Artex textured coatings were hugely popular in UK homes from the 1960s to the 1990s. Today, many homeowners want to remove or cover artex to achieve a modern, smooth finish. But there are important considerations – particularly around asbestos – before you start.
This guide covers everything you need to know about dealing with artex ceilings and walls.
What Is Artex?
Artex is a brand name that became synonymous with textured decorative coatings. Applied to ceilings and walls, artex creates patterns like stipple, swirl, fan, or bark effects. It was popular because it hid imperfections and added visual interest – but fashions change, and most people now prefer smooth surfaces.
Does Artex Contain Asbestos?
This is the most important question. Artex and similar textured coatings manufactured before the mid-1980s often contained white asbestos (chrysotile) to add strength and fire resistance.
Asbestos is dangerous when disturbed – sanding, scraping or drilling into asbestos-containing artex can release harmful fibres into the air.
When to Test for Asbestos
If your home was built or decorated before 1990, you should assume artex may contain asbestos until proven otherwise. We strongly recommend:
- Getting a professional asbestos survey before any work that disturbs the artex
- Never sanding, scraping or drilling artex without testing first
- Using an accredited testing laboratory (costs around £20-40 per sample)
If asbestos is found, you have two main options: licensed removal by an asbestos specialist, or encapsulation (covering it safely without disturbing it).
Artex Removal Methods
There are several ways to deal with artex, depending on whether it contains asbestos and your budget.
1. Skimming Over Artex (Artex Cover-Up)
Best for: Most situations, especially if asbestos may be present.
The most popular solution is to apply PVA, then skim over the artex with a thin layer of finishing plaster. This creates a smooth surface without disturbing the underlying artex – making it the safest option if asbestos is present or suspected.
The artex pattern needs to be relatively flat (not deep stipple) for skimming to work well. Very heavy textures may need flattening first or may require removal.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Safe if asbestos present | Adds a few mm to surface thickness |
| Relatively quick | Very deep textures may show through |
| Cost-effective | Doesn't remove the artex underneath |
| Minimal mess and dust | — |
Typical cost: £15-25 per m² or £200-500 per ceiling
2. Steam Stripping
Best for: Artex confirmed to be asbestos-free.
A steamer softens the artex so it can be scraped off. This is labour-intensive but removes the texture completely. Only suitable when asbestos testing confirms the artex is safe.
Typical cost: £25-40 per m² (more expensive due to labour time)
3. Chemical Removers
Best for: Artex confirmed to be asbestos-free.
Products like Artex Easistrip soften the coating for scraping. Like steaming, this fully removes the artex but is messy and time-consuming.
Typical cost: £20-35 per m² including materials and labour
4. Overboarding
Best for: Very heavy textures or when a completely fresh surface is needed.
New plasterboard is fixed over the existing ceiling, then skimmed. This completely hides the artex and provides a perfect base. It's more expensive but gives excellent results and is safe for asbestos-containing artex.
Typical cost: £40-60 per m² including plasterboard, fixing and skim
5. Licensed Asbestos Removal
Required for: Asbestos-containing artex that must be removed.
If asbestos is confirmed and you need complete removal (rather than encapsulation), this must be done by licensed asbestos removal contractors. This is the most expensive option.
Typical cost: £40-100+ per m² depending on accessibility and complexity
Artex Removal Costs Summary
| Method | Cost per m² | Typical Ceiling Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Skim over artex | £15 – £25 | £200 – £500 |
| Steam/chemical removal | £25 – £40 | £350 – £700 |
| Overboarding + skim | £40 – £60 | £500 – £900 |
| Licensed asbestos removal | £40 – £100+ | £600 – £1,500+ |
Which Option Should You Choose?
For most homeowners, skimming over artex is the best solution. It's:
- Safe regardless of asbestos content (since the artex isn't disturbed)
- Cost-effective compared to removal methods
- Quick – a ceiling can often be done in a day
- Provides a perfect smooth finish ready for painting
The main situations where full removal might be preferred are:
- Very deep textures that can't be skimmed effectively
- If you need to access or rewire above the ceiling
- Personal preference for complete removal
Artex Removal in Poole, Bournemouth & Dorset
At Prestige Plastering, we specialise in artex cover-ups across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch and surrounding areas. We can skim over most artex textures to create a smooth, modern finish – without the cost and disruption of full removal.
If you're unsure whether skimming will work for your artex, we're happy to visit and assess. We'll give you honest advice and a free quote with no obligation.
Important: We always recommend asbestos testing before any work on pre-1990 artex. We can advise on testing if needed.
Summary
Dealing with artex doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. For most ceilings, skimming over the artex provides a smooth, modern finish at a fraction of the cost of removal. Always test for asbestos first if your home was built before 1990, and choose a method that suits your budget and requirements.