PAINTING AND COATING CONTRACTOR LICENSING EXAMINER EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALE
2025/2026 Q&A/ INSTANDOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the primary purpose of applying a primer before painting?
A. To change the surface color
B. To protect the final coat from UV light
C. To improve adhesion and seal the surface
D. To reduce drying time
Correct answer: C — Primer ensures proper adhesion between the surface and topcoat and
seals porous substrates to prevent uneven absorption.
2. Which type of paint is best suited for high-humidity areas like bathrooms?
A. Flat latex paint
B. Eggshell paint
C. Semi-gloss or gloss enamel
D. Alkyd primer
Correct answer: C — Semi-gloss and gloss enamels are moisture-resistant and easier to clean,
making them ideal for humid environments.
3. What is the function of a binder in paint?
A. To add color
B. To hold pigment particles together and adhere them to the surface
C. To speed up drying
D. To thin the paint
Correct answer: B — The binder forms the paint film and provides adhesion and durability.
4. When painting over galvanized steel, which primer should be used?
,A. Alkyd primer
B. Zinc chromate primer
C. Shellac-based primer
D. Latex primer
Correct answer: B — Zinc chromate primer prevents corrosion and improves adhesion on
galvanized metal surfaces.
5. Which of the following tools is best for cutting in along edges and trim?
A. Roller
B. Spray gun
C. Angled sash brush
D. Foam brush
Correct answer: C — An angled sash brush allows precise control for clean edges.
6. What is the typical drying time for latex paint under normal conditions?
A. 10 minutes
B. 1 hour
C. 8 hours
D. 24 hours
Correct answer: B — Latex paints typically dry to the touch within 1 hour depending on
temperature and humidity.
7. What causes “alligatoring” in a paint finish?
A. Using too much thinner
B. Applying a hard, glossy coat over a soft undercoat
C. Excessive sanding between coats
D. Too much primer
Correct answer: B — Alligatoring occurs when a harder coat is applied over a softer one that
hasn’t cured properly.
8. What is the purpose of sanding between coats of paint or varnish?
, A. To increase gloss
B. To remove brush marks
C. To improve adhesion between coats
D. To reduce coverage
Correct answer: C — Sanding lightly creates a mechanical bond for better adhesion between
coats.
9. Which of the following best describes “back-rolling”?
A. Applying paint with a roller after spraying
B. Rolling paint backward to remove bubbles
C. Rolling over edges for blending
D. Re-rolling paint after drying
Correct answer: A — Back-rolling is rolling over freshly sprayed paint to ensure even coverage
and better penetration.
10. What is the main advantage of using epoxy coatings?
A. Flexibility
B. Fast drying
C. Chemical and abrasion resistance
D. Low cost
Correct answer: C — Epoxy coatings provide superior chemical, moisture, and abrasion
resistance.
11. Which of the following surfaces requires etching before painting?
A. Drywall
B. Concrete
C. Brick
D. Aluminum
Correct answer: B — Concrete must be etched to remove laitance and open pores for better
paint adhesion.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALE
2025/2026 Q&A/ INSTANDOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the primary purpose of applying a primer before painting?
A. To change the surface color
B. To protect the final coat from UV light
C. To improve adhesion and seal the surface
D. To reduce drying time
Correct answer: C — Primer ensures proper adhesion between the surface and topcoat and
seals porous substrates to prevent uneven absorption.
2. Which type of paint is best suited for high-humidity areas like bathrooms?
A. Flat latex paint
B. Eggshell paint
C. Semi-gloss or gloss enamel
D. Alkyd primer
Correct answer: C — Semi-gloss and gloss enamels are moisture-resistant and easier to clean,
making them ideal for humid environments.
3. What is the function of a binder in paint?
A. To add color
B. To hold pigment particles together and adhere them to the surface
C. To speed up drying
D. To thin the paint
Correct answer: B — The binder forms the paint film and provides adhesion and durability.
4. When painting over galvanized steel, which primer should be used?
,A. Alkyd primer
B. Zinc chromate primer
C. Shellac-based primer
D. Latex primer
Correct answer: B — Zinc chromate primer prevents corrosion and improves adhesion on
galvanized metal surfaces.
5. Which of the following tools is best for cutting in along edges and trim?
A. Roller
B. Spray gun
C. Angled sash brush
D. Foam brush
Correct answer: C — An angled sash brush allows precise control for clean edges.
6. What is the typical drying time for latex paint under normal conditions?
A. 10 minutes
B. 1 hour
C. 8 hours
D. 24 hours
Correct answer: B — Latex paints typically dry to the touch within 1 hour depending on
temperature and humidity.
7. What causes “alligatoring” in a paint finish?
A. Using too much thinner
B. Applying a hard, glossy coat over a soft undercoat
C. Excessive sanding between coats
D. Too much primer
Correct answer: B — Alligatoring occurs when a harder coat is applied over a softer one that
hasn’t cured properly.
8. What is the purpose of sanding between coats of paint or varnish?
, A. To increase gloss
B. To remove brush marks
C. To improve adhesion between coats
D. To reduce coverage
Correct answer: C — Sanding lightly creates a mechanical bond for better adhesion between
coats.
9. Which of the following best describes “back-rolling”?
A. Applying paint with a roller after spraying
B. Rolling paint backward to remove bubbles
C. Rolling over edges for blending
D. Re-rolling paint after drying
Correct answer: A — Back-rolling is rolling over freshly sprayed paint to ensure even coverage
and better penetration.
10. What is the main advantage of using epoxy coatings?
A. Flexibility
B. Fast drying
C. Chemical and abrasion resistance
D. Low cost
Correct answer: C — Epoxy coatings provide superior chemical, moisture, and abrasion
resistance.
11. Which of the following surfaces requires etching before painting?
A. Drywall
B. Concrete
C. Brick
D. Aluminum
Correct answer: B — Concrete must be etched to remove laitance and open pores for better
paint adhesion.
