CDA Tools Materials & Mediums Application 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the main advantage of using a liner brush (also called a script liner) in decorative painting?
- Covering large background areas quickly
- Creating long, thin, flowing lines and scrollwork (Correct answer)
- Blending colors smoothly on curved surfaces
- Applying thick impasto texture
Correct answer: Creating long, thin, flowing lines and scrollwork
Liner brushes have long, fine bristles that hold paint and flex to produce continuous, flowing lines ideal for scrollwork and lettering.
Question 2: When using a sea sponge in decorative painting, how should paint be applied for the best mottled texture?
- Load the sponge heavily and press firmly in a stamping motion
- Dampen the sponge, load lightly, and dab with a twisting motion (Correct answer)
- Apply paint with the sponge in smooth, even strokes
- Dip the dry sponge and drag it across the surface
Correct answer: Dampen the sponge, load lightly, and dab with a twisting motion
A damp, lightly loaded sponge dabbed with a twisting motion creates natural, irregular patterns without overloading the surface.
Question 3: Which surface preparation product is used to help paint adhere to slick, non-porous surfaces like glass or metal?
- Retarder medium
- Multi-surface primer or adhesion promoter (Correct answer)
- Extender medium
- Matte varnish
Correct answer: Multi-surface primer or adhesion promoter
Adhesion promoters chemically bond with slick surfaces, giving paint a tooth to grip on glass, tile, and metal.
Question 4: What distinguishes a filbert brush from a flat brush in decorative painting applications?
- Filbert brushes have rounded, oval-shaped bristle tips (Correct answer)
- Filbert brushes have completely straight, square-cut bristles
- Filbert brushes are always shorter than flat brushes
- Filbert brushes are made exclusively from synthetic fibers
Correct answer: Filbert brushes have rounded, oval-shaped bristle tips
Filbert brushes have an oval or almond-shaped tip that blends the characteristics of flat and round brushes for versatile strokes.
Question 5: In decorative painting, what is the purpose of applying a tack cloth before painting?
- To add moisture to the surface for wet-on-wet technique
- To remove dust, lint, and fine sanding particles from the surface (Correct answer)
- To apply a thin layer of sealer between coats
- To create a sticky base for metallic leaf adhesion
Correct answer: To remove dust, lint, and fine sanding particles from the surface
A tack cloth is a slightly sticky cloth used to pick up residual dust and debris from sanded surfaces before painting.
Question 6: Which type of varnish finish would a decorative artist choose to reduce glare on a finished piece displayed under bright lighting?
- High-gloss varnish
- Satin varnish
- Matte varnish (Correct answer)
- Glaze medium
Correct answer: Matte varnish
Matte varnish diffuses light rather than reflecting it, eliminating glare on finished decorative art under strong lighting.
Question 7: What is the technique of 'antiquing' in decorative painting primarily achieved with?
- Applying crackle medium between layers
- Rubbing a dark glaze into recessed areas and wiping highlights clean (Correct answer)
- Sponging multiple light colors over a dark base
- Using a sea sponge with gold metallic paint
Correct answer: Rubbing a dark glaze into recessed areas and wiping highlights clean
Antiquing uses a tinted glaze worked into crevices and recessed areas, then partially wiped away to simulate aged patina.
CDA Tools Materials & Mediums Application 3
What is the main advantage of using a liner brush (also called a script liner) in decorative painting?