Blog>Planning Guides>What you need to know about Artex removal
Last updated: 25 July 2024
What you need to know about Artex removal
Often containing highly toxic asbestos, Artex removal is best handled by professionals. Learn about the process of safely removing Artex and how much to budget.
Swirling Artex-coated ceilings were once a must-have for 1970s homeowners. Not anymore. Nowadays, Artex is more than just an eyesore. Often containing highly toxic asbestos, if you're tackling artex removal, it could be a serious health hazard, too.
The first step to safely removing Artex is to determine whether it contains asbestos with the help of a certified asbestos surveyor. Let's walk through the surveying and removal process step-by-step and explore the costs involved.
The problem with removing Artex
Covering up unsightly Artex is relatively simple with the help of a professional plasterer – or if you've got some impressive skimming skills. However, things become more complicated if your Artex contains asbestos.
Before removing Artex, here are some important things to consider.
1. Not all Artex contains asbestos
If your Artex was applied before 1985, it will most likely contain asbestos. Therefore you can jump straight to hiring a professional asbestos remover.
However, if Artex was added to your home between 1985 and 2000, you will need a survey to determine whether asbestos was used. More on that later.
2. Artex containing asbestos can be safe
Many UK homeowners live safely in homes decorated with Artex containing asbestos if the Artex is in good condition and shows no sign of damage.
Artex containing asbestos only becomes a problem if it's unsafely removed, as you risk inhaling the tiny fibres that can be hazardous.
3. Do not underestimate the dangers of asbestos
Asbestos is a class one carcinogen. When damaged or exposed, it releases tiny airborne fibres that can be inhaled. Too small to see by the naked eye, these fibres lay dormant in the lungs for decades, leading to fatal and debilitating diseases, including lung cancer.
Therefore, removing Artex should always start with, you guessed it, a professional survey to identify if asbestos is present.
Asbestos survey and costs
While DIY asbestos testing kits are available online, a professional UKAS-accredited asbestos survey is the only way to be 100 percent certain if your home's Artex has asbestos.
Thankfully, the process of a surveyor inspecting your Artex for asbestos is relatively straightforward and cost-effective. Taking samples from your home, an asbestos surveyor determines:
The amount and location of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in the home
The level of deterioration or damage of ACM
The action required
On average, an asbestos survey for a 1 - 2 bedroom flat costs around £250. For a 3 - 5 bedroom house, it's around£350.
Methods for removing Artex
The Artex removal method you choose depends on whether it contains asbestos or how extreme the Artex stipple or dimple (the textured pattern) is. But as a general guide, here are the methods available.
Boarding over
A plasterer covers the original Artex ceiling with plasterboard, and then several layers of plaster are applied to create an even surface. If the Artex stipple is pronounced, plasterboarding might not be an option, and you'll need to look into scraping.
Plaster over
Instead of using plasterboard, a tradesperson seals over the old Artex with PVA and plaster.
Complete removal
The Artex and original plasterboard are completely removed.
Chemical removal
A tradesperson uses a gel to soften the old Artex. It can then be removed by scraping, leaving the old plasterboard exposed and ready for new plaster to be applied.
Steaming
Here, a removal expert uses a wallpaper steamer to soften the Artex, which can then be scraped away from the current plasterboard.
Top tip – Remember, with all these methods above, you'll need to decorate afterwards to make good.
That could be a simple paint job that you can tackle yourself. But for a professional finish, you might need to hire a plasterer or a painter decorator. More on that later.
Costs for removing Artex without asbestos
If you're sure the Artex doesn't contain asbestos, there's no reason you can't remove it yourself. Plenty of DIY removal kits are available but bear in mind that this is a messy and time-consuming job.
If you'd rather leave it to the professionals, the average cost of chemically removing Artex is£22.60 - £32.54 per m².Meanwhile, plastering over Artex costs£9.65 - £31.71 per m².
You can find out more about the costs of Artex removal in our cost guide.
Costs for removing Artex with asbestos
If you discover your home's Artex contains asbestos, you must hire a professional asbestos removal contractor. This will be a more costly job because they are removing a highly toxic material.
To help you budget, the average asbestos removal price in the UK is around £1,750 per m2. Our in-depth cost guide outlines all the costs of removing asbestos.
Top tip – It's worth contacting your local council to see if they offer reduced rates for asbestos removal.
Cost for a professional finish
As mentioned above, you'll need to redecorate after removing your Artex to get things spik and span again. At best, it might be a simple paint job you can do yourself. However, new plasterwork might need to be applied, so factor this into your budget.
After a professional finish? Plasterers generally charge around £300 per day. Meanwhile, the average painter decorator's day rate is £325.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
How to hire a professional
Ready to take the first step to safely removing Artex from your home? Follow these four simple steps to connect with certified asbestos surveyors or licensed artex removal contractors near you:
Use a professional directory
Search with a professional directory (like Checkatrade!)
We're so confident in the quality of the trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.
We also make sure all our Checkatrade members have up-to-date public liability insurance for your added peace of mind.
Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*
Read online reviews
Check what other homeowners say about tradespeople before hiring them.
At Checkatrade, we check all online reviews to ensure they're from real people and that trades meet our high standards.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Compare quotes
We always recommend getting at least three quotes from reputable professionals.
That way, you can be sure you're not overpaying for the work**.**
Check for accreditations
Always hire a certified professional to remove Artex if it contains asbestos. You'll want proof of their Hazardous Waste Carriers Licence.
Ready to find a certified asbestos surveyor near you? Simply add your postcode to the box below.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
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