Which tool is commonly used to check the surface condition before painting?

A moisture meter is widely used to check the surface condition before painting because it measures the moisture level in various materials. This is crucial since the presence of moisture can significantly affect the adhesion of paint and lead to problems such as peeling, blistering, or mildew. Ensuring that the surface is adequately dried out is essential for achieving a durable and high-quality paint finish. Ideally, the moisture level should be within a certain range to optimize the painting process.

Calipers and micrometers are precision measuring tools typically used for measuring dimensions and tolerances rather than assessing surface conditions relevant to painting. A multimeter is primarily used to measure electrical properties, so it is not applicable in evaluating moisture levels or surface preparation issues before painting. Therefore, the moisture meter stands out as the appropriate tool for preparing surfaces prior to painting.