CLC Finish Carpentry & Trim Work 3

Question 1

Which method best prevents telegraph marks from showing through painted finish trim on a wall with uneven substrate?

Accepted Answer

Apply a skim coat of joint compound to the wall before installing trim

Answer

Skim-coating the substrate behind trim areas smooths out irregularities so they do not telegraph through the paint finish on the face of the molding.

Question 2

When stacking crown molding to increase visual height, how should each layer be positioned?

Accepted Answer

Flat blocking installed first to provide a nailing surface for upper layers

Answer

Installing flat blocking or build-up strips provides a solid, level nailing surface so additional crown layers are properly supported and aligned.

Question 3

What is the correct way to measure for a chair rail that must return into the wall at a door opening?

Accepted Answer

Miter the end at 45° and add a mitered return piece to finish the exposed end

Answer

A mitered return uses a small piece cut at 45° to wrap the exposed end of the molding back into the wall, creating a finished termination.

Question 4

When scribing a piece of trim to an irregular surface, which tool gives the most accurate transfer of the wall contour?

Accepted Answer

Compass or scribing tool set to the widest gap

Answer

A compass set to the largest gap between the trim and wall, run along the wall, scribes the exact contour onto the trim for precise fitting.

Question 5

Which fastener is recommended for attaching MDF baseboard to avoid splitting near the edge?

Accepted Answer

18-gauge brad nails

Answer

18-gauge brad nails have a smaller diameter that minimizes splitting in MDF, which is denser and more brittle near edges than solid wood.

(CLC) Certified Lead Carpenter Practice Test