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100+ Free AL Painting Wall Covering Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: AL Painting Wall Covering Exam

70%

Passing Score

PSI AL GC Bulletin

50 Q

Official Exam Questions

PSI AL GC Bulletin

2 hours

Time Allowed

PSI AL GC Bulletin

$96

PSI Exam Fee

PSI AL GC Bulletin

Open book

Exam Format

PSI AL GC Bulletin

Alabama AL Painting Wall Covering trade exam via PSI: 50 questions, 70% pass, 2 hours, fee $96. Open-book specialty classification under the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors (bulletin 1/23/26).

Sample AL Painting Wall Covering Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your AL Painting Wall Covering exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Before applying a latex topcoat over existing interior walls, what is the primary reason for washing the surface with detergent or TSP substitute?
A.To raise the grain of the drywall paper
B.To remove grease, dirt, and contaminants that block adhesion
C.To add moisture so the paint levels better
D.To convert oil-based paint into latex
Explanation: Grease, nicotine, dust, and household film prevent new paint from bonding. Washing removes those contaminants so the new coat adheres. After washing, rinse and allow the surface to dry completely before priming or painting.
2What is the purpose of spot priming bare areas after scraping and sanding a previously painted wall?
A.To make the entire wall glossier before topcoating
B.To seal only exposed substrate so suction is even and flashing is reduced
C.To remove all remaining sound paint film
D.To replace the need for a finish coat
Explanation: Spot priming seals scraped or sanded bare patches so they do not absorb topcoat differently from the surrounding sound paint. That equalizes suction and helps prevent flashing (uneven sheen) in the finished film.
3Why must new concrete, masonry, or cement plaster cure adequately before most architectural coatings are applied?
A.To allow the masonry color to fade for better color match
B.Because residual alkalinity and moisture can cause saponification, blistering, and adhesion failure
C.So dust can settle into the pores of the surface
D.Because coatings only adhere when the substrate is still wet
Explanation: Fresh cementitious surfaces are highly alkaline and hold free moisture. Painting too early can saponify oil-based binders, drive blistering or efflorescence, and destroy adhesion. Allow curing time and use alkali-resistant sealers when specified.
4White, powdery deposits on exterior masonry that can push through or spoil paint films are commonly called:
A.Chalking from UV degradation only
B.Efflorescence
C.Orange peel
D.Alligatoring
Explanation: Efflorescence is salt deposit carried to the surface by moisture migrating through masonry. Salts crystallize as white powder and can break paint bonds. Correct the moisture path, remove deposits, then recoat with appropriate systems.
5How should resinous knots in new softwood trim be treated before priming for paint?
A.Coat them with linseed oil only
B.Seal them with shellac-based knotting or a stain-blocking sealer
C.Sand with 40-grit only and leave unsealed
D.Cover them with silicone caulk
Explanation: Knots continue to exude resin that stains and lifts paint. Shellac knotting or a dedicated stain-blocking sealer isolates the resin so it does not bleed through primer and topcoats.
6Before painting new galvanized metal, which preparation approach best promotes coating adhesion?
A.Apply oil enamel directly to the shiny zinc surface
B.Degrease, lightly abrade or etch as specified, and use a galvanized/etch primer
C.Heat the metal with a torch until the zinc melts
D.Coat only with clear lacquer
Explanation: New galvanizing is smooth, often oily, and chemically passive. Degreasing, light abrasion or weathering, then a galvanized or etch primer gives the mechanical and chemical tooth needed for topcoats.
7Mildew (mold) on exterior siding should be treated before repainting primarily by:
A.Painting over it immediately so the spores are sealed in
B.Cleaning with a mildewcide or bleach solution per label, rinsing, and drying
C.Sanding dry mildew into the air without cleaning
D.Applying only a high-gloss enamel without cleaning
Explanation: Mildew must be killed and removed; painting over live growth lets it grow through the new film. Use a labeled mildewcide or dilute bleach wash, rinse thoroughly, dry, then prime and paint with mildew-resistant coatings as needed.
8Glossy existing enamel that will receive a new coat is commonly dulled by:
A.Flooding the surface with water only
B.Sanding or using a liquid deglosser to create tooth for adhesion
C.Applying extra thinner to the old film
D.Heating the wall with space heaters
Explanation: Hard, glossy films resist adhesion of new coats. Light sanding or a chemical deglosser roughens or softens the surface so primer or topcoat can bond. Clean dust before recoating.
9What is the recommended fill material for small nail holes and hairline cracks in interior drywall before painting?
A.Unpaintable silicone bathroom sealant
B.Lightweight or all-purpose interior spackle/joint compound
C.Hot-melt roofing asphalt
D.Exterior polyurethane expanding foam only
Explanation: Interior nail holes and fine cracks are filled with lightweight or all-purpose spackle/joint compound that sands smooth and accepts primer and paint. After drying and sanding flush, spot prime before finish coats.
10A Level 5 drywall finish (GA-214) is typically specified when:
A.The wall will remain unfinished behind cabinets only
B.Critical lighting or high-gloss/dark paints make joint telegraphing unacceptable
C.The surface will receive only a flat paint in a closet
D.The contractor wants the minimum legal joint treatment
Explanation: Level 5 includes a thin skim coat over the entire surface after joints and fasteners are finished. It is used under severe lighting or with glossy/dark coatings where lower levels would show joint and fastener shadows.

About the AL Painting Wall Covering Exam

The Alabama Painting and Wall Covering Contractor Examination is a classification trade examination administered by PSI for the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. The official open-book exam has 50 questions, a 70% (35 of 50 correct) passing standard, and 120 minutes allowed. PSI examination fee is $96 per attempt (bulletin updated 1/23/26). This English-language MCQ bank is a study aid for the trade knowledge on the official content outline; it is not an official PSI form, does not replace the required Business & Law exam for primes, and is not a substitute for board-approved experience or the official open-book examination.

Questions

50 scored questions

Time Limit

120 minutes

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$96 (PSI Services LLC (for Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors))

AL Painting Wall Covering Exam Content Outline

25%

Surface Preparation

Surface prep for coatings

25%

Paint Application

Coating application methods

20%

Wall Coverings

Wallpaper and wall covering systems

15%

Materials and Estimating

Materials selection and takeoffs

15%

Safety

VOC, fall protection, and PPE

How to Pass the AL Painting Wall Covering Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 50 questions
  • Time limit: 120 minutes
  • Exam fee: $96

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

AL Painting Wall Covering Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study only the approved references listed for your classification in the current PSI Alabama General Contractors bulletin
2Practice open-book navigation with permanent tabs and indexes before test day
3Drill OSHA 29 CFR 1926 topics that appear across nearly every trade outline
4Work quantity takeoff and plan-reading problems under timed conditions
5Confirm Board eligibility and classification scope on genconbd.alabama.gov before scheduling with PSI

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the AL Painting Wall Covering exam?

The official PSI trade examination has 50 scored questions (plus possible experimental items). Passing is 70% (35 of 50 correct) within 120 minutes.

How much does the AL Painting Wall Covering exam cost?

PSI lists $96 per examination registration for this Alabama general contractor classification exam (Candidate Information Bulletin updated 1/23/26). License application fees to the Board are separate.

Is the Alabama specialty contractor exam open book?

Yes. PSI administers these classification exams as open book. Only the bulletin-listed approved references are allowed; temporary tabs like Post-it notes are prohibited.

Do I still need the Business and Law exam?

Prime contractor applicants must also pass the Alabama Business & Law examination (50 questions, 70%, 120 minutes). Reciprocity may waive a trade exam in some cases but does not waive Business & Law.