Artex Removal: What Are Your Options?

The old-style Artex is very much out of fashion these days, which is why many of our clients in Cannock are opting to have it removed in favour of smooth, clean ceilings and walls. But what are your options for Artex removal, and is it safe? In this quick guide, we’ll tell you all there is to know about removing Artex.

What is Artex?

It’s a decorative coating commonly used on ceilings and walls. Massively popular in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, it was a simple way to cover surfaces without the need for plastering.

Artex is actually a brand name, but it’s widely used to describe any type of similar finish, even if it’s made by another manufacturer.

Is it Dangerous to Scrape Off Artex?

Yes, it can be dangerous to scrape off dry Artex, especially in older houses. If your Artex is from the 60s, 70s, or 80s, there’s a chance that it contains asbestos, which has since been shown to cause lung cancer.

This is why it’s so important to consult a professional plasterer if you’re planning on removing Artex from your home.

How do you know if there is asbestos in Artex?

The only way to know for sure is to send off a small sample for testing. However, this runs the risk of disturbing the asbestos fibres, which is when they become dangerous.

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult a professional who can advise you on how to get testing done safely.

Artex Removal: The 5 Options

If it’s safe to remove your Artex, there are five common options for going about it.

Boarding Over Artex

This involves securing the plasterboard over the Artex. The plasterboard is then plastered to give the appearance of a smooth ceiling without the need to actually scrape off the Artex.

Plaster Overskimming Artex

This involves skimming over the Artex with a mixture of PVA and plaster to give a smooth appearance. This is only possible if the Artex is strong and undisturbed. And cracks or breaks could result in it coming away from the ceiling.

Complete Artex Removal

This is the most time-consuming process and involves completely removing the Artex and original plasterboard. Then new plasterboard can be installed in its place and plastered to give a fresh, smooth surface.

Chemical Removal

X-Tex is a chemical compound used to soften old Artex so it can be scraped off the plasterboard, ready for new plaster to be applied.

Steaming Artex

A wallpaper steamer may also be used to soften Artex so it can be scraped off the original plasterboard. This is a more time-consuming process and may not be strong enough to achieve a smooth finish.

Get a Free Artex Assessment in Cannock

If you’re thinking about Artex removal in Cannock, call our team at DGR Plastering Services. We’ll assess your Artex for free and advise you on the best method of removal: 01922 412 716