What is an ITP in construction?

An Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) is a quality assurance document used in construction to define inspection activities, hold points, and witness points at key stages of work. It specifies what needs to be checked, by whom, and records the results for audit and compliance purposes.

How much does HoldPoint QA cost?

HoldPoint QA charges $45 AUD per active project per month for 1–5 projects, and $35 per project per month for 6 or more active projects. There are no per-seat fees or per-document charges. Projects start as draft (free) until the first document is added.

Can external clients sign ITPs without an account?

Yes. HoldPoint QA sends a secure sign-off link via email. External signatories — clients, principal's representatives, or engineers — can review the full ITP checklist and sign digitally without needing an account or app.

Does HoldPoint generate ITP PDFs automatically?

Yes. When an ITP is approved, HoldPoint automatically generates a branded PDF containing all checklist results, inspection notes, photos, and signatures. PDFs are regenerated if any information changes.

Why is surface preparation a hold point in painting ITPs?

Surface preparation determines 80%+ of coating performance. Whether it's abrasive blast cleaning to a specified profile (e.g. Sa 2.5 per AS 1627.4) or sanding and cleaning for architectural paint, the substrate condition must be verified before coating. Once primer is applied, the surface preparation quality is concealed and cannot be re-verified.

What is DFT testing and when is it required?

Dry Film Thickness (DFT) testing measures the thickness of the applied coating using an electromagnetic gauge. It's required at each coat stage for protective coating systems and typically at final coat for architectural painting. The ITP should specify the target DFT range, the testing frequency (e.g. 3 readings per 10m²), and the acceptance criteria.

Do I need a painting ITP for standard residential painting?

For standard residential projects, a painting ITP is typically not contractually required. However, for commercial, government, and multi-storey residential projects, a painting ITP is usually required — especially for external coatings, wet area coatings, and any protective coating system. The cost of remediation for a failed coating system makes the ITP worthwhile.

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Free Painting ITP Generator

Generate a complete Inspection & Test Plan for painting and coating works in seconds. Covers surface preparation, primer application, undercoat, topcoat, dry film thickness testing, and touch-up — with hold points for surface prep verification.

Painting-specific hold points and witness points
Aligned with relevant Australian Standards
PDF emailed to you instantly — no login required
Ready to use on-site or submit to your principal contractor

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Review ITP

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Trade type

Describe your scope of work

Include trade, materials, key activities, and any relevant standards (e.g. AS 3600). More detail = better ITP.

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Background

What is a Painting ITP?

A painting ITP covers the inspection and testing requirements for surface preparation and coating application — whether it's architectural painting on internal and external finishes or protective coating on structural steel, metalwork, and concrete. It defines the coating system, surface preparation standard, application method, and testing requirements at each coat.

Surface preparation is the single biggest factor in coating performance. Over 80% of coating failures can be traced back to inadequate surface preparation. A painting ITP with a hold point at surface preparation ensures that the substrate condition is verified and recorded before the first coat is applied.

For protective coating systems (e.g. structural steel), the ITP should specify the coating system by manufacturer and product, the required dry film thickness (DFT) for each coat, and the testing method and frequency.

Quality checkpoints

Painting ITP Hold Points & Witness Points

The AI generator automatically includes these checkpoints based on your scope description. Hold points require mandatory sign-off before work proceeds; witness points notify the relevant party but don't stop work.

Hold Points

Work stops until signed off

Surface preparation verification (cleanliness, profile, moisture)
Dry film thickness (DFT) measurement at final coat

Witness Points

Party notified, work can continue

Primer application and coverage
Intermediate coat application
Topcoat application and finish quality
Touch-up and repair inspection

Applicable Australian Standards

AS/NZS 2312 — Guide to the Protection of Structural Steelwork Against Atmospheric Corrosion
AS 1627 — Metal Finishing — Preparation and Pretreatment of Surfaces

Common questions

Painting ITP — Frequently Asked Questions

Why is surface preparation a hold point in painting ITPs?: Surface preparation determines 80%+ of coating performance. Whether it's abrasive blast cleaning to a specified profile (e.g. Sa 2.5 per AS 1627.4) or sanding and cleaning for architectural paint, the substrate condition must be verified before coating. Once primer is applied, the surface preparation quality is concealed and cannot be re-verified.
What is DFT testing and when is it required?: Dry Film Thickness (DFT) testing measures the thickness of the applied coating using an electromagnetic gauge. It's required at each coat stage for protective coating systems and typically at final coat for architectural painting. The ITP should specify the target DFT range, the testing frequency (e.g. 3 readings per 10m²), and the acceptance criteria.
Do I need a painting ITP for standard residential painting?: For standard residential projects, a painting ITP is typically not contractually required. However, for commercial, government, and multi-storey residential projects, a painting ITP is usually required — especially for external coatings, wet area coatings, and any protective coating system. The cost of remediation for a failed coating system makes the ITP worthwhile.

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