Key Takeaways
- (Artex, a textured ceiling coating prevalent in UK homes from the 1960s to the 1980s, may contain asbestos if applied before 1985, so check the age before any work is done.)
- If you suspect asbestos, have the material tested by a professional rather than simply looking at it and comply with legal obligations on its safe handling or removal.
- Skimming over intact, asbestos-free artex is typically quicker, cheaper and gives a modern, smooth finish with less chance of fibre release than ripping it out.
- Full removal is suitable for severely damaged, drooping or high-risk ceilings but is more intrusive, expensive and must be undertaken by licensed professionals in the case of asbestos.
- Skim well-prepared walls with bonding agents, fill irregularities and use a professional plasterer to achieve perfection. DIY is only for known asbestos-free, small areas.
- Be slow, deliberate, and safe rather than fast and compliant. Keep test or professional work records to allay future buyer concerns and protect household health.
Should you remove artex or skim over it? Artex removal strips textured ceiling coating down to the plaster. Skimming covers the texture with an ultra-thin new coat. In London and the rest of the UK, choice relies on the condition of ceilings, asbestos concerns in pre-1980s houses, budgets and finish. Removal provides a smooth surface but can be more expensive and may require asbestos inspection and remediation. Skimming is faster, more cost-effective, and leaves you with a new surface when the old plaster is firm. Some renovations are disruptive and have an impact on decorating time, so factor in your dust control, the availability of trades and the long-term investment value. The motherboard lists the pros, cons, costs, and practical steps needed to help decide for UK homes.
What is Artex?
Artex is a textured coating commonly applied to ceilings and sometimes walls in UK homes, making it a popular choice for modern homeowners. This brand name became generic for a variety of decorative textured finishes, including stippled artex and swirl patterns. Dating back to 1935, the name originally stood for “Asbestos Reinforced TEXtured coating,” which raises concerns about asbestos content. Its popularity surged in the mid-20th century and continued through the 1960s to the 90s, often encountered by those repairing old ceilings.
A British Staple
Artex became the style of choice for British homebuilding because it was easy to apply and could give rooms a textured finish with very little work. Bungalows, dining rooms, and hallways in particular frequently feature original artex ceilings from later post-war renovations. Builders and plasterers preferred it as a quick means of concealing cracks, dips, and undulations in older plaster ceilings, minimizing their time on careful re-plastering. Homes built or renovated in the middle of the last century often sport artex on ceilings or walls, and some modern homeowners now cherish those patterns as a feature of a home’s character and period charm.
Common Patterns
- Swirls (created with a trowel in circular motions)
- Stipples or popcorn texture dabbed with a brush or sponge.
- Skip trowel (thin sweeping ridges)
- Comb patterns (dragged lines)
- Feathered or stippled swirls (more complex hand finishes)
Patterns were often created by skilled plasterers with a trowel, brush, or sponge, especially on artex ceilings. The thickness and intricacy of the textured finish affect how easily it can be taken off or skimmed over with thin gypsum skim. Spotting the pattern assists in determining whether to skim, remove, or cover and gives an indication of time and cost.
Material Composition
Artex is a water-based decorative coating that historically included small quantities of asbestos, often 1 to 4 percent in many products, with chrysotile (white asbestos) frequently employed. Asbestos fibres are woven into the mix and are difficult to see as they are thin and wispy. Following the UK ban on asbestos, Artex should be asbestos-free after 1999. For modern homeowners, contemporary textured finishes are still available, but they are less trendy than they once were. How old is your ceiling?
The Asbestos Concern
Before any ceiling work, especially on an artex ceiling, it is crucial to consider asbestos testing, as artex usually contained asbestos until the mid-1980s. Disturbing asbestos fibres during the removal process can lead to severe health issues, making it essential to get an artex surface tested before proceeding with plastering or skimming.
