Having Artex skimmed: how long it takes and what to expect on the day
Updated 6 November 2026 · By the Artex Removal team
Before the plasterer arrives
- Clear the room of small items, ornaments and anything fragile
- Move large furniture to the middle of the room or out completely
- Take down curtains, blinds and pictures
- Arrange for an electrician to remove or isolate light fittings if needed
- Make sure the asbestos test result is back if one was taken
- Plan where you will sleep if a bedroom is being done
A typical day for one ceiling
| Time of day | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Morning | Floors, furniture and doorways are sheeted and taped, light fittings are removed |
| Late morning | Peaks are knocked back where safe, and the surface is sealed or bonded |
| Midday | The fill coat goes on to bury the pattern |
| Afternoon | The finishing coat is applied and trowelled smooth as it sets |
| End of day | Tools are cleaned, protection is lifted or tidied and waste is removed |
Deep patterns sometimes need the fill coat to set before the finish, which can stretch a single ceiling into a second morning.
How long a bigger job takes
| Job | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| One bedroom ceiling | 1 day |
| Living room or through lounge ceiling | 1 to 2 days |
| Stairwell walls and ceiling | 2 to 3 days |
| Whole three-bedroom house, ceilings only | 3 to 6 days |
| Full removal of one ceiling | 2 to 3 days |
These are typical durations. Heavy patterns, repairs, high ceilings and access equipment all add time.
Living at home during the work
If the plasterer is working on a ceiling that has not been tested or has tested positive, expect them to avoid any dry scraping and to keep the coating damp where peaks need knocking back. That is a sign the job is being done properly, not a delay. Ask before work starts how they will handle the peaks, so you know what to expect when you see the work under way.
Skimming is wet work, not sanding work, so dust is minimal. Most people carry on living at home, with the plasterer working room by room. Expect some noise from scraping, the smell of damp plaster, and a few hours each day when the room and the route to it are out of use. Keep children and pets out of the work area, and leave windows open slightly once the plasterer has finished for the day.
The plasterer will need water, usually from an outside tap or a utility sink, and somewhere to mix plaster and wash tools. Kitchen sinks are not ideal because plaster residue can block drains, so agree a spot in advance. If you work from home, plan to be in a different room, as there will be some coming and going through the house during the day.
Drying and first decoration
New plaster dries from dark brown or grey to an even pale pink, usually within three to seven days. Gentle heat and ventilation help, but blasting it with heaters can cause cracking. Do not paint until it is evenly pale with no dark patches. Then apply a mist coat of diluted contract matt emulsion so it soaks in and bonds, followed by your top coats.
Snagging the finish
Once the plaster is dry, look along the ceiling with a torch held flat to the surface. Small marks can be filled before painting, but noticeable ridges, hollows or pattern showing through should be raised with the plasterer straight away. It is much easier to fix before paint goes on.
Fine hairline cracks sometimes appear as the plaster dries, often along board joints or at the junction with the walls. Small ones can usually be filled and painted over. Wider cracks, or cracks that reappear after filling, can be a sign of movement in the boards and are worth asking the plasterer to look at.
What is normal and what is not
Plastering has a few side effects that worry people the first time but are completely normal. Knowing the difference saves unnecessary calls and helps you spot genuine problems early.
| What you notice | Normal or not |
|---|---|
| Patchy dark and light areas in the first few days | Normal, the plaster is drying unevenly |
| Condensation on windows in the room | Normal, open a window slightly to let the moisture out |
| A faint outline of board joints as it dries | Usually normal, should disappear once fully dry |
| The Artex pattern clearly showing through when dry | Not normal, the fill coat was too thin |
| Plaster sounding hollow when tapped | Not normal, may indicate poor bonding |
| Blistering or bubbles in the surface | Not normal, raise it with the plasterer |
| Hairline cracks at the wall junction | Common, usually filled before decorating |
Raise anything in the not normal column before decorating. Most issues are straightforward to put right while the surface is still bare plaster.
Related guides
- How much does Artex removal cost in the UK? (2026 guide)
- Does Artex contain asbestos? What UK homeowners need to know
- Skim over Artex or remove it? Pros, cons and costs
- How to choose an Artex removal contractor: questions to ask and red flags
- Artex and asbestos: the UK rules for homeowners, landlords and contractors
- DIY Artex removal vs hiring a professional: risks, costs and results
- Overboarding vs skimming over Artex: which is right for your ceiling?
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