The Building Commission is strongly advising home owners against carrying out their own plaster testing.

The advice follows recent media reports and social media posts suggesting the use of a tape adhesion or “sticky tape” test to determine whether plaster has been correctly applied.

Home owners are warned that testing their own walls could damage the plaster or paint.

Tests should only be conducted by an experienced practitioner (a builder, plasterer or painter) who has knowledge of the relevant standards and of how the tests should be carried out.

Tape adhesion tests require the use of specific types of tape for both painted and unpainted surfaces.

If dust, paint or plaster fragments are found on the tape, it does not necessarily indicate a problem with the plaster – only that further testing may be required.

Home owners who have concerns about their plaster should contact their builder. If they are dissatisfied with the response, they should seek expert advice. If based on that expert advice they still have concerns, they should contact the Building Commission on 1300 489 099 or email bcinfo@dmirs.wa.gov.au.

Further information on paint adhesion to white set plaster is provided in Building Commission Industry Bulletin 71.