Repairing, Covering, or Removing Your Artex Ceiling

Artex ceilings, with their distinctive textured patterns like the popular artex stipple pattern and the more intricate artex broken leather pattern, were a common feature in homes for many years. While they can add visual interest, they can become damaged, outdated, or simply not to everyone's taste. This article will guide you through the options for dealing with an artex ceiling: repair, covering, or complete removal.

Asbestos Artex Removal

Important Safety Note: It is crucial to remember that artex manufactured before the mid-1980s, and potentially up to the early 1990s, often contained asbestos. Asbestos is a hazardous material, and disturbing it can release dangerous fibers into the air. Always have your artex ceiling professionally tested for asbestos before undertaking any work. If asbestos is present, removal must be carried out by trained professionals.

Artex Ceiling Repair: Addressing Minor Damage

Minor damage to an artex ceiling can often be repaired without the need for covering or removal. Knowing how to repair an artex ceiling can save you time and money.

Here's a general approach:

• Assess the Damage: Determine the extent and type of damage. Small cracks, chips, or dents are usually repairable. Larger areas of damage or loose sections might indicate a more significant underlying issue.

  
  

• Clean the Area: Gently clean the damaged area with a soft brush to remove any loose debris or dust.

  
  

• Repair Small Cracks: For hairline cracks, you can often use a flexible filler specifically designed for ceilings. Apply a small amount of filler into the crack using a putty knife, smooth it out, and allow it to dry completely. Once dry, you may need to lightly sand the repaired area to blend it with the surrounding texture. Achieving a perfect match with the existing artex stipple pattern or artex broken leather pattern can be challenging.

  
  

• Repair Chips and Dents: For larger chips or dents, you'll need to fill the void. Again, use a suitable ceiling filler. Apply the filler in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next to prevent shrinkage and cracking. Once the final layer is dry, carefully try to replicate the surrounding texture. This often requires practice and may involve using textured rollers or specialized tools depending on the original pattern. For a simple artex stipple pattern, a sponge or textured brush might suffice. Matching the more complex artex broken leather pattern can be very difficult for a DIYer.

  
  

• Painting the Repaired Area: Once the repair is dry and you're satisfied with the texture, you'll likely need to paint the repaired area to match the rest of the ceiling. Use a good quality ceiling paint and apply it evenly. You may need to apply a couple of coats for a seamless finish.

  
  

Key Considerations for Artex Ceiling Repair:

• Matching the Texture: Perfectly replicating the original artex texture can be very difficult, especially for intricate patterns. The goal is usually to make the repair as inconspicuous as possible.

  
  

• Small vs. Large Repairs: While small repairs are manageable for DIYers, extensive damage might be better addressed by covering or professional removal.

  
  

Covering Over an Artex Ceiling: A Smooth New Surface

If your artex ceiling is in relatively good condition but you dislike the texture, covering an artex ceiling is a viable option. This avoids the potentially messy and costly process of removal.

Here are the common methods:

• Plastering Over Artex: This is a popular method for achieving a completely smooth ceiling. A thin layer of plaster, known as a skim coat, is applied directly over the artex.

  
  

  • Preparation is Key: Before plastering, the artex surface needs to be properly prepared. This typically involves cleaning the ceiling thoroughly and applying a bonding agent. A bonding agent creates a key for the plaster to adhere to the artex.

    
    

  • Applying the Skim Coat: A plasterer will apply one or two thin coats of plaster, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. They will then smooth the final coat to create a flawless surface ready for painting.

    
    

  • Advantages: Provides a completely smooth, modern look.

    
    

  • Disadvantages: Requires hiring a professional plasterer for the best results. Adds a slight amount of weight to the ceiling structure.

    
    

• Plasterboard Overlay: Another way to cover an artex ceiling is by installing new plasterboards directly over it.

  
  

  • Installation: Plasterboards are screwed directly into the ceiling joists, through the existing artex ceiling. The joints between the plasterboards are then taped and filled to create a seamless surface.

    
    

  • Advantages: Creates a completely new, smooth surface. Can improve sound insulation and fire resistance.

    
    

  • Disadvantages: Reduces ceiling height slightly. Requires more DIY skill or hiring a professional for installation and finishing. Can be more disruptive than plastering.

    
    

• Specialist Ceiling Panels or Tiles: Various lightweight ceiling panels or tiles are available that can be fixed directly to the artex ceiling.

  
  

  • Options: These come in a range of materials and finishes, offering different aesthetic options.

    
    

  • Installation: Installation methods vary depending on the product, but often involve adhesive or mechanical fixings.

    
    

  • Advantages: Can be a quicker and less messy option than plastering or plaster boarding. Some offer acoustic or thermal insulation benefits.

    
    

  • Disadvantages: May not provide the same seamless look as plastering or plasterboarding. The added weight needs to be considered.

    
    

Key Considerations for Covering an Artex Ceiling:

• Ceiling Condition: Ensure the artex ceiling is sound and securely attached before covering. Loose or damaged sections should be addressed first.

  
  

• Weight: Consider the additional weight that covering materials will add to the ceiling structure.

  
  

• Room Height: Plasterboard overlay will reduce the ceiling height, which may be a concern in rooms with already low ceilings.

  
  

Removing an Artex Ceiling: Back to the Original Surface

The most drastic option is to completely remove the artex ceiling. This will take you back to the original plasterboard or plaster underneath.

• Professional Asbestos Testing is Mandatory: As emphasized earlier, always have the artex tested for asbestos by a qualified professional before attempting removal. If asbestos is present, only licensed specialists should carry out the removal.

  
  

• DIY Removal (Non-Asbestos Artex Only): If the artex is confirmed to be asbestos-free, you can attempt DIY removal, but be prepared for a messy and potentially challenging job.

  
  

  • Preparation: Protect the room by removing furniture, covering floors and walls with plastic sheeting, and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a dust mask, safety goggles, and old clothing. Ensure good ventilation.

    
    

  • Softening the Artex: You can try softening the artex by spraying it with water mixed with a small amount of dish soap. Allow it to soak in for a while.

    
    

  • Scraping: Use a wide, flat scraper to carefully scrape the softened artex from the ceiling. Work slowly and avoid gouging the underlying plasterboard.

    
    

  • Dealing with Stubborn Areas: Some areas may be more difficult to remove. You might need to re-wet them or use a slightly more aggressive scraping action, being careful not to damage the ceiling beneath.

    
    

  • Cleaning Up: This process will generate a significant amount of dust and debris. Ensure you have plenty of bin bags and clean the area thoroughly after removal. You may need to sand the ceiling lightly to remove any remaining residue.

    
    

  • Repairing the Underlying Ceiling: Once the artex is removed, you will likely need to repair any damage to the underlying plasterboard or plaster, such as holes or gouges, before painting or decorating.

    
    

Key Considerations for Removing an Artex Ceiling:

• Asbestos Risk: This is the most critical consideration. Never attempt to remove artex without professional testing.

  
  

• Mess and Disruption: Removal is a very messy process and will disrupt the room significantly.

  
  

• Potential for Damage: You could potentially damage the underlying ceiling during the removal process, requiring further repair work.

  
  

• Time and Effort: DIY removal can be a time-consuming and physically demanding task.

  
  

By understanding these options for artex ceiling repair, covering an artex ceiling, and removing it, you can make an informed decision about the best approach for your home. Remember to prioritize safety by always testing for asbestos before undertaking any work.