Historical Use
Asbestos was added to artex ceilings for strength and fire resistance. Manufacturers preferred chrysotile and other fibres as they enhanced durability and held texture in place. After 1984, the use of asbestos in textured coatings was phased out in the UK, leading to a full ban in 1999. Therefore, artex produced post-ban should be asbestos-free. Many homes built between the 1960s and 1990s may still have ceilings with small amounts of asbestos content, usually between 1 and 4 percent. The danger of asbestos material increases whenever the surface is drilled, sanded, or scraped, as even tiny holes can release fibres into the atmosphere.
Identification Risks
You can “eyeball” whether artex ceilings contain asbestos or not, but visual inspections are unsafe due to the slender and wispy chrysotile fibres, which are often imperceptible even under a microscope. For a definitive answer, it’s best to opt for professional asbestos testing and laboratory analysis. While some home testing kits are available, results can be hit and miss. Disrupting an artex surface without safeguards can send toxic fibres flying around a room. If you must inspect, wear suitable PPE: a fitted P3 respirator, disposable overalls, and gloves, and seal the area to limit spread.
Legal Duties
By law, property owners must manage asbestos risk, particularly when dealing with artex ceilings. Landlords and contractors have specific responsibilities to safely remove or manage asbestos, often requiring a full asbestos survey before refurbishment or demolition. Removing artex that contains asbestos should only be done by licensed specialists, as it involves significant expense due to containment, safe disposal, and replacement with new plaster. If testing reveals no asbestos content, a popular and cheaper choice is to skim or plaster over the artex surface, avoiding the costly removal process altogether.
Should You Remove Artex or Skim Over?
You can skim over Artex ceilings if they’re in good condition and free from asbestos material. Deciding whether to remove Artex or apply a thin skim has pros and cons that impact time, mess, and the final textured finish.
1. The Cost Factor
Removing it entirely is generally the more expensive option. If the artex does contain asbestos, a licensed contractor and controlled disposal are required, sending costs soaring. Removal often means putting up new plasterboard and two coats of plaster, again labour and materials.
Skimming over unbroken, non-asbestos artex tends to be less costly. A good plasterer can skim over it in one or two coats, saving time and material costs. Costs escalate if you need overboarding or if the artex has deep patterns that need additional skim coats.
| Aspect | Removal | Skimming |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | High risk if asbestos; needs licensed removal | Lower risk when artex intact and non‑asbestos |
| Cost per m² (typical) | Higher — includes testing, waste, new board | Lower — labour and plaster only |
| Final finish | Fully new ceiling possible | Smooth finish but may need extra coats |
| Mess & waste | High | Lower |
2. Time and Effort
Removal is labour intensive and may take days. With asbestos, work requires enclosures, negative pressure and special waste treatment, which extends the timescale.
Skimming is quicker. A pro can usually prepare and put on a couple of coats in less time and cause less disruption. It is illegal and dangerous to remove asbestos-containing artex yourself, so testing first is crucial.
3. Final Appearance
A good skim leaves a fresh, flat ceiling prepared for paint. It works fine for most rooms if the pattern is not too deep.
Removing artex allows you to install fresh plasterboard or a dropped ceiling for a completely seamless appearance. Skimming won’t hide deep textures or large cracks without additional sanding and coats. Perfectionists would normally want to remove. Others would accept little dips.
4. Safety and Mess
Asbestos in Artex ceilings can significantly reduce property value and pose a life-threatening risk. Just one particle in the lungs can trigger asbestosis. Some Artex surfaces contained 1 to 4 percent asbestos, so only professional asbestos testing will confirm the presence. Always utilise PPE and containment when working on old plaster or any ceiling project.
5. Property Value
Smooth plaster ceilings attract modern buyers and can increase value. Exposed artex ceilings or poor repairs can put off bidders. Professional plastering services with guarantees give buyers peace of mind.
The Skimming Process
Skimming involves applying a thin gypsum skim coat over existing Artex ceilings to achieve a smooth plaster finish. This method is a popular choice among modern homeowners when textured finishes are undesired, but it can be trickier than skimming plasterboard due to the influence of the artex surface on adhesion.
Surface Preparation
- Inspect the Artex: check for loose or flaking sections, water damage, and any signs of asbestos if the work is pre-1999. If there is any suspicion of asbestos, stop and get a survey done.
