Dust nibs can be prevented by using tack cloth.

• A. Increase spray pressure
• B. Use tack cloth
• C. Skip overlapping areas
• D. Seal with wax

Answer: (B)

Preventing dust nibs comes from proper surface prep right before applying a finish. Dust nibs are tiny particles that land on the surface and get trapped in the wet finish, creating small raised specks that ruin a smooth, even coat. Using a tack cloth helps because it is a light, adhesive-coated cloth that grabs and lifts fine dust without leaving fibers or residues behind. Wiping the surface with a tack cloth after sanding and just before spraying or brushing on the finish dramatically reduces the chance that airborne dust will ruin the surface as it cures. The other choices don’t address dust on the surface at the moment of application: increasing spray pressure can worsen finish atomization and push dust around; skipping overlapping areas affects coverage, not cleanliness; sealing with wax can leave a film that interferes with adhesion and the finish’s appearance. So, tack cloth is the best step to prevent dust nibs.