Plastering advice
Can You Plaster Over Artex?
Short answer
In most cases a textured Artex surface can be skimmed over to give a flat finish, provided the coating is sound and firmly bonded. Very heavy peaked textures may need knocking back first. Because textured coatings applied before the year 2000 can contain asbestos, they should not be sanded or scraped.
How it is done
High points in the texture are knocked back where needed, the surface is prepared with a suitable bonding agent, and finish plaster is applied over the top and trowelled flat. The result is a smooth ceiling with no trace of the original pattern.
When covering is not the right option
If the coating is loose, flaking or has been painted with something that will not bond, or if the ceiling beneath is failing, covering it up only postpones the problem. In those cases overboarding the ceiling and skimming the new board is usually the better route.
Asbestos in textured coatings
Textured coatings from before 2000 may contain asbestos. Left undisturbed and covered over they are generally not considered a risk, which is one reason skimming over is often preferred to removal. Never sand or dry-scrape an old textured ceiling. If you have any concerns, have it tested before work starts.
Need this doing?
SJF Plastering covers Sutton, Surrey and South West London. Call 07967 302162 or message us on WhatsApp for a free quotation.