Turning Artex ceilings smooth again
Swirls, stipples and peaks were everywhere in the 1970s and 80s, and plenty of Maidstone homes still have them. If you want rid of your Artex, the usual and most practical answer is to cover it with a fresh skim rather than strip it off.
How we cover Artex
- Any loose or flaking areas are dealt with and the sharpest high points carefully knocked back.
- The surface is sealed with a bonding coat so the new plaster grips the texture.
- A first coat fills the pattern, then a finish coat is trowelled flat and smooth.
Deeper patterns sometimes need an extra coat to fill them out. The result is a flat ceiling or wall, ready for painting once dry.
Artex and asbestos: what you should know
Textured coatings applied before 2000 can contain small amounts of asbestos. It's low risk if left alone, but sanding, scraping or drilling can release fibres. If your Artex is older than that, get a sample tested by an accredited lab before any work that would disturb it.
Skimming over Artex means the old coating stays sealed behind the new plaster rather than being broken up. If a test shows asbestos and you want the coating taken off completely, that removal should be done by specialists who are set up to handle it safely. We can advise on what to do next.
Artex walls as well as ceilings
Textured walls are covered in exactly the same way. Hallways and stairwells, where Artex was popular for hiding cracks, often look completely different once skimmed.
Other plastering services in Maidstone
Artex FAQs
Is it better to remove Artex or skim over it?
In most homes, skimming over it is quicker, cheaper and less messy, and it doesn't disturb the old coating. Full removal is rarely needed.
How do I know if my Artex contains asbestos?
You can't tell by looking. A small sample sent to an accredited lab will tell you. Home testing kits that post samples to a lab are widely available.
Can you skim over Artex on a ceiling with cracks?
Yes. Cracks are taped before skimming to help stop them coming back through the new finish.