How to Remove Artex Ceiling Safely (And Test for Asbestos First)

Artex ceilings were once the height of domestic fashion. Through the 1960s, 1970s, and well into the 1980s, the swirled, stippled, or patterned textured coating was applied to ceilings across millions of UK homes as an alternative to plastering — it was quick, it hid imperfections, and it required no painting. Decades later, many homeowners want it gone. The desire is entirely understandable. The caution required, however, is very real.

The critical issue is asbestos. Artex and similar textured coatings manufactured before around 1985 frequently contained chrysotile (white asbestos) as a key ingredient. In most cases, the asbestos content is low (around 2–5%) and the fibres are bound into the coating — meaning that intact Artex is not particularly hazardous in normal daily life. But disturb it — chip it, sand it, blast it with water — and you can release asbestos fibres into the air, with serious health consequences.

This guide explains how to test your ceiling before starting any work, the options available for dealing with Artex, and when you must call in a licensed professional.

Does Your Artex Contain Asbestos?

There is no way to tell by looking at it. Age is the most reliable indicator:

• Applied before 1985: High probability of containing asbestos. Treat as suspect unless tested.
• Applied between 1985 and 1990: May or may not contain asbestos. Some manufacturers phased it out before the ban; others continued until the legal deadline. Test before proceeding.
• Applied after 1990: Asbestos was effectively banned from new construction materials. Post-1990 Artex is almost certainly asbestos-free.

If your home was built or last significantly renovated before 1990, assume the Artex may contain asbestos until you know otherwise.

Testing for Asbestos: Your Options

Professional Asbestos Survey

The most thorough option. A UKAS-accredited asbestos surveyor will take samples and have them analysed by an accredited laboratory. A management survey for a single-dwelling property typically costs £200–£350 and will cover multiple potential asbestos-containing materials throughout the property, not just the ceiling.

The results will tell you whether asbestos is present, what type, and in what concentration. The surveyor will also give guidance on the risk level and what actions are required.

DIY Asbestos Testing Kits

Several companies — including Asbestos Sample Testing (AST) and Acorn Analytical — supply DIY testing kits for around £25–£40. You take a small sample yourself using strict safety precautions (more on this below), seal it, and post it to an accredited laboratory for analysis. Results are typically returned within five to seven working days.

This is a legitimate and cost-effective option for a single-room check, but the sampling process carries some risk if not done correctly. The general principle is: minimum disturbance, maximum protection.

Taking a DIY Sample Safely

If you choose to take a sample yourself, follow these steps precisely:

1. Wear a suitable disposable FFP3 respirator mask (not a dust mask — these do not filter asbestos fibres). Available from Screwfix for around £5–£8 each.
2. Wear disposable gloves and a disposable coverall.
3. Dampen the area to be sampled with water using a fine mist spray — this suppresses fibre release.
4. Use a sharp knife or chisel to cut a small sample (approximately 1cm²) from the coating down to the plaster beneath. Do this with minimal disturbance — no scraping, no sawing motion.
5. Place the sample immediately into a zip-lock bag provided in the kit, then into a second bag.
6. Wipe down the exposed area with a damp cloth and seal the hole with PVA or a small patch of adhesive tape.
7. Remove coverall and gloves carefully, turning them inside out as you remove them. Seal in a plastic bag. Dispose of all materials as controlled waste.
8. Wash hands and face thoroughly.

Never take more than one sample per area. Never dry-sand, dry-scrape, or cut Artex without first confirming it is asbestos-free.

What to Do If Asbestos Is Present

If the test confirms asbestos content, you have several options depending on the condition of the ceiling and your long-term plans:

Leave It Alone

If the Artex is in good condition — not crumbling, flaking, or damaged — the safest option is often simply to leave it. Intact, bound asbestos in a ceiling that is not disturbed presents minimal risk. Many homeowners choose to paint over it (standard emulsion is fine) and live with the texture. This is a perfectly legitimate and safe decision.

