Best compound for smoothing over artex

triz · 20 Oct 2019

I'm thinking of skimming over some artex ceilings using a DIY-friendly method that I found on YouTube. They way they do it in the video, is by applying a light finishing compound to the ceiling with a paint roller, and then smoothing it over with a taping knife. After a couple of coats and a bit of sanding, it seems like it should be relatively easy to get a nice finish.

My question is, has anyone here tried this method? And what would be the best finishing compound to use for this approach? I think gyproc easi-fill 60 might be a good one to try, and I've also found a Tourpet ready-mixed "Decorator's Skimcoat" that also looks like it might be up to the job. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

bobasd · 21 Oct 2019

if the method was such a good idea then why aren't plasterers using it?
keep things simple.
two coats of Pva, and then bonding followed by skim will probably work best.

triz · 22 Oct 2019

bobasd said:
if the method was such a good idea then why aren't plasterers using it?
keep things simple.
two coats of Pva, and then bonding followed by skim will probably work best.

Good point! I've heard of decorators who have done something similar to this though, if they didn't have the skill to do a proper skim, so was just wondering if anyone here had tried it. I doubt I'd be able to get a good finish using the regular method.

lostinthelight · 22 Oct 2019

Ive tried polycel smooth over which was ok for the job inhand

bobasd · 22 Oct 2019

According to Mfr's, Polycell Smooth is for repairs and patches not, as far as i can see,for skimming ceilings?

lostinthelight · 22 Oct 2019

I did a small artex ceiling with it close to 30 years ago and its still there

bobasd · 22 Oct 2019

we dont know the area of the OP's ceiling.

plus, i'm not saying it cant be used on ceilings - i'm just saying keep it simple, and potentially save yourself perhaps a bunch of extra work.

triz · 26 Oct 2019

bobasd said:
we dont know the area of the OP's ceiling.

plus, i'm not saying it cant be used on ceilings - i'm just saying keep it simple, and potentially save yourself perhaps a bunch of extra work.

Was thinking of doing a couple of small rooms, the biggest of which is 3.6x3m, just to save a bit of money. I think I'll still get a plasterer in for the front room which is a bit bigger.

bobasd · 27 Oct 2019

maybe let the plasterer do all the ceilings, and you watch and video what the plasterer does?
its no big deal if you do have a go on a small ceiling - if it goes bad then you will probably have to board over or replace the boards. more work, more money and more materials but more learning.

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Best compound for smoothing over artex

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