Skim over artex - or not?

Joined
28 Nov 2016
Messages
156
Reaction score
1
Country
United Kingdom
I have some stippled/swirly artex downstairs that we want to get sorted. I have had it tested and it does not contain asbestos, but the test man said often the asbestos content is so low it wont show up anyway, and to treat it with caution anyway.

Basically, which of the following would best:

1) Wallpaper paste spread over the artex apparently softens it so that it can easily be scraped off - then hope the ceiling is ok underneath!

2) PVA artex, bonding coat, then two coats of multifinish.

3) PVA then two coats of multifinish - having removed any larger lumps of artex.

Don't want to overboard if I can help it, as the cables for the lights are inaccessible from above annoyingly

Can try and get a picture showing how deep the artex is, if needed.

And - if possible:

1) If i tape the ceiling to wall transition (so taping both the ceiling and wall at same time) can i skim the ceiling, then leave it a few days before skimming the walls?

2) Is it ok when skimming external corners to install a new angle bead, or is this a problem in any way? Is it necessary?

Thanks
 
Sponsored Links
Always a risk skimming artex as it tends to blister as soon as you introduce moisture to the ceiling, scrape off what you can then my preference is a tight coat of bonding then skim.
you wont need to tape between the ceiling and wall on existing.
Use fine coat beads for your corners.
 
Ok, thanks. Two q's if i can?

1) what do you mean blister?
2) You say bond then skim, i assume you mean bonding - let it dry fully (say overnight) then two coats of multi as normal?

Thanks
 
Ok, thanks. Two q's if i can?

1) what do you mean blister?
2) You say bond then skim, i assume you mean bonding - let it dry fully (say overnight) then two coats of multi as normal?

Thanks
I'm sure Al won't mind me answering this for him putting pva on artex can soften it causing it to blister and de bond also the heat from the plaster can debond the artex and also the weight of the plaster could debond it, it's always a risk skimming artex a good eye must be cast over it first to see if it's sound, I was tagged in a post on fb last year from a spread who used to post on this forum he posted a picture of the lid he just skimmed the whole lot came down there was plaster everywhere, to minimise this happening and if the ceiling is sound I use a bonding agent
 
Sponsored Links
Ok thanks for the info... When you say you use a bonding agent - is this PVA, or is the PVA only used to control suction?

Also, i didnt think you could skim over wet bonding, or is it just because i'm not good enough!?

Thanks again
 
Just another quick one.... i have some Mapei primer g that i used before tiling over a skim coat. Is this suitable for priming the ceiling before skimming/bonding, or even using instead of PVA to control the suction? I appreciate it doesnt have the grit in it, so no mechanical key.

Thanks
 
Never used it but according to the data sheet.

When used before applying sprayable plasters, Primer G prevents over-rapid absorption of water by the substrate, prolongs finishing time and helps prevent shrinkage cracks.

Looks fine to me.
 
Now I haven't tried that trick yet, but I have heard that you can use a wallpaper steamer on artex, and that softens it to assist scraping, and in being wet, it won't let in to the air.
 
Now I haven't tried that trick yet, but I have heard that you can use a wallpaper steamer on artex, and that softens it to assist scraping, and in being wet, it won't let in to the air.
If you don't think the lid is sound and you have time to spare steam it off it took me less than a morning to do 15m2
 
I'll try steaming a bit and see how i get on, thanks for the advice :)
 

DIYnot Local

Staff member

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.


Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

 
Sponsored Links
Back
Top