What type of inspection is required on wood substrates to detect defects and imperfections?

• A. Moisture meter reading
• B. Sensory inspection (visual and tactile evaluation)
• C. X-ray analysis
• D. Thermal imaging

Answer: (B)

The main idea is sensory inspection, using sight and touch to identify defects on wood substrates. Visually scanning the surface lets you spot cracks, checks, warping, dents, old filler, raised grain, and moisture staining. Feeling the surface with your hands reveals rough spots, soft or hollow areas, and loose material that might indicate rot or poor adhesion surfaces. This combination quickly shows where repairs are needed—sanding, planing, filling, or removing damaged areas—so the substrate is sound and ready for coating. Other methods like moisture meters, X-ray, or thermal imaging have their uses, but they don’t consistently reveal the everyday defects and imperfections you need to address during prep.