Construction Painting NC II cheat sheet

Hierarchy of control, most to least effective: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE. PPE is the last line of defense, not the first.

Painters' biggest chronic risk is solvent and isocyanate inhalation plus skin absorption. Solvent vapors are heavier than air, so they collect in pits, sumps, and low areas; test before entry.

Lead paint is presumed present in pre-1978 buildings in many jurisdictions. Dry sanding, dry scraping, and open-flame burning of lead paint generate hazardous dust and fume and are prohibited under lead-safe work practices.

Silica hazard: abrasive blasting and dry grinding of concrete or masonry release respirable crystalline silica. Wet methods, local exhaust ventilation, and a fit-tested respirator are the primary controls.

Flammable liquids: store in approved closed containers, bond and ground containers during transfer, and keep ignition sources out of areas below the lower explosive limit. Flash point below 100 degrees F (37.8 C) classifies a liquid as flammable.

VOC and waste rules: leftover solvent-based paint, thinner, and contaminated rags are hazardous waste in most jurisdictions. Air-dry or use a closed rag can for solvent rags to prevent spontaneous combustion.

Respirator selection: particulate filters (N95/P100) for dust only; chemical cartridges for solvent vapor; supplied air or air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge plus particulate prefilter for isocyanate (two-pack) paints.

Scaffold and ladder rules: guardrails at 10 ft (3 m) or more, fully planked work platforms, 4:1 ladder angle, three points of contact, and never stand on the top two rungs of a stepladder.

Brush selection: natural bristle (hog hair) for solvent-based and oil/alkyd coatings because water swells the bristles; synthetic (nylon/polyester) for water-based latex and acrylic.

Brush sizes: 1-1.5 in for cutting in and trim, 2-2.5 in for general trim, 3-4 in for broad flat work. A sash brush is angled for window muntins.

Roller cover nap by surface: 1/4 in for smooth drywall and gloss, 3/8 in for standard interior walls, 3/4 in for stucco, brick, and rough exterior.

Spray equipment: airless sprayers use high pressure (typically 1,500-3,000 psi) and no air; conventional air spray uses low pressure and atomizing air; HVLP uses high volume low pressure for better transfer efficiency.

Tip size governs fan width: airless tip orifice (e.g., 0.015 in) sets flow, and fan width is roughly twice the distance from the surface. Replace tips when the fan becomes irregular.

Cleaning: flush airless lines with water for latex and with solvent for oil/alkyd; clean brushes and rollers immediately after use; store natural-bristle brushes flat or hanging bristles-down to avoid a bent set.

Solvent-based paint skins over in the can; stir, do not shake, to avoid bubbles and aeration. Latex can be shaken; store cans upside down briefly to seal the lid.

Moisture test for masonry and concrete: plastic sheet taped over the surface for 16-24 hours; condensation under the sheet indicates moisture that must cure out before painting.

New concrete and masonry must cure 28 days before painting with most coatings; pH should be at or below 10 and moisture content below about 12-15 percent for typical coatings.

Wood: sand with the grain, remove mill glaze and extractive bleed, and prime knots with a shellac-based or stain-blocking primer to stop tannin bleed.

Ferrous metal: remove rust, mill scale, and oil; apply a rust-inhibitive primer (zinc-rich or epoxy) within the recoat window; SSPC-SP grades describe the degree of surface preparation.

Galvanized steel requires a galvanized-metal primer or a wash with a mild acid/vinegar solution to promote adhesion; direct latex over new galvanized metal often fails.

Glossy surfaces must be dulled (sanded or deglossed) so the new coat can mechanically key; otherwise the finish may peel or flake.

Patch and fill: apply spackle or joint compound in thin layers, sand smooth, and prime patched areas because they absorb differently from the surrounding surface.

Masking and protection: use painter's tape on cured finishes, drop cloths on floors, and remove hardware or mask it; remove tape while the paint is still slightly wet for a clean edge.

Stir, do not shake, solvent-based paint to avoid aeration and bubbles; box (combine two cans and pour back and forth) to even out color and sheen between cans.