Encapsulate It

An asbestos encapsulant — a thick, penetrating paint specifically designed for asbestos-containing materials — can be applied over the Artex to bind the fibres and reduce the risk of disturbance. Products like Fiberlock ABC (Asbestos and Building Coating) are available through specialist suppliers. This is not a DIY product in the usual sense; read the technical data sheet carefully. Encapsulation is typically carried out by licensed contractors but can be done by a trained and appropriately equipped homeowner for non-notifiable work.

Skim Over It

One of the most popular approaches: apply a layer of fresh plaster skim directly over the existing Artex, burying it under a smooth surface. This does not remove the asbestos, but it encapsulates it completely without disturbing the fibres. A plasterer will need to know that the ceiling may contain asbestos — they may charge a premium for this, or may choose not to take the job.

Critically, the plastering work must be done without any sanding or aggressive preparation of the existing Artex surface. A bonding coat can be applied directly over the texture in most cases. This approach works best on relatively flat, firmly attached Artex — deep swirls or heavily textured patterns may telegraph through the skim.

Plasterboard Over It

Fixing new 9.5mm plasterboard (or 12.5mm for better rigidity) directly to the ceiling joists, below the existing ceiling and Artex, and then skimming the new board. This completely encapsulates the Artex without disturbing it and gives a perfectly flat surface. It does reduce ceiling height by around 15–20mm, which is rarely significant.

The fixings must go into the joists, not just into the existing plaster. A stud detector and careful measurement are essential. HSS Hire can supply specialist ceiling fixing tools if needed.

Licensed Removal

If you want the Artex physically removed and the underlying ceiling tested, you will need a licensed asbestos removal contractor. Removing asbestos-containing textured coatings from a single room typically costs £600–£1,500 depending on the area and complexity. The contractors will seal the room, work in full PPE, and dispose of the waste as controlled hazardous material. They will provide a clearance certificate on completion.

This is the most expensive option but the only one that eliminates the asbestos entirely. It is worth considering if you are undertaking extensive ceiling work (new lighting, moving joists), renovating for sale, or simply want the problem gone permanently.

When Artex Is Asbestos-Free

If your test confirms no asbestos — or if the Artex was applied after 1990 — the options expand considerably. Asbestos-free Artex can be:

Chemically Removed

Products like Polycell Artex Remover (a thick gel applied and left to soften the coating, then scraped off) work well on thinner coatings. This is a time-consuming and messy process — plan for a full day per room, copious floor protection, and considerable elbow grease. The results depend on the original thickness of the coating and how well it was bonded to the substrate.

Sanded Off

With asbestos-free Artex, dry sanding (using an orbital sander with a dust extraction unit) is possible. Wear a good-quality dust mask — even asbestos-free ceiling dust is unpleasant to inhale. This approach works best on shallower textures and generally requires skim plastering afterwards to achieve a fully smooth finish.

Steam Stripped

A wallpaper steamer can soften Artex for removal. Less effective than chemical strippers but available at any hire shop including HSS Hire (£30–£50 per day).

After Removal: Finishing the Ceiling

Once the Artex is removed or covered, the ceiling will almost certainly require skim plastering to achieve a smooth, paint-ready finish. Budget around £200–£400 per room for a professional skim, or if you are a competent plasterer, hire the tools and do it yourself.

After skimming, allow at least two weeks for the plaster to fully dry before applying mist coat (diluted emulsion) and then finish coats. Rushing this stage — a common mistake — leads to paint peeling as moisture trapped in the plaster cannot escape.

Summary: The Decision Tree

• Pre-1985 ceiling, Artex in good condition: Test first. If asbestos present and ceiling is sound, consider leaving or skimming over. Do not disturb.
• Pre-1985 ceiling, Artex damaged or crumbling: Do not touch. Call a licensed asbestos surveyor and removal contractor.
• Post-1990 ceiling, Artex intact: No asbestos risk. Skim over, or remove chemically or by sanding as preferred.
• Unsure of age: Test before doing anything else.

Artex removal is one of those projects where the preparation and testing phase is more important than the removal itself. Getting that right — understanding what you are dealing with before lifting a tool — is the difference between a manageable weekend project and a serious health and legal problem.