This set of Building Construction Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Types of Plaster Finishes”.

1. The mortar used for the smooth cast finish has cement and sand in the ratio of ___________
a) 1:2
b) 2:3
c) 1:3
d) 1:4
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: The mortar used for the smooth cast finish has cement and sand in the ratio of 1:3. A smooth and levelled surface is obtained in this
finish.

2. In sand faced finish, the second coat of plaster is applied after curing the first coat for __________ days.
a) 7
b) 15
c) 21
d) 27
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Sand faced finish is acquired by plastering in two coats. The second coat of plaster is applied after curing the first coat for 7 days. The
surface of the final coat is finished by rubbing clean sand of uniform size.

3. In smooth cast finish, steel floats are not recommended for external renderings.
a) True
b) False
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: In smooth cast finish, steel floats are not recommended for external renderings. Instead, a wooden float is used for applying the mortar.
This is because steel floats give a very smooth finish which is very likely to crack when exposed to atmospheric conditions.

4. The first coat in sand faced finish is applied in ___________ cement sand mortar.
a) 1:2
b) 1:3
c) 1:1
d) 1:4
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: The first coat in sand faced finish is applied in 1:4 cement sand mortar. However, the mortar for the second coat has cement and sand in
the ratio 1:1. The first coat is provided with zigzag lines.

5. In sand faced finish, the thickness of the second coat is ___________

a) 4 mm
b) 8 mm
c) 12 mm
d) 15 mm
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: In sand faced finish, the thickness of the first coat is 12 mm while the thickness of the second coat is 8 mm. The sand in the mortar mix for
the second coat should be perfectly screened in order to obtain a uniform size resulting in the surface having sand grains of uniform density.

6. Rough cast finish is also known as ____________

a) Dry dash finish
b) Pebble dash
c) Spatter dash finish
d) Textured finish
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: Rough cast finish is also known as spatter dash finish. This type of finish is waterproof and durable. It is also resistant to cracking and
crazing.

7. In rough cast finish, the mortar for the final coat has the ratio ____________ (cement: sand: aggregate).
a) 1 : 3/2 : 3
b) 3/2 : 1 : 3
c) 1 : 3/2 : 4
d) 1 : 1/2 : 3
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: In rough cast finish, the mortar for the final coat has the ratio 1 : 3/2 : 3 (cement : sand : aggregate). Here, the size of the coarse
aggregate varies from 3mm to 12 mm. A large trowel is used to dash the mortar against the prepared plastered surface.

8. Which of the following types of plaster finishes is used with stucco plastering?
a) Smooth cast finish
b) Pebble dash
c) Scrapped finish
d) Textured finish
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Textured finish is used with stucco plastering. In this, suitable tools are used to make ornamental patterns on the final coat of stucco
plastering.

9. Pebble dash is also known as ___________

a) Dry dash finish
b) Rough cast finish
c) Wet dash finish
d) Spatter dash finish
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Pebble dash is also known as dry dash finish. The mortar used in this type of finish has cement and sand in the ratio 1:3. It is applied in a
thickness of 12 mm.

10. In pebble dash, the size of pebbles used generally varies from ___________
a) 2-5 mm
b) 10-20 mm
c) 20-35 mm
d) 30-50 mm
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: In pebble dash, the size of pebbles used generally varies from 10-20 mm. These pebbles are dashed against the surface in order to keep
them in position. The pebbles may also be lightly pressed in the mortar by using a wooden float

1. The ________________ are coatings of fluid materials and they are applied over the surfaces of timber and
metals.
a) Varnishes
b) Paints
c) Distemper
d) Oil
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Paint protect the surface from weathering effects of the atmosphere and action by other liquids, fumes
and gases. It prevents the care of wood and corrosion in metal.

2. The ______________________ are transparent or nearly transparent solutions of resinous material and they are
applied over the painted surfaces.
a) Varnishes
b) Paint
c) Distemper
d) Oil
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: The term Varnish is used to indicate the solution of raisins or resinous substances prepared either in
alcohol, oil or turpentine. It brightens the appearance of the grain in wood. It renders brilliancy to the painted surface.

3. ____________________ provides a smooth surface for easy cleaning.

a) Turpentine
b) Oil
c) Varnish
d) Paint
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: Paint is used to give good appearance to the surface. The decorative effects may be created by painting
and the surface become hygienically good, clean, colourful and attractive.

4. _________________ protects the painted surface from atmospheric actions.

a) Distemper
b) Varnish
c) Paint
d) Water
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Varnish protects the unpainted wood surfaces of doors, Windows, roof trusses, floors, etc. from the
action of atmospheric agencies. It should render the surface glossy.
5. A ________________ is a solid substance in a fine state of division and it forms the bulk of a paint.
a) Drier
b) Base
c) Solvent
d) Accelerator
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Base determines the character of the paint and imparts durability to the surface which is painted. It
reduces shrinkage cracks formed on drying and it also forms an opaque layer to obscure the surface of the material
to be painted.

6. _____________________ is a carbonate of lead and it forms the base of lead Paints.

a) Lithopone
b) Titanium white
c) White lead
d) Red lead
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: White lead possesses good bulk and is the most widely used base. It is dense, permanent and
waterproof. It is not suitable for delicate work as lead becomes discoloured when exposed to the sulphur vapour. It is
most suitable for wood surfaces and not used for iron surfaces as it does not afford protection against rusting.