- Clean the surface: remove dust, grease and cobwebs. Vacuum and use a mild detergent to allow it to dry completely.
- Remove high spots: scrape or sand down protrusions. If any fall exceeds 5 to 10 millimetres, expect to bond coat first.
- Treat stubborn textures: consider a chemical softener for hard, strongly bonded Artex. Be aware this is messy and awkward on ceilings.
- Fill large gaps and cracks: use setting filler to level dips. Deep hollows require backing prior to a skim coat.
- Apply a bonding coat. Use blue grit or PVA diluted as the manufacturer advises to improve adhesion between the Artex and plaster.
- Tape joints and edges: Reinforce junctions with tape to reduce the chance of hairline cracks later.
Skim Application
Use a steel trowel to apply the skim plaster in thin, even layers for good adhesion and finish. Work from corner to corner, maintaining a smooth technique with each pass. A couple of coats are required, which include a scratch coat and a finishing coat, for durability. It’s a race against time for the plasterer while the mix is still ‘open’ as it skins in warmer rooms, forming ridges. Constant pressure and an even technique prevent any patchiness. With deep Artex ceilings texture, extra care or a first bonding coat will prevent future delamination. Expect the work to take longer than repairing old ceilings due to the additional care involved.
Finishing Touches
Feather off with the trowel once the plaster has gone off slightly to close the surface and achieve a smooth appearance. Allow full drying time before any painting because moisture trapped under paint leads to staining and eventual failure. Dust over small imperfections once dry and touch up with a thin skim layer where necessary. Finally, check for hairline cracks or missed areas and patch them up, as skimming can fail if the original Artex ceiling wasn’t stable. Be sure to inspect the condition of the plaster ceiling.
The Removal Process
When considering removal, you would be taking the Artex back to the bare ceiling substrate or replacing damaged plasterboard as needed. The first step is to check if the Artex contains any asbestos material, as many pre-1980s and some post-1980s products did. If asbestos is found, don’t attempt any DIY; the work must be performed by licensed contractors. Removal is essential when the plaster is cracking, the ceiling is sagging, or when planning a full renovation. Prepare for significant dust and noise, and be ready to shift furniture or clear rooms for a while to ease the process.
When to DIY
DIY is only acceptable when you’re certain the Artex is asbestos-free, typically confirmed through asbestos testing or a trusted survey. For non-asbestos Artex, a heavy-duty wallpaper steamer softens it, and a wide scraper lifts it in digestible strips, revealing the original ceiling beneath. Remember to wear a P2 or FFP3 mask, disposable overalls, and goggles for safety. Keep a spray bottle handy to damp down dust. While chemical strippers can be effective, they can create a mess on ceilings and require caution to avoid runs and staining. If you encounter a crumbly substance or unexpected fibers, it’s best to call in a professional plasterer for specialist removal.
When to Hire Pros
If asbestos is suspected or confirmed in your home, especially in areas like old plaster or artex ceilings, hire a licensed asbestos removal company. Experts erect complete enclosures, use negative-pressure devices, and adhere to rigid safe removal procedures to keep fibres contained. They deal with surface testing pre and post work to show clearance levels are safe. Employing pros means you’re guaranteed it’s legal and risks to householders and neighbours are much lower. A contractor will take away contaminated boards where necessary and provide documentation, including a waste transfer note, which many buyers and insurers will go on to request.
Disposal Rules
Asbestos waste, including materials from old plaster and artex ceilings, must be double-bagged in heavy-duty asbestos bags and taken to a licensed household waste recycling centre that accepts asbestos. Always check your local council’s rules. Non-asbestos artex can be disposed of with normal builders’ rubbish, but it's essential to observe local skip or tip limits and keep materials separate. Ensure that removed materials are sealed and labelled for transport, and take the contractor’s disposal paperwork as proof of legal cover.
My Professional Opinion
Choosing between removing Artex ceilings or skimming over it depends on the ceiling's condition, particularly if it has old plaster or requires repairs. Remember to check for asbestos content before any work, especially if the Artex surface is pre-1990s; consider having a sample tested for safety.
