Removing artex ....

poolietim · 15 Aug 2006

Just moved into a new house and it as artex on the ceiling

How the hell do you get artex off??????? Someone says you use a steam wallpaper stripper ..... is that right??????

Help would be appreciated...

RigidRaider · 16 Aug 2006

I have heard you can do this. But if it's a new house, are you sure it's Artex and not just the plaster? What colour is it? White or pink with white paint?

We bought a 15 year-old house, which had all the ceilings in textured plaster, some even painted gloss yellow, peach and pink! Yeuch! We just got a plasterer in and skimmed the lot. The cost for the entire 4 bed house was £1300, including replacing the kitchen ceiling, which was rotten thanks to a shower that had been leaking since the day they installed it. Since the plasterer can't find anybody who wants to work for him, we saved money by doing the mixing and serving up for him.

poolietim · 16 Aug 2006

It is not a new house, and it is dfinately artex, I think it is to thick to just get skimmed over.......

RigidRaider · 16 Aug 2006

Sounds like you are in for a heck of a lot of mess and arm-ache then. Good luck to you!

alucard · 31 Aug 2006

I have found 2 ways of getting rid of artex.
1. Buy some solution from screwfix, can't remember the name now but you paint it on the artex, leave it an hour then scrap off with a paint scraper.

2. The cheaper way, paint warm wateronto the artex and leave it for a while, the artex then become tacky enough to scrap off.

Hard work and arm aching, done 2 ceiling and it took ages.
If you use a steamer you could lift the plaster off the ceiling. if your not careful.

Hipokondriak · 1 Jan 2010

Done both.
Chemical solution is expensive circa 60 quid for a 18 by 12 room with 7'6 ceilings

A steamer works. But is arm achingly tedious and very messy.
Lots of paper on the fllor under where you are working and clear regularily.

Skimming can work but YOU know the crappy artex is still under there to come back and haunt you.

The OTHER thing to remember is that artex may contain carcinogens such as asbestos, so removal without getting it tested is a risk in itself, which most people are willing to ignore, as long as it is off.

Carlnorwich · 2 Jan 2010

Hipo, how would you get the Artex tested for Asbestos content?

Hipokondriak · 2 Jan 2010

Local council - Environmental Health

BTW it ain't cheap!!!

That's why I said, some of us don't bother, just use a face mask, gloves etc and lots of paper to catch the mess and bin it whilst it is wet.

Use plenty of water to clean up as you go.

malshep · 2 Jan 2010

I did my kitchen ceiling by sanding it. Took forever, hard work and dust absolutely everywhere.

Next time I will be trying one of these:

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/45940...rris-Heavy-Duty-Tungsten-Carbide-Wood-Scraper

Richard C · 2 Jan 2010

Hipokondriac; this thread is over 3 years old, please check the dates as it makes little sense replying to such an old thread.

As others have also responded, I have posted further information.

Older Artex containing asbestos is classed as low risk & no license is required for its removal but it cannot be disposed of at landfill sites, your local council will advise the nearest disposal centre but there will be a charge. Even though it’s classed as low risk, you should NEVER EVER remove it by sanding or dry scraping. Not only do you risk your own future health but anyone else who lives in the property as the resultant dust will remain within the building fabric causing contamination problems which will never go away unless it’s deep cleaned.

If you feel the need to remove it, steaming is the best way as it prevents any dust but it’s messy, hard work & the ceiling will still require replastering. I used to remove it as a matter of course but I now plaster over, it's the safest & easiest option, 100% successful if correctly done & I now do this all the time unless specifically requested to remove it; providing it’s never disturbed it’s not a hazard.

Hipokondriak · 5 Jan 2010

Duly noted.

I rarely read the DateStamp on these posts, so it appears that I am what someone called me, a while ago, to whit: "An Epic Necroposter".

Whatever that is... Not that I care too much, anyway. I enjoy a bit of a laugh.

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Removing artex ....

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