Red Seal Painter and Decorator Practice Exam

What is a bonding primer designed to do?

1. Prevent rusting on metal surfaces

2. Promote adhesion to challenging surfaces

3. Enhance color depth on wood

4. Provide a gloss finish

The correct answer is: Promote adhesion to challenging surfaces

A bonding primer is specifically formulated to enhance the adhesion of paint to surfaces that are otherwise difficult to coat effectively. This includes surfaces like glossy finishes, new drywall, or surfaces that may contain substances that repel paint. When applied, bonding primers create a uniform and textured surface that allows the topcoat to adhere better, which is crucial for achieving durability and preventing peeling or chipping. This quality makes it particularly valuable when working on challenging materials or previously finished surfaces that require a good bond for the subsequent layers of paint. In comparison, the other options focus on specific functions that do not align with the primary purpose of a bonding primer. While preventing rusting on metal surfaces is essential for specific primers designed for metal use, enhancing color depth pertains to stain products meant for wood, and a gloss finish is related to topcoat finishes, which all diverge from the primary bonding characteristic of the chosen answer.