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​Masters of Plaster
Cardiff's Premier Plastering Service
​ Making a House into a Home
​(Commercial Premises too)

Artex Removal 

​Who has Artex in their home? Artex has become the most common cliche for disastrous interior design features. It was a form of hard plaster, applied liberally over ceilings during the 1970’s. It is often found with hideous swirls and patterns, and generally looks pretty horrible. Very few people find Artex attractive, and there is a big industry in Artex removal. But its not an easy job at all, its messy and hard work. Most people find its easier and more sensible to call in the professionals to do this work. 

In addition to the hard work, Artex also contains asbestos, so there are health implications to its removal. Thankfully its not the most dangerous blue asbestos, which is fairly deadly, but an easier to deal with white form, which is water soluble, so if it enters the body, it can also leave.

Having said that, all asbestos is dangerous and you should never underestimate the risks. Messing around with asbestos is not for amateurs. We absolutely recommend using a professional for any asbestos work. Artex contained asbestos until 1985, but is still found as late as 1999, so its best to assume it’ll be present in your Artex. Lead can also be found in these textured plaster products, which is another hazard, and again, must be taken seriously.

Check the HSE website for further information.

To remove Artex, you have four main approaches available to you. Masters of Plaster are happy to advise on the best option for your particular situation and budget. 

Plastering
This is the most obvious option. A layer of plaster is added onto the surface of the Artex. A lot of preparation is needed, however, and it depends to an extent on the height of the Artex peaks, which can be over 10mm in some cases. It also depends on the condition of the Artex, and the underlying ceiling. Can it take the weight of another potentially thick layer of plaster ? Don't underestimate this factor. 

Preparation involves scraping, which potentially releases asbestos into your environment. We understand this method looks the easiest, but a good result depends on preparation, and if that preparation releases asbestos, is it worth the risk ?

Some plasterers will recommend this method to you, and not discuss the potential risks. If that happens, please look for another plasterer.

Bonding the Artex
This method is preferred by older plasterers, as it was more commonly used in the 1980's. A layer of bonding material is spread over the Artex and built up to create a smooth flat layer, ready to take a layer of plaster. Its safe, as there is no scraping to release asbestos, but is difficult, so best left to a professional. Its not for amateurs. 

Remove, Board and Skim
As it says, this method involves removing the whole ceiling, and replacing it with ceiling boards. The boards are then taped and a layer of skim is applied, creating a beautifully smooth finish. The Artex is completely gone, and you have a whole new ceiling. The downside is an enormous amount of mess. Removing a ceiling is a big job. Don't underestimate it. 

Over Boarding
This option is a little less drastic than the last, but still results in a new ceiling. Over boarding involves laying plaster boards over the top of the Artex ceiling, and fixing them in place with long screws, into the joists. Then skim is applied, giving you a perfect new ceiling. Its less messy and difficult than removing the whole ceiling.

This is generally our preferred option. There is no asbestos release, its quick and fairly mess free, and you always get a great result. 

​We found an interesting little blog here, which discusses Artex removal. 

There is nothing simple about removing Artex. You can try yourself, but the novelty of looking upwards, scraping at the ceiling with tools will soon wear off. Its difficult and tiring work. Artex removal is best left to the professionals, especially given the health implications of working with asbestos, whatever some might tell you. 

Give us a call, and let us quote you for your Artex removal. Its no obligation, and you may find its cheaper than you expect.

​Masters of Plaster have removed hundreds of Artex ceilings throughout South Wales, and we are happy to help bring your home into the modern world.  And we will do it safely too. Your health and welfare, as well as that of our team, is our priority. 

Local Plasterers in Cardiff

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Masters of Plaster
Cardiff
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Our Happy Customers

Artex Removal

​We bought a 1970's semi and it came covered with Artex. It was so ugly. A few companies weren't very interested in removing it, which was disappointing, but Masters of Plaster did a brilliant job   

Mr and Mrs A Jones
Newport

​Artex

I hate Artex, so it was typical that when I bought my first house, all the ceilings were covered with Artex. I tried removing it, but it was a horrible job. I gave up. I just couldn't face it. Masters of Plaster did a great job. I cannot speak highly enough of their work.  

ACP
Cardiff

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Artex Ceilings

​I inherited my parents bungalow, and the first thing I did was remove the Artex ceilings. I had a load of quotes, and Masters weren't the cheapest, but they thought they would be the quickest, which was important to me. They did a very good job and I am glad I chose them. 

Hannah James
Cardiff

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