Building Construction MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

The vehicle (binder), such as linseed oil, holds the paint constituents in suspension and helps spread them evenly.

Step-by-step solution

1. Recall the constituents of paint: base, vehicle (binder), pigment, drier and thinner. 2. The base (e.g. white lead, zinc oxide) gives body and opacity. 3. Pigments give colour. 4. The vehicle or binder (e.g. linseed oil) holds the solid parts in suspension, spreads them evenly and binds them to the surface. 5. So the answer is (B) Binder.

Explanation

The vehicle, also called the binder, is the liquid part of paint, for example linseed oil. It keeps the base and pigment in suspension and helps spread them evenly on the surface. On drying, it forms a film that sticks the paint to the surface.

Why the other options are wrong

A: The base gives body and opacity; it is held by the vehicle, not the holder itself. C: Plaster of Paris is not a paint constituent; it is used for false ceilings and moulding. D: Pigments only give colour; they are the material held in suspension.

Shortcut

Vehicle = binder = carrier oil (linseed oil) that holds and spreads everything.

Common mistake

Choosing 'Base' because it is the main solid ingredient, but the base is carried by the vehicle.