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Junior Cycle Wood Technology: Wood finishes & preparation

How often Wood finishes & preparation comes up on the Wood Technology papers, every year it was asked, and questions to try.

CL Asked on 5 of the last 5 Common Level papers, most recently in 2026. banker

Wood finishes & preparation, Common Level(7 marks)

Quick ones on Wood finishes & preparation.

(a)Which is a good reason for applying a finish to a wooden product?
  1. To make the wood heavier and much stronger
  2. To protect it and improve its look
  3. So that the joints do not need any glue
(b)In what order should abrasive paper grades be used when preparing wood for a finish?
  1. Only the coarsest grade, to save time
  2. Fine first, then medium, then coarse
  3. Coarse first, then medium, then fine
(c)Why is a preservative applied to wood that will be used outdoors, such as a bird box?
  1. To protect it against rot and insects
  2. To give the surface a hard, glossy shine
  3. To make the wood lighter and easier to hang
Show the answers

(a) To protect it and improve its look

(b) Coarse first, then medium, then fine

(c) To protect it against rot and insects

Your turn: Common Level questions on Wood finishes & preparation.

Common Level

Asked on 5 of the last 5 Common Level papers, most recently in 2026. banker

Every paper, year by year

YearWhere it came up
2026Q2e
2025Q2h
2024Q3d, Q3e
2023Q2e, Q2f
2022Q2c, Q2d

Links open the State Examinations Commission’s paper for that year.

More Wood finishes & preparation questions

Wood finishes & preparation, 3 marks

Which finish is best for a wooden toy for a small child?

  1. A solvent-based, high-gloss paint
  2. A creosote-type preservative
  3. A non-toxic finish like beeswax
Show the answer

A non-toxic finish like beeswax

Young children chew toys, so the finish must be non-toxic. Beeswax, food-safe oil or a toy-safe water-based varnish or paint are suitable. Wood preservatives are toxic.

Wood finishes & preparation, 2 marks

What should be done just after final sanding and before the first coat of finish?

  1. Sand across the grain with coarse paper
  2. Remove all the dust with a tack cloth
  3. Soak the surface in water to seal the grain
Show the answer

Remove all the dust with a tack cloth

Any dust left on the surface gets trapped in the finish as rough specks. Brush or vacuum it off, then wipe with a tack cloth or a clean, lint-free cloth.

Other Wood Technology topics

All of Junior Cycle Wood Technology