Red Seal Painter and Decorator Practice Exam

What does "tack-free" mean in relation to paint?

1. The paint surface is dry enough to touch without sticking

2. The paint can be safely applied on wet surfaces

3. The paint has an extremely rough texture

4. The paint can be cleaned with water

The correct answer is: The paint surface is dry enough to touch without sticking

"Tack-free" refers to the state of a paint surface when it has dried sufficiently such that it does not stick to the touch. This means that when someone lightly touches the painted surface, their finger will not adhere to it, indicating that it has transitioned from a wet, sticky state to a more solid, dry condition. Achieving a tack-free finish is important for ensuring that subsequent coats of paint can be applied without disturbing the underlying layer, and it also helps prevent dust and debris from sticking to the surface during the drying process. Other options present concepts that do not align with the definition of "tack-free." For instance, the notion that paint can be applied on wet surfaces does not relate to its tack-free property, as this pertains more to the compatibility of applying paint rather than its state. Similarly, the descriptions of texture or cleanability do not address the specific state of being dry enough to handle without sticking, which is central to the meaning of tack-free.