Thinning: add thinner gradually, in small increments, to the manufacturer's stated maximum. Over-thinning reduces hiding, film build, and durability.

Latex paint can be thinned with water only up to the label limit; adding too much water breaks the emulsion and ruins adhesion.

Two-pack (epoxy, polyurethane, isocyanate) coatings have a pot life that starts when parts A and B are mixed; mix the full kit and use within pot life. Never add part B to a partly used can.

Catalyst ratio must be exact by weight or volume per the data sheet; a wrong ratio causes under-cure, tackiness, or brittleness.

Shelf life and storage: keep containers sealed, out of sunlight, and above freezing for latex; discard separated, lumpy, or skinned material that cannot be stirred smooth.

Color matching: tint small batches, record the formula and batch number, and keep a wet sample for approval before full application.

Primer versus sealer versus undercoat: primer promotes adhesion and blocks stains; sealer reduces absorption on porous substrates; undercoat provides a uniform base for the topcoat.

Brush technique: dip about one-third of the bristle length, tap off excess, and lay on with the grain or in long strokes; finish with light tipping strokes in one direction.

Roller technique: load the cover evenly, roll in a W or M pattern to spread the coating, then back-roll in one direction to level the stipple.

Spray technique: keep the gun perpendicular to the surface, maintain a consistent distance (about 6-12 in for airless), overlap passes by about 50 percent, and trigger at the start of each pass, not over the work.

Wet film thickness (WFT) relates to dry film thickness (DFT) by volume solids: DFT = WFT x volume solids fraction. Example: 4 mil WFT at 50 percent solids = 2 mil DFT.

Recoat window: apply the next coat within the manufacturer's stated window; too early causes wrinkling or lifting, too late may require sanding for adhesion.

Environmental limits: most coatings require substrate and air temperature above 50 degrees F (10 C) and rising, and relative humidity below 85 percent; check the data sheet.

Spray booth and ventilation: use local exhaust and a respirator; keep the spray area free of ignition sources and grounded to prevent static sparks.

Orange peel, runs, and sags are application defects: orange peel from too little thinning or too much pressure/distance; runs and sags from too heavy a coat or too much thinner.

Faux and decorative finishes include sponging, ragging, color washing, stippling, and marble/wood graining; each builds on a base coat plus a glaze or faux medium.

Glaze open time controls workability: extend with a retarder in hot, dry conditions; work in small sections and blend edges while the glaze is still wet.

Metallic and pearlescent finishes show lap marks and roller stipple; apply with a sprayer or brush and maintain a wet edge; orientation of metallic particles affects sheen.

Clear finishes: lacquer, varnish, polyurethane, and conversion varnish differ in sheen, hardness, and recoat rules; sand between coats with the appropriate grit and remove dust.

Textured finishes (knockdown, orange peel, popcorn) are applied with a hopper gun or trowel; match texture by test panel before full application.

Wood graining and marbling use specialized tools (graining comb, rocker, sponge) and layered glazes; practice on a sample board and seal with a clear topcoat.

Specialty coatings: intumescent fire-retardant coatings require a specified DFT and are inspected by thickness; anti-graffiti and high-build coatings need the manufacturer's primer system.

Decorative effects must be protected: most glazes and metallic finishes need a clear topcoat for durability and washability.

Inspect under consistent lighting and at a low angle to reveal holidays, drips, brush marks, and sheen differences; compare against an approved sample or mock-up.

Common defects: runs and sags (too heavy a coat), orange peel (atomization), blistering (moisture or solvent trapped), cratering/fish eyes (oil or silicone contamination), and chalking (over-thinning or exterior UV).

Repair sequence: remove the defect (sand, scrape, or strip), feather the edges, prime the bare spot, then recoat to the full film build.

Touch-up color match: use the same batch and sheen; a different sheen shows as a patch even when the color matches. Feather the touch-up into the surrounding area.

Adhesion test: cross-hatch or tape-pull test on a small area; if the coating lifts, the surface preparation or primer failed.

