Red Seal Painter and Decorator Practice Exam

Which of the following is a sign that paint is drying too slowly?

1. Paint feels sticky when touched

2. Pant applied looks smooth

3. Paint hardens quickly

4. Surface appears evenly covered

The correct answer is: Paint feels sticky when touched

A sign that paint is drying too slowly is indicated when it feels sticky when touched. This stickiness occurs because the solvents in the paint are evaporating at a slower rate than expected, preventing the paint from forming a solid, durable finish. Sticky paint can lead to smudging, dust contamination, or the paint dragging when additional layers or coatings are applied. In contrast, the other options provide different characteristics of paint application. When paint looks smooth, it typically indicates that it has been applied correctly, regardless of its drying time. If the paint hardens quickly, it suggests that the drying process is proceeding normally or even rapidly. Lastly, a surface appearing evenly covered implies a successful application with good coverage, which is generally a positive outcome in painting, indicating that the drying process is functioning as intended. Therefore, the presence of stickiness is the key indicator of a problem with the drying process.