Step-by-Step Method
- Put on your safety goggles, dust mask and gloves
- Warm up the steamer and gently press its plate on the artex while testing its softness every few seconds (see step 3 below)
- Test frequently with a utility knife or a stripping/joint knife to monitor how soft the artex is becoming
Is it time to get rid of your Artex ceiling?
However, in today’s IKEA generation, an artex ceiling looks very dated and is a pain to repair and clean. If it’s time to bid farewell to your artex ceiling, there are five ways you can remove it: ‘ Scrape and Sand ’, ‘ Cover with Plasterboard ’, ‘ Wet Plaster Over ’, ‘ Steam, Scrape and Sand ’ or use ‘ Eco Solutions X–Tex ’.
What is Artex ceiling?
Artex is a water-based covering that is used to decorate ceilings with a textured finish. It had its heydays in the 1970s when the spiky or swirling effects it produces were considered high fashion. However, in today’s IKEA generation, an artex ceiling looks very dated and is a pain to repair and clean.
How do you plaster an Artex ceiling?
To make plastering simpler and to improve the final finish, sand it flat with a 220-grit sanding block. Paint the artex surface with PVA adhesive as this will help the plaster stick and slow down the moisture absorption. Using a large emulsion brush, paint the PVA solution on the ceiling and leave the PVA to dry (roughly one hour)
Can I use easyfill 20 to patch Artex ceiling?
Might be asbestos in that stipple so scraping might not be a good idea. I'm good at patching artex but would say it ain't going to look good when done. I use easyfill 20 as the fast setting time stops the shrinking that you get with artex to patch ceilings.
How do you repair a textured ceiling?
6:489:59Amazing trick to match knockdown texture on a ceiling repair! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou basically want to dab. And pull and that brings the the mud down to where it's gonna lay outMoreYou basically want to dab. And pull and that brings the the mud down to where it's gonna lay out like the knockdown texture. So you just rapidly dab and pull add more mud.
Can an Artex ceiling be plastered over?
Dimpled, or stippled Artex can be covered over with a false ceiling made of drylining plasterboard. You end up with a smooth surface to work with, but your ceiling height is slightly lower.
How do you smooth out an Artex ceiling?
Using the spatula, load the smoother with Artex Easifix Smooth-It. Apply an even coat with firm, sweeping strokes. When the whole surface is covered, allow to dry until firm to the touch. Repeat the process as many times as required to reach the desired smoothness.
Can you just skim over Artex?
Any artex must have a backing (bonding) coat applied first as as skim coat is only 3 mm thick. Once the bonding coat is dry you apply PVA to reduce suction when skimming the top coat. This will give you the desired flat finish. Hope this helps.
Is it best to remove Artex or plaster over?
It is much safer to plaster over the top of Artex than it is to try to remove it. Asbestos is only dangerous when disturbed, the fibres get into the air and you breathe them in.
How much does it cost to skim a ceiling over Artex UK?
The average cost to skim a ceiling can range anywhere between £250 - £600 for a professional plasterer. Prices will depend on the size of the surface area and the complexity of the task. If you're replastering your ceiling to remove Artex, it's worth getting clued up on the costs with our dedicated guide.
Does Artex devalue house?
Now, Artex ceilings can actually devalue a house. It's very difficult to match up new repairs onto old Artex patterns.
Can you sand down an Artex ceiling?
Artex surfaces which were added prior to 2000 are likely to contain asbestos and it is extremely unwise to sand or scrape without seeking the advice of an asbestos specialist, as this can potentially damage your health and anybody around you. Contact your local council if you need help with this.
How much does it cost to flatten a textured ceiling?
The average rate ranges from $898 to $2,847, with most homeowners ending up paying about $1,853 for professional removal and finish.
How can I cover my artex ceiling without plastering?
If it's time to bid farewell to your artex ceiling, there are five ways you can remove it: 'Scrape and Sand', 'Cover with Plasterboard', 'Wet Plaster Over', 'Steam, Scrape and Sand' or use 'Eco Solutions X–Tex'. The best option for you depends on many things, including the age and condition of your ceiling.
Should I remove artex ceiling?
Artex is often considered outdated and removing it can be difficult and dangerous if you've never done it before and are not using a safe and non-toxic remover like X-Tex. You can plaster over the textured wall or ceiling covering however this is much like sticking a plaster over something that may rear its head again.
How do you cover asbestos artex ceiling?
Artex with asbestos in can be covered safely, but this involves no scraping. so you need to put it on thicker. Sometimes even use a boding backing coat. And then skim over the top.