Acceptance criteria: film thickness within the data sheet range, uniform sheen, no visible defects at the specified viewing distance, and edges and cut lines straight and clean.

Document defects with photos and location before repair so the cause can be corrected and the record supports quality control.

Segregate waste: solvent-based liquids and contaminated rags are hazardous waste; empty dry cans and latex residue follow local rules; never pour paint or thinner down drains or onto the ground.

Rag control: solvent-soaked rags go in a listed, self-closing metal can with a lid; spread flat to dry or use a rag service to prevent spontaneous combustion.

Daily housekeeping: clean tools, sweep or vacuum dust, cover and label open containers, and remove debris and trip hazards at the end of each shift.

Quality control records: batch and lot numbers, product data sheets (PDS) and safety data sheets (SDS), mix ratios, WFT/DFT readings, environmental readings (temperature, humidity, dew point), and inspection logs.

Dew point rule: substrate temperature must be at least 5 degrees F (3 C) above the dew point to avoid condensation on the surface before or during coating.

Wet and dry film thickness gauges: comb or electronic gauges measure WFT and DFT; record readings at defined points and average them.

Waste manifests and disposal receipts must be retained per local regulation; keep them with the project quality file.

Toolbox talk and pre-task briefing: confirm scope, hazards, PPE, and the day's quality targets before work starts; record attendance.

Work order communication: confirm the product, color, sheen, and number of coats against the specification and the approved sample before starting; clarify discrepancies in writing.

Team roles: the lead painter coordinates sequence and inspection; helpers prep, mask, and mix; the sprayer and brush hands coordinate wet-edge timing on large surfaces.

Professional ethics: do not substitute a lower-grade product without written approval; do not hide defects; report errors and near misses promptly.

Client communication: explain cure time, recoat windows, and ventilation requirements; give written care and cleaning instructions at handover.

Conflict and coordination: coordinate with other trades (electrical, plumbing, drywall) so painting does not trap moisture or damage finished work; use a punch list for closeout.

Record keeping: daily logs of labor, materials, weather, and progress support claims, change orders, and quality disputes.

Hierarchy of control, most to least effective: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE. PPE is the last line of defense, not the first.

Painters' biggest chronic risk is solvent and isocyanate inhalation plus skin absorption. Solvent vapors are heavier than air, so they collect in pits, sumps, and low areas; test before entry.

Lead paint is presumed present in pre-1978 buildings in many jurisdictions. Dry sanding, dry scraping, and open-flame burning of lead paint generate hazardous dust and fume and are prohibited under lead-safe work practices.

Silica hazard: abrasive blasting and dry grinding of concrete or masonry release respirable crystalline silica. Wet methods, local exhaust ventilation, and a fit-tested respirator are the primary controls.

Flammable liquids: store in approved closed containers, bond and ground containers during transfer, and keep ignition sources out of areas below the lower explosive limit. Flash point below 100 degrees F (37.8 C) classifies a liquid as flammable.

VOC and waste rules: leftover solvent-based paint, thinner, and contaminated rags are hazardous waste in most jurisdictions. Air-dry or use a closed rag can for solvent rags to prevent spontaneous combustion.

Respirator selection: particulate filters (N95/P100) for dust only; chemical cartridges for solvent vapor; supplied air or air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge plus particulate prefilter for isocyanate (two-pack) paints.

Scaffold and ladder rules: guardrails at 10 ft (3 m) or more, fully planked work platforms, 4:1 ladder angle, three points of contact, and never stand on the top two rungs of a stepladder.

Brush selection: natural bristle (hog hair) for solvent-based and oil/alkyd coatings because water swells the bristles; synthetic (nylon/polyester) for water-based latex and acrylic.

Brush sizes: 1-1.5 in for cutting in and trim, 2-2.5 in for general trim, 3-4 in for broad flat work. A sash brush is angled for window muntins.

Roller cover nap by surface: 1/4 in for smooth drywall and gloss, 3/8 in for standard interior walls, 3/4 in for stucco, brick, and rough exterior.

