Red Seal Painter and Decorator Practice Exam

How can you prevent lap marks when painting walls?

1. Paint in the same direction as the sunlight

2. Maintain a wet edge and overlap the previous stroke

3. Wait for each stroke to dry before applying the next

4. Use a foam brush for all strokes

The correct answer is: Maintain a wet edge and overlap the previous stroke

Preventing lap marks while painting walls is crucial for achieving a smooth and professional finish. Maintaining a wet edge and overlapping the previous stroke is an effective technique because it ensures that the paint remains workable as you apply it. This means that the newly applied paint will blend seamlessly with the areas that were previously painted, preventing unsightly lines or variations in color known as lap marks. When you overlap strokes while the paint is still wet, you allow for better adhesion and mixing of the paint layers, which contributes to a uniform application. This technique is particularly important in larger areas, where sections may otherwise dry at different rates and lead to visible demarcation lines. Additionally, practicing this method helps to avoid the issue of having dry edges that would contrast with wet paint, which is a common cause of lap marks. Other options, such as painting in the direction of sunlight, waiting for each stroke to dry, or using a foam brush, might not be as effective. Painting in the direction of sunlight doesn’t necessarily prevent lap marks because it’s more related to the visibility of paint strokes rather than the application technique. Waiting for each stroke to dry can lead to significant unevenness between layers. While using a foam brush can be useful for certain tasks, it may not