NYC NYCHA SUPERVISOR PAINTER
PRACTICE EXAM 2027 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. Which of the following describes the condition ‘saponification’ in painting?
A. The separation of pigment and binder during long-term storage.
B. The formation of bubbles due to moisture entrapment under the paint film.
C. The process of paint drying too quickly in direct sunlight.
D. The chemical reaction between oil-based paints and alkaline surfaces like new concrete.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Saponification is a chemical reaction that occurs when the oil in
paint reacts with the alkali in masonry, resulting in a soapy, sticky substance that prevents
adhesion.
2. When calculating paint coverage, if a gallon of paint covers 400 square feet, how many
gallons are required for a room with 2,400 square feet of wall space, accounting for a 15%
waste factor?
A. 6 gallons
,B. 6.9 gallons
C. 6.5 gallons
D. 7.5 gallons
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: 2, = 6 gallons. A 15% waste factor means multiplying 6
by 1.15, which equals 6.9 gallons.
3. According to OSHA standards, at what height must fall protection be provided for painters
working on a scaffold?
A. 4 feet
B. 10 feet
C. 6 feet
D. 15 feet
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: OSHA requires fall protection for workers on scaffolds at 10 feet
or more above the lower level.
4. What is the primary purpose of ‘etching’ a concrete floor before painting?
A. To create a profile for better mechanical adhesion of the paint.
B. To change the color of the concrete.
, C. To remove all moisture from the slab.
D. To fill in small cracks and voids.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Etching uses acid or mechanical means to roughen the surface,
allowing the coating to bond effectively to the concrete.
5. Under the EPA Lead RRP rule, what is the maximum area of interior painted surface that
can be disturbed before lead-safe work practices are required?
A. 2 square feet
B. 20 square feet
C. 10 square feet
D. 6 square feet
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The ‘de minimis’ level for interior work is 6 square feet per
room; anything above this requires RRP compliance.
6. Which paint defect is characterized by the top layer of paint cracking in a pattern
resembling the skin of a reptile?
A. Checking
B. Blistering
C. Alligatoring
PRACTICE EXAM 2027 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. Which of the following describes the condition ‘saponification’ in painting?
A. The separation of pigment and binder during long-term storage.
B. The formation of bubbles due to moisture entrapment under the paint film.
C. The process of paint drying too quickly in direct sunlight.
D. The chemical reaction between oil-based paints and alkaline surfaces like new concrete.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Saponification is a chemical reaction that occurs when the oil in
paint reacts with the alkali in masonry, resulting in a soapy, sticky substance that prevents
adhesion.
2. When calculating paint coverage, if a gallon of paint covers 400 square feet, how many
gallons are required for a room with 2,400 square feet of wall space, accounting for a 15%
waste factor?
A. 6 gallons
,B. 6.9 gallons
C. 6.5 gallons
D. 7.5 gallons
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: 2, = 6 gallons. A 15% waste factor means multiplying 6
by 1.15, which equals 6.9 gallons.
3. According to OSHA standards, at what height must fall protection be provided for painters
working on a scaffold?
A. 4 feet
B. 10 feet
C. 6 feet
D. 15 feet
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: OSHA requires fall protection for workers on scaffolds at 10 feet
or more above the lower level.
4. What is the primary purpose of ‘etching’ a concrete floor before painting?
A. To create a profile for better mechanical adhesion of the paint.
B. To change the color of the concrete.
, C. To remove all moisture from the slab.
D. To fill in small cracks and voids.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Etching uses acid or mechanical means to roughen the surface,
allowing the coating to bond effectively to the concrete.
5. Under the EPA Lead RRP rule, what is the maximum area of interior painted surface that
can be disturbed before lead-safe work practices are required?
A. 2 square feet
B. 20 square feet
C. 10 square feet
D. 6 square feet
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The ‘de minimis’ level for interior work is 6 square feet per
room; anything above this requires RRP compliance.
6. Which paint defect is characterized by the top layer of paint cracking in a pattern
resembling the skin of a reptile?
A. Checking
B. Blistering
C. Alligatoring