The Pragmatic Choice
If sound, low-risk Artex ceilings are the most realistic and cost-effective way to achieve a textured finish, it sidesteps the significant costs and health dangers associated with disturbing possible asbestos material. A decent plasterer can provide a nice finish with minimal fuss, so if the Artex is sticking up about 5 to 10 millimeters, they will clean it, prime it, then bond coat it and skim it. Skimming Artex is more challenging than skimming plasterboard or a smooth surface, so anticipate a longer job and a higher labor rate than for regular walls or ceilings.
Safely does it, dear boy! If you suspect the material is asbestos, do not sand or chip it yourself. Most of us use a water-based dampening agent to control dust and permit safe scraping where removal is absolutely necessary, but it’s an art that needs to be done under controlled conditions. Wear proper PPE: a mask rated for fibers, overalls, gloves, goggles, and a hat. Chemical strippers, which can be messy on ceilings, are an option and are rarely the first choice for repairing old ceilings.
Longevity is vital when dealing with Artex surfaces. Skimming might not work if the bond to the Artex is poor, so prep rather than cosmetic quickness is essential. If you want cheaper and less disruption and the Artex is intact and low risk, skimming is a sensible route for modern homeowners looking to enhance their living spaces.
The Perfectionist Route
Peel back the Artex and slap up fresh plasterboard if you’re after an immaculate, contemporary ceiling. This is the one to go for full-scale refurbishments or where Artex is drooping, damaged or otherwise compromised. Full removal is costlier and more disruptive. Expect ceiling height changes, replacement of cornices and redecorating of the whole room. The neater finish and greater market appeal often prove worth the cost to some owners, and it eliminates any question of asbestos.
For peace of mind and a properly smooth finish, use a specialist plasterer and an asbestos removal contractor when required.
Conclusion
Artex can stay or go. If the finish contains no asbestos, skimming achieves a clean, speedy result. If there is a chance of asbestos, stripping it out with a licensed crew keeps the risk down. Skim works on slightly damaged surfaces and it saves time and money. Does full strip work for those “deep damage,” “major remodelling” or just to take out old, unsafe layers?
- If it's a UK house, check for asbestos first. Use a local, certified tester and follow local rules. Get two quotes for removal and two for skimming. Expect skimming to take one or two days for an average room and removal to take longer, with increased expense and safety precautions.
If you want assistance with next steps, request a sample checklist or a local tradesman list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Artex dangerous in my home?
If artex ceilings were laid before the mid-1980s, they may contain asbestos material. When in good condition and undisturbed, it poses low risk. However, disturbing it, such as scraping or removal, can release fibres, so consider asbestos testing if in doubt.
Can I skim over Artex instead of removing it?
Yes. Plasterboarding or applying a thin skim of plaster over artex ceilings is a more common, safer solution. This method doesn’t disturb any potential asbestos material and leaves a smooth plaster ceiling finish.
When should I remove Artex completely?
Removal of the artex ceilings is an option if it’s damaged or loose, or you need to run any wiring or plumbing. Strip it off if a later renovation will repeatedly damage the surface. For any suspected asbestos material, use licensed asbestos contractors.
How long does skimming over Artex take?
A small room can be skimmed with a thin gypsum skim in one or two days, and drying time typically ranges from 24 to 48 hours depending on conditions. Larger jobs or multiple coats may take longer, influenced by weather and indoor ventilation.
How much will removal cost compared with skimming?
Removal is generally more expensive due to the need for asbestos testing and licensed contractors, making skimming a cheaper and faster solution for modern homeowners looking to repair old ceilings.
Do I need an asbestos survey before working on Artex?
Yes, if the Artex ceiling was applied before the mid-1980s or you’re not sure, it’s wise to have asbestos testing done. A UK-registered analyst can check a small sample to ensure safety.
Will skimming change room height or fittings?
When considering an artex skim, it's important to note that skimming only adds a thin layer, typically a couple of millimeters, which can help smooth out the artex surface for modern homeowners.