Question 1

Base coat plaster

Accepted Answer

The first coat of plaster applied to a surface to provide a smooth and uniform base for the finish coat.

Question 2

Hawk

Accepted Answer

A handheld tool used for carrying plaster during application.

Question 3

Scratch coat

Accepted Answer

The first layer of plaster that is applied to a surface to create a rough texture for the next coat.

Question 4

Brown coat

Accepted Answer

The second layer of plaster applied over the scratch coat to level the surface and create a smooth finish.

Question 5

Trowel

Accepted Answer

A flat, handheld tool used for spreading and smoothing plaster.

Question 6

Corner bead

Accepted Answer

A metal or plastic strip applied to outside corners to provide a straight and clean edge.

Question 7

Skim coat

Accepted Answer

A thin layer of plaster applied to a surface to provide a smooth and even finish.

Question 8

EIFS

Accepted Answer

Exterior Insulation and Finish System, a cladding system that consists of insulation and a synthetic finish coat.

Question 9

Stucco

Accepted Answer

A type of exterior plaster finish made from Portland cement, sand, and water.

Question 10

Plumb bob

Accepted Answer

A weight suspended from a string used to establish a vertical reference line.

Question 11

Gypsum board

Accepted Answer

A building material composed of gypsum panels encased in paper, commonly used for interior walls and ceilings.

Question 12

Joint compound

Accepted Answer

A paste used to fill gaps and smooth the surface of gypsum board.

Question 13

Feathering

Accepted Answer

The process of gradually blending joint compound or plaster to create a smooth transition.

Question 14

Taping knife

Accepted Answer

A flat, wide knife used for applying joint compound over drywall tape.

Question 15

Drywall tape

Accepted Answer

A paper or fiberglass mesh tape used to reinforce joints in gypsum board.

Question 16

Butt joint

Accepted Answer

A joint where two pieces of gypsum board meet end to end.

Question 17

Factory edge

Accepted Answer

The finished edge of a gypsum board panel created during manufacturing.

Question 18

Fire rating

Accepted Answer

The classification of a building material's ability to withstand fire and prevent its spread.

Question 19

Vapor barrier

Accepted Answer

A material that prevents the passage of water vapor, typically installed on the interior side of exterior walls.

Question 20

Control joint

Accepted Answer

A joint that allows for movement in a structure due to thermal expansion or contraction.

Question 21

Level 5 finish

Accepted Answer

The highest level of drywall finish, consisting of a skim coat of joint compound over the entire surface.

Question 22

Float

Accepted Answer

A flat, wide tool used for smoothing plaster and leveling the surface.

Question 23

Notched trowel

Accepted Answer

A trowel with notches on one or more edges, used for applying adhesive.

Question 24

Setting-type joint compound

Accepted Answer

A joint compound that hardens through a chemical reaction rather than drying.

Question 25

Texture

Accepted Answer

The finish applied to a plaster or drywall surface, such as orange peel, knockdown, or skip trowel.

Question 26

Orange peel texture

Accepted Answer

A texture resembling the skin of an orange, created by spraying joint compound on the surface and leaving it to dry.

Question 27

Knockdown texture

Accepted Answer

A texture created by spraying joint compound onto the surface, then flattening it with a trowel.

Question 28

Skip trowel texture

Accepted Answer

A texture created by applying joint compound with a trowel and skipping it across the surface.

Question 29

Plasterboard

Accepted Answer

A rigid board made of plaster, used as a base for plastering or as a drywall substitute.

Question 30

Plaster washers

Accepted Answer

Small, perforated metal discs used to secure loose plaster to a wall or ceiling.

Question 31

Lath

Accepted Answer

A thin strip of wood, metal, or gypsum used as a base for plaster application.

Question 32

Expansion joint

Accepted Answer

A joint that allows for movement in a structure due to thermal expansion or contraction, typically installed in large areas.

Question 33

Drying time

Accepted Answer

The time it takes for plaster or joint compound to dry before it can be sanded or painted.

Question 34

Sanding

Accepted Answer

The process of smoothing plaster or joint compound surfaces using abrasive materials like sandpaper or sanding screens.

Question 35

Mud pan

Accepted Answer

A flat container used for holding joint compound during the taping process.

Question 36

Corner trowel

Accepted Answer

A specialized trowel designed for smoothing plaster or joint compound in corners.

Question 37

Pre-mixed joint compound

Accepted Answer

A ready-to-use joint compound that requires no additional mixing.

Question 38

Mixing paddle

Accepted Answer

A tool used to mix plaster or joint compound to the desired consistency.

Question 39

Gauge

Accepted Answer

The amount of time it takes for plaster to set, affected by factors such as temperature and humidity.

Question 40

Curing

Accepted Answer

The process of plaster hardening and gaining strength over time.

Question 41

Efflorescence

Accepted Answer

The formation of white, powdery deposits on the surface of plaster or masonry due to the migration of salts.

Question 42

PVA (Polyvinyl acetate)

Accepted Answer

A water-based adhesive commonly used for priming surfaces before plastering.

Question 43

Primer

Accepted Answer

A preparatory coating applied to a surface to improve adhesion and seal the surface.

Question 44

Metal lath

Accepted Answer

A metal mesh used as a base for plaster application, providing added strength and reinforcement.

Question 45

Dry mix plaster

Accepted Answer

A plaster product that requires the addition of water before use.

Question 46

Plaster accelerator

Accepted Answer

A substance added to plaster to speed up the setting time.

Question 47

Plaster retarder

Accepted Answer

A substance added to plaster to slow down the setting time.

Question 48

Cracks

Accepted Answer

Small fractures that can appear on a plaster or drywall surface due to factors such as movement or shrinkage.

Question 49

Popcorn texture

Accepted Answer

A heavy, spray-applied texture resembling popcorn, often used for ceiling surfaces.

Question 50

Caulking

Accepted Answer

The process of sealing gaps and joints in a structure with a flexible sealant.

Question 51

Angle head

Accepted Answer

A specialized tool used for applying joint compound to inside corners.

Question 52

Corner roller

Accepted Answer

A tool used for pressing paper or metal-reinforced tape into inside corners.

Question 53

Flat box

Accepted Answer

A tool used for applying joint compound to flat seams and butt joints.

Question 54

Automatic taper

Accepted Answer

A machine that applies joint compound and tape to drywall seams simultaneously.

Question 55

Furring strips

Accepted Answer

Thin strips of wood or metal used to create a level surface for attaching drywall or plasterboard.

Question 56

Back-blocking

Accepted Answer

The practice of reinforcing gypsum board joints by adding an additional piece of gypsum board behind the joint.

Question 57

Nailing pattern

Accepted Answer

The specific layout and spacing of nails or screws used to attach gypsum board to framing members.

Question 58

Deflection

Accepted Answer

The amount a structural element, such as a floor or ceiling, bends or deforms under load.

Red Seal Exam: Drywall Finisher and Plasterer Flashcards