Spray equipment: airless sprayers use high pressure (typically 1,500-3,000 psi) and no air; conventional air spray uses low pressure and atomizing air; HVLP uses high volume low pressure for better transfer efficiency.

Tip size governs fan width: airless tip orifice (e.g., 0.015 in) sets flow, and fan width is roughly twice the distance from the surface. Replace tips when the fan becomes irregular.

Cleaning: flush airless lines with water for latex and with solvent for oil/alkyd; clean brushes and rollers immediately after use; store natural-bristle brushes flat or hanging bristles-down to avoid a bent set.

Solvent-based paint skins over in the can; stir, do not shake, to avoid bubbles and aeration. Latex can be shaken; store cans upside down briefly to seal the lid.

Moisture test for masonry and concrete: plastic sheet taped over the surface for 16-24 hours; condensation under the sheet indicates moisture that must cure out before painting.

New concrete and masonry must cure 28 days before painting with most coatings; pH should be at or below 10 and moisture content below about 12-15 percent for typical coatings.

Wood: sand with the grain, remove mill glaze and extractive bleed, and prime knots with a shellac-based or stain-blocking primer to stop tannin bleed.

Ferrous metal: remove rust, mill scale, and oil; apply a rust-inhibitive primer (zinc-rich or epoxy) within the recoat window; SSPC-SP grades describe the degree of surface preparation.

Galvanized steel requires a galvanized-metal primer or a wash with a mild acid/vinegar solution to promote adhesion; direct latex over new galvanized metal often fails.

Glossy surfaces must be dulled (sanded or deglossed) so the new coat can mechanically key; otherwise the finish may peel or flake.

Patch and fill: apply spackle or joint compound in thin layers, sand smooth, and prime patched areas because they absorb differently from the surrounding surface.

Masking and protection: use painter's tape on cured finishes, drop cloths on floors, and remove hardware or mask it; remove tape while the paint is still slightly wet for a clean edge.

Stir, do not shake, solvent-based paint to avoid aeration and bubbles; box (combine two cans and pour back and forth) to even out color and sheen between cans.

Thinning: add thinner gradually, in small increments, to the manufacturer's stated maximum. Over-thinning reduces hiding, film build, and durability.

Latex paint can be thinned with water only up to the label limit; adding too much water breaks the emulsion and ruins adhesion.

Two-pack (epoxy, polyurethane, isocyanate) coatings have a pot life that starts when parts A and B are mixed; mix the full kit and use within pot life. Never add part B to a partly used can.

Catalyst ratio must be exact by weight or volume per the data sheet; a wrong ratio causes under-cure, tackiness, or brittleness.

Shelf life and storage: keep containers sealed, out of sunlight, and above freezing for latex; discard separated, lumpy, or skinned material that cannot be stirred smooth.

Color matching: tint small batches, record the formula and batch number, and keep a wet sample for approval before full application.

Primer versus sealer versus undercoat: primer promotes adhesion and blocks stains; sealer reduces absorption on porous substrates; undercoat provides a uniform base for the topcoat.

Brush technique: dip about one-third of the bristle length, tap off excess, and lay on with the grain or in long strokes; finish with light tipping strokes in one direction.

Roller technique: load the cover evenly, roll in a W or M pattern to spread the coating, then back-roll in one direction to level the stipple.

Spray technique: keep the gun perpendicular to the surface, maintain a consistent distance (about 6-12 in for airless), overlap passes by about 50 percent, and trigger at the start of each pass, not over the work.

Wet film thickness (WFT) relates to dry film thickness (DFT) by volume solids: DFT = WFT x volume solids fraction. Example: 4 mil WFT at 50 percent solids = 2 mil DFT.

Recoat window: apply the next coat within the manufacturer's stated window; too early causes wrinkling or lifting, too late may require sanding for adhesion.

Environmental limits: most coatings require substrate and air temperature above 50 degrees F (10 C) and rising, and relative humidity below 85 percent; check the data sheet.

Spray booth and ventilation: use local exhaust and a respirator; keep the spray area free of ignition sources and grounded to prevent static sparks.

