Artex Removal in Ilkeston: Safe, Professional Ceiling & Wall Treatment
Got an Artex ceiling in Ilkeston or across Derbyshire? Here's what you need to know before booking a plasterer, and what we can do to help.
Artex Ceilings Are Everywhere in Derbyshire Homes
If your home was built or last decorated before the 1990s, there is a fair chance you have Artex on at least one ceiling. It was the go-to finish for decades, and across Ilkeston, Erewash, Heanor, Long Eaton and the wider Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire area, we see it constantly. Swirls, stipples, comb patterns, the lot.
Most homeowners just want it gone. They want a flat, smooth ceiling they can paint cleanly. That is a completely reasonable thing to want. But before you book anyone to touch it, there is something important you need to understand first.
The Asbestos Question: Why This Matters Before Anything Else
Artex applied before around 1985 may contain chrysotile asbestos. Not all of it does, but enough does that it has to be treated as a serious possibility rather than a remote one.
We want to be straight with you here, because this is exactly the kind of thing a tradesman should tell you plainly rather than gloss over.
We do not remove asbestos-containing materials. That is specialist licensed work, and it is not something we do. If your Artex tests positive for asbestos, you need a licensed asbestos removal contractor, not a plasterer. No honest plasterer should be scraping or grinding away at a ceiling that could contain asbestos fibres.
So the first step, before any plastering work is even discussed, is finding out what you are dealing with.
Getting Your Ceiling Tested
You can arrange an asbestos survey through a UKAS-accredited testing service. A small sample is taken carefully and sent to a laboratory for analysis. This is not something we do, but it is straightforward to arrange, and it gives you a clear answer.
If the test comes back negative, brilliant. You can move forward with plastering work. If it comes back positive, you need the right people in first.
Do not let anyone talk you into skipping this step on an older property. It is not worth the risk.
What We Can Do: Skimming Over Artex
Once you have confirmed there is no asbestos present, there are two main routes to a smooth ceiling: skim over it, or remove it and start fresh.
Skimming over Artex (applying a thin coat of finishing plaster on top) is often the more practical option, particularly where the pattern is not too heavily textured. A skim coat, applied well, buries the texture and gives you a smooth, paintable surface.
There are a few things that affect whether skimming over is the right call:
- How deep and sharp the existing texture is. Very heavy patterns can telegraph through if the surface is not properly prepared first.
- The condition of the existing ceiling. If the Artex is flaking, cracked or poorly bonded, skimming over it is not a long-term solution.
- Whether the ceiling has been painted multiple times. Thick layers of paint can affect adhesion.
We will always have a proper look and tell you honestly what we think is the best approach for your particular ceiling. If you are curious about what can go wrong when plaster does not bond properly, our article on why plaster isn't sticking and how to fix it covers that in more detail.
What We Can Do: Boarding Over the Ceiling
Another solid option, especially where the ceiling is in poor condition or the texture is very heavy, is to board over it. This means fixing plasterboard directly to the existing ceiling (or to new timber battens if needed), then skimming the boards to a smooth finish.
Boarding over effectively seals the old surface away entirely. It is a clean, reliable result and avoids disturbing the existing ceiling at all, which is actually a benefit if there is any doubt about what is underneath.
This is a job we do regularly across the Ilkeston and Erewash area. It is a bit more involved than a straight skim, but the finish is just as good and in some cases better.
What Happens After the Artex Is Dealt With
Once the ceiling is skimmed or boarded and skimmed, fresh plaster needs time to dry fully before you decorate. Do not rush this. Painting over plaster that has not dried properly is one of the most common reasons decorating jobs go wrong.
Your decorator will be able to advise on when the surface is ready. We finish the plaster; the decorating side is their territory.
If you are having other work done at the same time, such as rewiring or new light fittings, it makes sense to get the electrical work finished before we plaster. That way we are making good after the other trades rather than having fresh plaster disturbed afterwards. For a broader look at what a plasterer actually covers on a job like this, our guide on what a plasterer actually does is worth a read.
Preparing for the Work
There is not a huge amount you need to do, but a few things make the job run more smoothly:
- Clear the room as much as you can. Furniture, ornaments, anything you do not want covered in dust.
- Take down any light fittings or ceiling roses if your electrician has already disconnected them.
- Make sure we have clear access to the room and a nearby water source.
- If you have a loft above, let us know if there is any insulation sitting directly on the ceiling boards, as that can affect how we work.
We will cover floors and protect what is left in the room, but the less clutter, the better for everyone.
We Cover Ilkeston, Derby, Nottingham and the Surrounding Area
We are based in Ilkeston and work across the Erewash area and within roughly 30 miles, which takes in Derby, Nottingham, Heanor, Long Eaton and much of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. If you are not sure whether you are in our area, just give us a ring and we will tell you straight away.
Richard carries out the work himself, so when you get a quote from us, you know exactly who is turning up to do the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to plaster over Artex?
No, it is not illegal to skim or board over Artex. The legal restrictions relate to disturbing or removing asbestos-containing materials, not to covering them up. Encapsulating old Artex by skimming or boarding over it is actually one of the accepted ways of managing it safely, provided the existing surface is sound. What you must not do is sand, grind or scrape old Artex before you know whether it contains asbestos.
Can I remove asbestos Artex myself?
No. If your Artex has tested positive for asbestos, removal must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removal contractor. This is not a DIY job and it is not something plasterers should be doing either. The fibres released during disturbance are a serious health risk. Get it tested first, and if asbestos is present, get the right specialist in.
My house was built in the 1990s. Do I still need to worry about asbestos in the Artex?
The use of asbestos in Artex was phased out in the mid-1980s, so if your home was built after that point and the ceiling has never been re-textured with older materials, the risk is much lower. That said, if you are at all unsure about the history of the property, a test is the only way to be certain. It is a small thing to arrange and it removes all doubt.
What is the difference between skimming over Artex and boarding over it?
Skimming involves applying a thin coat of finishing plaster directly onto the prepared Artex surface to create a smooth finish. Boarding involves fixing plasterboard over the existing ceiling and then skimming that. Boarding tends to give a more predictable result on heavily textured or damaged ceilings, and it fully encapsulates whatever is underneath. Which approach suits your ceiling depends on the condition and depth of the existing texture. We will look at it and give you an honest recommendation.
Get in Touch
If you have an Artex ceiling in Ilkeston, Derby, Nottingham, Heanor, Long Eaton or anywhere across the Erewash area, we are happy to come and have a look. We will tell you plainly what we think needs doing and get you a quote from there. No pressure, no flannel.
Call us on 07492 266834 or drop us a message through the Get a Quote form on this website and Richard will get back to you.
