Artex cloakroom ceiling - plaster over or plasterboard?

[braychurchmouse]

As part of a refurb of our cloakroom I need to tackle the ceiling. (and btw most grateful to the folks on the plumbling thread who are helping me through that aspect).

Its a small area 2m x 1.1m, Artexed (1976 so might have nasties) and with quite a few screw holes and bits where pelmets over a fluorescent tube, and a fan timer have been. I'll be fitting a couple of downlighters so need to jiggle the electrics around.

I was reconciled to calling in a plasterer (choice A) as that's a skill I don't really have, but it occured to me I could either...

B. screw plasterboard on top of the existing artex (plasterboard screws)
or...
C. rip out the existing artexed plasterboard, sort out the electric wiring and ready it for fitting the downlighters and then screw new plasterboard to the ceiling joists.

First question ...A, B or C? any recommendations?

Second question.... if I fit new plasterboard, fill the screw hole depressions and then prime the ceiling, can I then just paint it, or would it need a skim of plaster anyway? I can do the ceiling with one piece of board.

Untitled

• braychurchmouse
• 15 Nov 2012
• 1

I've a related question re the wall on the left of the photo, but I'll put that in a new thread tomorrow.

Many thanks for any responses.

 

[Monkeh]

I was reconciled to calling in a plasterer (choice A) as that's a skill I don't really have, but it occured to me I could either...

B. screw plasterboard on top of the existing artex (plasterboard screws)
or...
C. rip out the existing artexed plasterboard, sort out the electric wiring and ready it for fitting the downlighters and then screw new plasterboard to the ceiling joists.

First question ...A, B or C? any recommendations?

C is the best method, but is messy. B will potentially run into issues with the downlight clips (not all downlights can handle a double thickness of plasterboard).

Second question.... if I fit new plasterboard, fill the screw hole depressions and then prime the ceiling, can I then just paint it, or would it need a skim of plaster anyway? I can do the ceiling with one piece of board.

You can do that, yes. It's not uncommon for plasterboard to simply be filled at the joints (which you won't have) and painted over. The finish isn't as durable, but it's a ceiling. Seal with an oil-based undercoat if you do this.

 

[braychurchmouse]

Thanks Monkey for your expert and comprehensive reply, much appreciated.