7. ____________________ is an oxide of lead and it forms the base of lead Paints.

a) Red Lead
b) White lead
c) Antimony white
d) Titanium white
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Red lead is quite suitable for painting iron surfaces and for providing of priming coat to the wood
surfaces. It solidifies in a short time with linseed oil and hence it is used as a drier also.

8. ______________________ is an oxide of zinc and it forms the base of all zinc Paints.
a) Zinc white
b) Iron oxide
c) Aluminium powder
d) Lithopone
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Oxide of Zinc or zinc oxide is smooth, transparent and non-poisonous. It is not discoloured when
exposed to the sulphur vapour. It has less bulk and hence it is costly. It is less durable and it is difficult to work.

9. _____________________ forms the base of all iron Paints.

a) Titanium white
b) Zinc white
c) Antimony white
d) Iron oxide
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: The tint of paint varies from yellowish brown to black. It mixes easily with the vehicle. It is effective in
preventing rusting of iron surfaces. It is cheap and durable. It is generally used for the priming coat of the iron
surfaces.

10. ___________________ forms the bulk of aluminium Paints.

a) Titanium white
b) Antimony white
c) Aluminium powder
d) Lithopone
View Answer
Answer: c
This set of Construction and Building Materials Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Types of
Paints”.

1. _____________________ substances accelerate the process of drying.

a) Solvent
b) Distemper
c) Drier
d) Base
View Answer
Answer: c
Explanation: A drier absorbs oxygen from the air and transfer it to the linseed oil, which in turn, gets hardened. They
may be either in the form of soluble driers or paste driers.

2. ___________________ is the most reactive of drier metals and is generally regarded as a surface drier.
a) Litharge
b) Cobalt
c) Red lead
d) Magnesium
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Cobalt is widely used as the only additive in thin film paint formulations. Lead is less reactive than Cobalt
has increasing restrictions in its application because of ecological requirements. Numerous of other metals, including
cerium and vanadium, have been used occasionally and are effective driers.

3. The sulphate of _________________ is used with zinc paint so as to eliminate the risk of discoloration of a lead
drier.
a) Manganese
b) Magnesium
c) Potassium
d) Calcium
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: It is required to take extreme care in mixing sulphate of Manganese. Otherwise, the spots will be formed
on the painted surfaces.

4. The function of _______________ is to make the paint thin so that it can be easily applied on the surface.
a) Pigment
b) Solvent
c) Carrier
d) Base
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: Solvent also helps the paint in penetrating through the porous surfaces. The most commonly used is the
spirit of turpentine. When it is desired to have a different colour than the base of a paint, colouring pigment is to be
added. The pigments are available in the form of fine powders in various colours and qualities.

5. The __________________ is inflammable, evaporates rapidly and dries the oil consequently.
a) Distemper
b) Turpentine
c) Linseed oil
d) Litharge
View Answer
Answer: b
Explanation: The use of a Turpentine in Paint reduces the protective value of the coating, flattens colours and lessons
the gloss of the linseed oil as the spirit evaporates leaving an excess of colour not mixing with the oil.

6. The _______________ is a transparent volatile liquid and it is obtained by distilling the resinous exudation of some
varieties of Pine trees.
a) Turpentine
b) Litharge
c) Red lead
d) Manganese
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: Turpentine has a pungent order and it often adulterate with mineral oils and some of them have higher
penetration values but are otherwise inferior. The benzene and naphtha are used as a substitute.

7. __________________________ is suspended in either quick drying spirit varnish or slow drying oil varnish as per
requirement.
a) Aluminium paint
b) Anti-corrosive paint
c) Asbestos paint
d) Cellulose paint
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: In Aluminium paint, the spirit or oil evaporates and a thin metallic film of Aluminium is formed on the
surface. The advantages of an aluminium paint are: it is visible in darkness and it resists heat to a certain degree.
The surfaces of iron and steel are better protected from corrosion by this paint than any other paint.

8. ______________________ essentially consist of oil and stronger drier.

a) Asbestos paint
b) Cellulose paint
c) Cement paint
d) Anti-corrosive paint
View Answer
Answer: d
Explanation: A pigment such as chromium oxide or lead or red lead or zinc chrome is taken and after mixing it with
some quantity of very fine sand, it is added to the anti corrosive paint. The advantages of anti corrosive paint are: it is
cheap and it last for long duration.

9. _______________ is prepared by dissolving Asphalt or mineral pitches or Vegetable bitumen in any type of oil or
Petroleum.
a) Bituminous paint
b) Asbestos paint
c) Cement paint
d) Colloidal paint
View Answer
Answer: a
Explanation: A variety of bituminous paint is available. The paint presents a black appearance and it is used for
painting iron work underwater. Whereas, Asbestos is a peculiar type of paint and it is applied on the surfaces which
are exposed to the acidic gases and steam.

10. __________________ is prepared from nitro cotton, celluloid sheets, photographic films, etc.
a) Colloidal paint
b) Emulsion paint
c) Cellulose paint
d) Enamel paint
View Answer