Orange peel, runs, and sags are application defects: orange peel from too little thinning or too much pressure/distance; runs and sags from too heavy a coat or too much thinner.

Faux and decorative finishes include sponging, ragging, color washing, stippling, and marble/wood graining; each builds on a base coat plus a glaze or faux medium.

Glaze open time controls workability: extend with a retarder in hot, dry conditions; work in small sections and blend edges while the glaze is still wet.

Metallic and pearlescent finishes show lap marks and roller stipple; apply with a sprayer or brush and maintain a wet edge; orientation of metallic particles affects sheen.

Clear finishes: lacquer, varnish, polyurethane, and conversion varnish differ in sheen, hardness, and recoat rules; sand between coats with the appropriate grit and remove dust.

Textured finishes (knockdown, orange peel, popcorn) are applied with a hopper gun or trowel; match texture by test panel before full application.

Wood graining and marbling use specialized tools (graining comb, rocker, sponge) and layered glazes; practice on a sample board and seal with a clear topcoat.

Specialty coatings: intumescent fire-retardant coatings require a specified DFT and are inspected by thickness; anti-graffiti and high-build coatings need the manufacturer's primer system.

Decorative effects must be protected: most glazes and metallic finishes need a clear topcoat for durability and washability.

Inspect under consistent lighting and at a low angle to reveal holidays, drips, brush marks, and sheen differences; compare against an approved sample or mock-up.

Common defects: runs and sags (too heavy a coat), orange peel (atomization), blistering (moisture or solvent trapped), cratering/fish eyes (oil or silicone contamination), and chalking (over-thinning or exterior UV).

Repair sequence: remove the defect (sand, scrape, or strip), feather the edges, prime the bare spot, then recoat to the full film build.

Touch-up color match: use the same batch and sheen; a different sheen shows as a patch even when the color matches. Feather the touch-up into the surrounding area.

Adhesion test: cross-hatch or tape-pull test on a small area; if the coating lifts, the surface preparation or primer failed.

Acceptance criteria: film thickness within the data sheet range, uniform sheen, no visible defects at the specified viewing distance, and edges and cut lines straight and clean.

Document defects with photos and location before repair so the cause can be corrected and the record supports quality control.

Segregate waste: solvent-based liquids and contaminated rags are hazardous waste; empty dry cans and latex residue follow local rules; never pour paint or thinner down drains or onto the ground.

Rag control: solvent-soaked rags go in a listed, self-closing metal can with a lid; spread flat to dry or use a rag service to prevent spontaneous combustion.

Daily housekeeping: clean tools, sweep or vacuum dust, cover and label open containers, and remove debris and trip hazards at the end of each shift.

Quality control records: batch and lot numbers, product data sheets (PDS) and safety data sheets (SDS), mix ratios, WFT/DFT readings, environmental readings (temperature, humidity, dew point), and inspection logs.

Dew point rule: substrate temperature must be at least 5 degrees F (3 C) above the dew point to avoid condensation on the surface before or during coating.

Wet and dry film thickness gauges: comb or electronic gauges measure WFT and DFT; record readings at defined points and average them.

Waste manifests and disposal receipts must be retained per local regulation; keep them with the project quality file.

Toolbox talk and pre-task briefing: confirm scope, hazards, PPE, and the day's quality targets before work starts; record attendance.

Work order communication: confirm the product, color, sheen, and number of coats against the specification and the approved sample before starting; clarify discrepancies in writing.

Team roles: the lead painter coordinates sequence and inspection; helpers prep, mask, and mix; the sprayer and brush hands coordinate wet-edge timing on large surfaces.

Professional ethics: do not substitute a lower-grade product without written approval; do not hide defects; report errors and near misses promptly.

Client communication: explain cure time, recoat windows, and ventilation requirements; give written care and cleaning instructions at handover.

Conflict and coordination: coordinate with other trades (electrical, plumbing, drywall) so painting does not trap moisture or damage finished work; use a punch list for closeout.

Record keeping: daily logs of labor, materials, weather, and progress support claims, change orders, and quality disputes.