removing artex with steamer

[BigRobCanUFixIt]

can steaming artex make it come off the ceiling?

my neighbour suggested it can but im not so sure...

thanks in advance.

Rob

 

[TheDec]

Simple answer is yes, if it is painted score the surface with sandpaper to allow the steam better penetration. Don't forget to adopt the correct procedures regarding both safe removal and age of product.

Dec

 

[joe-90]

It's easier to skim over it as a steamer will usually damage the plasterboard.

 

[TheDec]

There will always be the possibility of causing damage to the boards, yet careful use of the steamer should soften the Artex enough to allow it's removal.

Dec

 

[Richard C]

I’ve done both & as long as the Artex is basically sound, by far the best approach is to leave it where it is & get a plasterer who knows what he’s doing to re-plaster it. Problem with using a steamer is that if you leave it in one place too long it will not only remmove the Artex but the plaster will overheat & it will blow off the boards; you can hear it pop. Your then back to a re-plastering job anyway so might as well save the time stripping it off in the first place.

 

[joe-90]

RichardC (AKA God) - has spoken.

 

[RMS]

I debated this when i moved in my house. The artex was in good condition so I removed the nibs and applied a few coats of pva and had a plasterer skim over the top.

I then fitted coving. The finish looks better than artex.

Be aware that artex can contain a small amount of asbestos, typically 2-3% chrysotile. There is guidance available on the HSE website when working with it. (FP3 mask, suit etc.)

 

[BigRobCanUFixIt]

I was trying to avoid skimming and the like. I have mastered the use of easi fill and thats about my limit with plastering products haha.

The property is 1970 ish hopefully there isnt too much asbestos in there I have already sawn an area of ceiling out doh.

 

[Richard C]

Asbestos was used in Artex up until 1984. The asbestos type in question is classed as low risk & does not need a license to remove but must be disposed of at a licensed tip. You should avoid sawing & drilling holes in it without wearing a suitable mask but never contemplate power sanding it to create that flat ceiling unless you want to create you own home version of Chernobyl.

 

[gasbanni]

yep has as already been said make sure paint is scored not too much heat/steam it then softens and can be scrapped of. too much heat steam and it sticks harder ! persevere but it can be done !!!!!

 

[RMS]

Asbestos was used in Artex up until 1984.

Can you be sure of that as asbestos was not banned in this county until 1999. This is still not enough to guarantee the stuff wasn't still used in products illegally soon after this time. The only way to be sure I suppose is to have it tested.

never contemplate power sanding it to create that flat ceiling unless you want to create you own home version of Chernobyl.

Now that would be a disaster.

 

[ic1927]

Asbestos was removed from the product manufactured by the company using the name artex in 1984, I remember well how we moaned that the replacement product was inferior compared to the original. As for the other manufacturers, wondertex, suretex, clintex etc, they may well have continued to use asbestos up until 1999.

 

[RMS]

Asbestos was removed from the product manufactured by the company using the name artex in 1984, I remember well how we moaned that the replacement product was inferior compared to the original.

Did the asbestos make that much of a difference when applying it and finishing it?

 

[RMS]

what about the people who mixed asbestos into the artex themselves?

Did that happen?

 

[ic1927]

Asbestos was removed from the product manufactured by the company using the name artex in 1984, I remember well how we moaned that the replacement product was inferior compared to the original.

Did the asbestos make that much of a difference when applying it and finishing it?

Definitely, easier to mix and more time to work with.