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​Plastering Swansea
Swansea's Premier Plastering Service
​ Making a House into a Home
​(Commercial Premises too)

Artex Removal 

​Artex – the very word casts fear into the heart of Estate Agents, and horror into the hearts of homeowners. Popular in the 1970s, Artex was a hard, proprietary form of plaster applied to ceilings, and sometimes walls. It was considered modern and attractive, but so were velvet flared trousers, and we all know what happened to those.

These days, Artex is very unfashionable and most people will rightly want it removed. Most Artex is unattractive, and some is downright ugly. It brings little to a room, and can actually devalue your property. 

Artex is very unpleasant to remove from a ceiling. In addition, there are health implications. Until 1985, Artex contained asbestos. We all know the risks of working with asbestos, but the most dangerous form is blue asbestos. Artex contains white asbestos, which is less risky, but still needs treating with respect. Asbestos can still be found, even in ceilings artexed in the 1990’s, so care must always be taken. If in any doubt, always consult a professional. 
 

Check the HSE website for further information.

You can find countless videos on YouTube that can show you how to remove Artex. There is even a technique where you soften it, or melt it, using wallpaper strippers. This is a hard, extremely messy and time consuming approach to removing Artex. In most cases, trying to liquefy or melt Artex is also legally notifiable under HSE regulations. We absolutely DO NOT recommend you try this method. 

Plastering Swansea use four methods when they remove Artex, and can guide you as to which is most appropriate and cost effective for your particular situation. The four options are;

Plastering
The first option is to simply plaster over the Artex. This will largely depend on the height of the Artex, as some can be over 5mm high. It also depends on the health and strength of the underlying structure. It’s the easiest option, but may not be the best.

Many plasterers will suggest this method, but it does require a great deal of preparation, including scraping and sanding. There is a high risk of asbestos being released into the environment during this preparation. Plaster cannot be applied unless the surface has been prepared correctly. 

Its disappointing when we see plasterers suggesting this method, but neglecting to mention the possible risks. We believe the homeowner should have all the facts before they decide on which method is used. If the ceiling is post 1999, and Artex free, then its certainly the easiest choice. If not, then another method may be best. 

Bonding the Artex
Bonding is an older method, but is often the most effective and sensible option. A bonding material is used, applied as a coat, to create a level surface over the top of the ridges and bumps created by the Artex. It is the safest option, as there is no chance of the asbestos being released. It does require skill, however, so is best left to the professionals. Its definitely not an amateur job. 

Remove, Board and Skim
This is the nuclear option. Simply put, it involves removing the ceiling completely, then plaster boarding and skimming . The Artex ceiling is completely gone, and you have a brand new ceiling. Smooth and beautiful. Job done.  There is a lot of disruption and mess when removing a ceiling, so its not always the preferred option. 
 
Over Boarding
Related to the above option, this method avoids the removal of the old ceiling. Plaster boards are applied over the top of the Artex ceiling, and screwed into the joists. They are jointed, and a skim is applied. Voila ! You now have a new ceiling, without the mess of the old ceiling being taken down, although you do lose a small amount of head space. 

Artex removal is never an easy job. It requires experience and skill, and with the asbestos content, it's usually best to leave it to a professional. It's also a messy and time consuming job, so if you are considering doing it yourself, you may well regret it. Its not something to be taken on lightly.   

Plastering Swansea have removed hundreds of Artex ceilings across South Wales. Give us a call, and we can discuss the best option, the safest option and the cheapest option for your project.

We will happily update your home, bringing your plaster work into the twenty-first century. 

Local Plasterers in Swansea

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01792 952400

Plastering Swansea
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Our Happy Customers

Artex

​Ok. So I bought my first house in Neath, and there was Artex everywhere. I did some research and it was obviously going to be a nightmare to remove. I got Plastering Swansea to do it. Wow. They did a great job.    

AJP
​Neath

​Artex

​I put up with Artex ceilings for years, but they drove me mad. One plastering company refused to do the job. But Plastering Swansea were happy to do it, and for a good price too. No mess and a great result too. I'm happy. 

Wayne J
​St Fagans

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Artex gone

I spent a week scraping the artex off one ceiling. Then I was told it had asbestos in it, so I decied to get the professionals in. I chose Plastering Swansea because they seemed very professional and the price was good. I don't regret it. I highly recommend them.

Stu C
Pontardawe

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