Is there an easy way to remove artex?

Removing artex can be a tricky process, especially if it contains asbestos, so it's always important to seek professional advice before carrying out any work. Read this post to find out more.

The easier way to book quality trades

Download app

One of the first, and most important, points to note is that old artex could contain asbestos. That means that any scraping or sanding could lead to airborne asbestos in your home, which poses a serious health hazard.

Do not scrape or sand your artex until you've checked that it doesn't contain asbestos!

Before carrying out any work on your artex, we recommend having the artex tested to see if it contains asbestos. If it does, it's important not to disturb it, and so you have a number of options:

1. Have the artex removed by an asbestos removal professional to ensure that it's disposed of safely – find out more in our guide to asbestos removal costs

2. Hire a plasterer to cover over the artex instead of removing it – they'll most likely need to apply a coat of bonding or hardwall and then give the wall or ceiling a skim coat

3. If the artex is in good condition, you could consider fitting plasterboard over the artex to create a fresh surface for the wall or ceiling – you'll first need to apply a sealant and skim over it before installing the new layer of plasterboard

Get help from an experienced local plasterer

Whether you want advice on how best to remove artex from your home, or you want a professional to carry out plastering work, it always helps to speak with experienced local plastering experts to get their professional advice.

And the good news is we can help you find the best local plasterers near you:

Either use our quick and easy online search where you can view your local tradespeople's Checkatrade profiles and reviews. Or save yourself time and hassle of browsing many profiles by using our handy request a quote tool. We can do the legwork and get approved plastering specialists in your area to contact you directly.