantity of paint for a room that is 20ft x 30ft
with 10ft ceilings. If one gallon covers 400 sq. ft., how many gallons are needed for two coats
on the walls only (ignoring doors/windows)?
A. 2.5 gallons
, B. 10 gallons
C. 7.5 gallons
D. 5 gallons
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Total wall area = (20+30+20+30) * 10 = 1,000 sq ft. Two coats =
2,000 sq ft. 2, = 5 gallons.
5. In NYCHA properties, what is the required lead-safe work practice when disturbing more
than 6 square feet of interior painted surface?
A. Wet sanding and HEPA vacuuming
B. Open-flame burning to remove old layers
C. Dry power sanding without a shroud
D. Using a standard industrial shop-vac
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: EPA RRP rules (followed by NYCHA) mandate wet methods to
minimize dust and the use of HEPA-filtered vacuums for cleanup.
6. What is the primary function of a ‘binder’ in a paint formulation?
A. To provide color and opacity
B. To act as a carrier for the solids
PRACTICE EXAM 2026/2027 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. When preparing a masonry surface affected by efflorescence, what is the most appropriate
first step to ensure long-term coating adhesion?
A. Applying a high-gloss oil-based enamel immediately
B. Increasing the humidity in the room to reabsorb the crystals
C. Painting over the salts with a heavy-duty acrylic primer
D. Wire brushing the salts and treating the surface with a mild acid wash
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Efflorescence is caused by salt deposits. It must be mechanically
removed and neutralized, often with a weak muriatic acid solution, before any coating is
applied to prevent further peeling.
2. According to OSHA standards, at what height is fall protection mandatory for painters
working on a supported scaffold?
A. 4 feet
,B. 10 feet
C. 6 feet
D. 15 feet
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: For construction work, including painting, OSHA requires fall
protection for workers on scaffolds at heights of 10 feet or more above a lower level.
3. Which paint defect is characterized by a loss of adhesion between the paint film and the
substrate, often resulting in large, brittle flakes?
A. Chalking
B. Saponification
C. Inter-coat peeling
D. Alligatoring
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Inter-coat peeling occurs when the topcoat fails to bond with the
previous layer, usually due to contamination or lack of surface profile.
4. A Supervisor Painter needs to calculate the quantity of paint for a room that is 20ft x 30ft
with 10ft ceilings. If one gallon covers 400 sq. ft., how many gallons are needed for two coats
on the walls only (ignoring doors/windows)?
A. 2.5 gallons
, B. 10 gallons
C. 7.5 gallons
D. 5 gallons
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Total wall area = (20+30+20+30) * 10 = 1,000 sq ft. Two coats =
2,000 sq ft. 2, = 5 gallons.
5. In NYCHA properties, what is the required lead-safe work practice when disturbing more
than 6 square feet of interior painted surface?
A. Wet sanding and HEPA vacuuming
B. Open-flame burning to remove old layers
C. Dry power sanding without a shroud
D. Using a standard industrial shop-vac
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: EPA RRP rules (followed by NYCHA) mandate wet methods to
minimize dust and the use of HEPA-filtered vacuums for cleanup.
6. What is the primary function of a ‘binder’ in a paint formulation?
A. To provide color and opacity
B. To act as a carrier for the solids