Do you have to remove artex before plastering?
If you decide that artex remover is not for you then Artex® can be plastered over. Firstly make absolutely sure that there are no flaking or loose sections of the artex®, or indeed ceiling or wall. Then remove all obviously “high spots” of artex®, where the stipples hang down.
How do you plaster over thick artex?
1:0520:25How To Plaster An ARTEX CEILING....FULL GUIDE! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what we're doing i've got a mix of british and bonding mixed it fairly thick what i'm going to doMoreSo what we're doing i've got a mix of british and bonding mixed it fairly thick what i'm going to do is cover the whole ceiling with this product so not just the the artex but i'm also going to cover
Can I plaster over textured ceiling?
How to do it: Clean the existing textured ceiling. Apply a coat of PVA per traditional plastering techniques. Apply a thin layer of a lightweight plaster composite to a smooth finish.
Do I need to PVA over artex before plastering?
Yes you need to apply 1 coat of PVA to make sure the plaster adheres.
What to use to repair a comb ceiling?
Repaired a combed ceiling using dressmakers Pinking shears and a piece of thin plastic sandwiched between two pieces of wood once, was good enough to effect a repair.
Why is my ceiling papered?
Also for a long time because of the habit of plaster boarded ceilings cracking along the joints. That is also why a lot of people papered ceilings. A flexible filler of some sort can cure that. Decorators caulk.
Can you match Artex on the ceiling?
If is is Artex on the ceiling then it wouldn't be easy to match it in. Also you would have to strip the Artex off along the joint that has opened up! So it would be better to "Prep" the ceiling and skim over it and flatten it out.. Ask the boys who quoted you what actually was they going to do to the ceiling.
Does Artex contain asbestos?
The Artex that it is made of contains asbestos, because I had a survey done a few years ago. A few people who I have asked for a quote have said that they are not interested. I believe a license is needed for any kind of work related objects that contain asbestos. My neighbour who works in health & safety suggested that I could just cover it with epoxy resin and then either paid over it or cover it with stipple pattern Artex.
How to remove artex ceiling?
If it’s time to bid farewell to your artex ceiling, there are five ways you can remove it: ‘ Scrape and Sand ’, ‘ Cover with Plasterboard ’, ‘ Wet Plaster Over ’, ‘ Steam, Scrape and Sand ’ or use ‘ Eco Solutions X–Tex ’. The best option for you depends on many things, including the age and condition of your ceiling.
What is artex ceiling?
Artex is a water-based covering that is used to decorate ceilings with a textured finish. It had its heydays in the 1970s when the spiky or swirling effects it produces were considered high fashion. However, in today’s IKEA generation, an artex ceiling looks very dated and is a pain to repair and clean. If it’s time to bid farewell ...
How to apply skim plaster to artex?
Apply skim plaster to the artex surface using a plasterer’s trowel and hawk. Place a maximum of two full trowels of mix onto the hawk. Cut into a small chunk of the mix with a trowel angled at 90° to the hawk. Tilt the hawk towards your body while at the same time scooping and pushing the trowel away.
How to smooth out texture?
Use a utility knife or a stripping/joint knife to slowly chip away at the texture and create a smooth surface
Is it safe to plaster artex ceilings?
If an artex ceiling containing asbestos is left untouched, or better yet, plastered over, it is not dangerous. HOWEVER, if sent airborne, asbestos is extremely toxic and can severely damage your health. Therefore, Do NOT scrape or sand down artex ceilings without taking the advice of a trained asbestos expert.
Does Artex ceiling contain asbestos?
The answer ultimately depends on the time and money you are willing to spend, your skill level and the current state of your ceiling. One critical factor in making this decision rests on whether your artex ceiling contains asbestos. If it does, you only have two options.
Can you plaster over artex?
As with dry lining, wet plastering over artex will avoid the pain of scraping it all off. However, you will still need to scrape off the ‘high spots’ and remove any flaking sections. Therefore, you MUST get your artex ceiling checked by asbestos professionals before you start.
Tips
Follow these easy tips, and watch the video to make quick work of ceiling repair, ranging from cracks in the ceiling to nail pops, large holes and even removing popcorn ceilings.
How to Remove Popcorn Ceiling
No longer a fan of that popcorn ceiling? It's easier to remove than you might think. Follow these tips from our DIY Basics video: How Do I Remove Popcorn Ceiling?
Prep Work
Painted popcorn ceiling removal is challenging. Test a small area in a corner to see if your ceiling is painted or not.