https://artex-removal-uk.pages.dev/blog/Artex removal and ceiling skimming across the UK: asbestos testing, safe removal or skim-over, and smooth ready-to-paint ceilings and walls.en-gbhttps://artex-removal-uk.pages.dev/blog/how-to-paint-over-artex-ceiling/https://artex-removal-uk.pages.dev/blog/how-to-paint-over-artex-ceiling/Yes, you can paint over Artex, and it is the cheapest way to freshen up a textured ceiling. Use a matt emulsion, a long-pile roller and a brush for the deep parts of the pattern, and expect to use noticeably more paint than on a flat ceiling. Do not sand or scrape the coating first unless it has been tested for asbestos, and remember that painting keeps the texture rather than removing it.How-toFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://artex-removal-uk.pages.dev/blog/drilling-into-artex-ceiling-safely/https://artex-removal-uk.pages.dev/blog/drilling-into-artex-ceiling-safely/If an Artex coating was applied before 2000 and has not been tested, assume it could contain asbestos before you drill or cut it. HSE treats small jobs such as drilling holes or removing a small area of textured coating as low-risk, non-licensed work, but it should still be done with dust-control methods and suitable protection. For several downlights, testing first or skimming the ceiling before fitting is usually the simplest route.RegulationsFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://artex-removal-uk.pages.dev/blog/selling-a-house-with-artex-ceilings/https://artex-removal-uk.pages.dev/blog/selling-a-house-with-artex-ceilings/Artex ceilings will not stop a house selling, but they can make it look dated and may prompt questions from buyers and their surveyors about asbestos. Surveyors commonly note that textured coatings in older homes may contain asbestos and recommend testing. Having the coating tested before you list, and skimming the most visible rooms if budget allows, often makes the sale smoother.HomeownersFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://artex-removal-uk.pages.dev/blog/artex-in-flats-leaseholders-communal-areas/https://artex-removal-uk.pages.dev/blog/artex-in-flats-leaseholders-communal-areas/In a block of flats, the person responsible for the communal areas has a legal duty to manage asbestos there, including any textured coatings on stairwell and hallway ceilings. Inside your own flat, you are responsible for any Artex, but the ceiling itself may belong to the freeholder under the lease. Check the lease, ask for the building's asbestos records and get permission before skimming, overboarding or removing anything structural.RegulationsFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://artex-removal-uk.pages.dev/blog/artex-asbestos-myths/https://artex-removal-uk.pages.dev/blog/artex-asbestos-myths/Not all Artex contains asbestos, you cannot tell by looking, and coatings in good condition are low risk when left undisturbed. Skimming over Artex is legal and widely used, and most textured coating work does not need a licensed asbestos contractor. The real risks come from sanding, scraping or power-tool removal without knowing what the coating contains.AdviceFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://artex-removal-uk.pages.dev/blog/cracked-artex-ceiling-causes-and-fixes/https://artex-removal-uk.pages.dev/blog/cracked-artex-ceiling-causes-and-fixes/Most cracks in Artex ceilings follow the joints between plasterboard sheets and are caused by normal movement, so they are cosmetic. Cracks that are widening, a ceiling that is sagging, or damage from a leak need prompt attention. Do not scrape or sand damaged Artex until it has been tested for asbestos, and where the coating is breaking up, have it assessed rather than cleaning it up yourself.AdviceFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://artex-removal-uk.pages.dev/blog/artex-asbestos-test-results-explained/https://artex-removal-uk.pages.dev/blog/artex-asbestos-test-results-explained/An asbestos test report for an Artex sample will usually say either no asbestos detected or name the type found, which for textured coatings is almost always chrysotile, or white asbestos. The test tells you what is present, not how much. Use a laboratory accredited by UKAS for asbestos analysis, test each different coating separately, and choose your next step based on the result.How-toFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://artex-removal-uk.pages.dev/blog/how-to-save-money-on-artex-removal/https://artex-removal-uk.pages.dev/blog/how-to-save-money-on-artex-removal/The biggest saving is usually choosing skimming over full removal, which is often half the cost or less. After that, grouping several rooms into one job, doing the work while the house is empty, clearing and decorating yourself, and testing only where needed all reduce the price. Typical guide prices are around £300 to £550 to skim a bedroom ceiling and £1,800 to £3,500 for a three-bed house.CostsFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://artex-removal-uk.pages.dev/blog/artex-patterns-swirl-stipple-comb-explained/https://artex-removal-uk.pages.dev/blog/artex-patterns-swirl-stipple-comb-explained/The most common Artex patterns in UK homes are swirl, stipple, comb or fan, bark and broken leather. Pattern makes no difference to whether a coating contains asbestos, but it does affect the work: deep, sharp patterns take longer to prepare and need more plaster to skim, while shallow stipples are quicker. Describing the pattern and its depth helps a plasterer give an accurate price.ComparisonsFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://artex-removal-uk.pages.dev/blog/disposing-of-artex-waste-uk/https://artex-removal-uk.pages.dev/blog/disposing-of-artex-waste-uk/Artex debris that has tested negative for asbestos can usually go with plaster and rubble waste, for example in rubble bags to a household waste recycling centre or in a skip. Debris that contains asbestos is hazardous waste: it must be wetted, double-bagged in heavy-duty polythene, labelled and taken only to a site licensed to accept it. Some councils accept small amounts of household asbestos waste by appointment, but many do not.RegulationsFri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 +0000