• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

HomeownerCosts

Artex Removal (Ultimate Guide UK)

Artex, a water-based decorative covering for walls and ceilings, is one of the things you either love or hate. If you’re not too fond of it but you have Artex in your home, you might wonder how to get rid of it.

There are various ways to remove this decorative coating on your own. You could use a paint stripper, a scraper or a wallpaper steamer.

Regardless of the method of your choice, remember that Artex may contain asbestos. In this case, Artex removal could be a potentially dangerous job that is best left to professionals.

Topics

  • Why Is Artex Removal Important?
    • 5 Reasons to Remove Artex
      • 1. Outdated Aesthetics
      • 2. Increased Property Value
      • 3. Surface Restoration
      • 4. Design Flexibility
      • 5. Better Lighting and Acoustics
  • How Much Does It Cost To Remove Artex?
  • 11 Artex Removal Methods
    • 1. Scrape and Sand
    • 2. Strip with Steam
    • 3. Use a Chemical Remover
    • 4. Use Acid-Based Solutions
    • 5. Use Mechanical Methods
    • 6. Heat Gun Method
    • 7. Fill with Plasterboard Compound
    • 8. Skim Coat the Area
    • 9. Cover with Plasterboard
    • 10. Combine the Methods
    • 11. Hire a Professional
  • Conclusion

Why Is Artex Removal Important?

Popular since the 1960s, Artex was widely embraced as an alternative to classic smooth walls. The textured finish creates unique patterns on walls and ceilings, adding visual depth and focal interest to otherwise plain surfaces.

However, as interior design trends shifted over time, the popularity of Artex diminished.

Smoother and more minimalist surfaces became favoured, and most homeowners now seek to remove or cover up existing Artex textures to give their spaces a clean contemporary look.

=> Looking for a custom house floor plan? Click here to fill out our form, a member of our team will be in touch.

The loss of popularity isn’t the only reason to remove Artex, though.

If you just moved into an older home that was decorated before the 1980s, the Artex on your walls could actually contain asbestos.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in various building materials and products until the 1980s, due to its heat resistance, durability and insulating capabilities.

Since then, the health hazards associated with asbestos became widely recognised, and this mineral is not used any longer.

The danger lies in the microscopic fibres of this material, which can become airborne contaminants when damaged or disturbed.

When inhaled, asbestos particles can cause long-term health issues, including asbestosis and cancer.

5 Reasons to Remove Artex

If you live in a home decorated with Artex after the 1980s, the texture on your walls is likely free of asbestos.

However, there are other reasons why you should remove or cover the decorative surface.

1. Outdated Aesthetics

Artex was popular in the past for its textured appearance, but it is now an outdated interior feature. Removing it can help you give your space a more contemporary feel that aligns with current design trends.

Smooth walls can significantly improve the overall aesthetics of your space, giving it a fresh look. If you want to create a focal point, you can do so with contrasting colours or wallpaper.

2. Increased Property Value

Since Artex isn’t a desired feature anymore, removing it can enhance the value of your property. 

Potential buyers or renters often prefer homes with modern, smooth ceilings and walls. By removing Artex, you can make your property more appealing and potentially increase its market value.

3. Surface Restoration

Artex can hide underlying surface defects, such as cracks or unevenness. By removing the textured coating, you can assess the condition of the substrate and address any structural or cosmetic issues.

This allows for proper repairs and restoration, resulting in a more stable and visually appealing surface.

4. Design Flexibility

Smooth ceilings and walls provide greater flexibility for decorating and personalising a space. 

Once Artex is removed, you can easily apply a fresh coat of paint, wallpaper or other decorative finishes without the limitations imposed by the texture.

This opens up a wide range of design possibilities, allowing you to customise your space according to your preferences and style.

5. Better Lighting and Acoustics

Artex textures can create shadows and uneven lighting, reducing the effectiveness of artificial and natural light sources.

On the contrary, smoother surfaces reflect light more evenly, enhancing the overall brightness and ambiance of a room. 

Additionally, removing Artex can improve the acoustics of a space, as textured surfaces tend to absorb sound. Smooth surfaces reflect sound, resulting in better sound quality and clarity.

How Much Does It Cost To Remove Artex?

Whether you hire a professional or plan to remove Artex yourself, doing so isn’t free. The table below provides a breakdown of costs.

ServiceEstimated Cost
Asbestos testing (DIY, with online kit)£30 - £50
Asbestos survey (professional)£200 - £250
Asbestos removal (DIY)£50 - £500
Asbestos removal (professional)£400 - £2,000
Asbestos sealing£225 - £500
Asbestos coating (with paint products or panels)£300 - £700

Asbestos removal can cost you anywhere between £50 and £2,000, depending on the amount of work and who does it. DIY removal is the cheapest, but you should only remove the texture yourself if it is free of asbestos.

You can check for asbestos yourself with an online test kit. However, these kits are not always reliable.

If your walls or ceilings were textured in the 1980s or before, it is best to hire a professional to conduct an asbestos survey.

In the case asbestos is revealed and you don’t want to spend on professional removal, you can cover the texture with plasterboard or plywood and then paint over the new surface. 

Sealing is another solution, but it doesn’t remove the texture. However, sealing traps the asbestos particles, preventing them from spreading throughout your home.

11 Artex Removal Methods

If your Artex contains no asbestos and you don’t want to pay a professional, you’ll be happy to know that there are various removal methods you can employ.

Check the condition of the Artex on your walls beforehand to choose the right method.

1. Scrape and Sand

This is one of the easiest ways of removing Artex. 

Start by wetting the textured surface to minimise the release of dust particles. Then, use a scraper to gently lift the texture from the surface, taking care not to damage the underlying substrate.

Work in small sections at a time and only move to the next section when the first one is cleared. 

Once the majority of the Artex is removed, smooth the surface further using sandpaper or a sanding machine. This method is labour-intensive but cost-effective, especially for smaller areas.

2. Strip with Steam

Steam stripping involves using a steam wallpaper stripper or a high-pressure steamer to soften the Artex, making it easier to remove. The steam penetrates the texture, loosening its bond with the substrate. 

Once the surface is softened, use a scraper to gently lift the texture from the surface. 

This method is effective for larger areas or when dealing with multiple layers of Artex. However, pay attention not to oversaturate the surface or damage the underlying structure.

3. Use a Chemical Remover

Specialised Artex removal products can help you get rid of the texture with minimum hassle. These products are often more expensive than a scraper, but cheaper than a steamer. They could also help you finish the task faster.

Chemical Artex strippers act directly onto the surface, dissolving or softening the texture.

Follow the instructions on the label to apply the product – usually with a paintbrush, roller or spray. Wait for the indicated time, then scrape away the softened material.

If you decide to use chemical strippers, remember that ventilation is essential.

4. Use Acid-Based Solutions

Another category of chemicals worth considering are acid-based solutions specifically formulated to remove Artex. 

These solutions contain ingredients that react with the texture, breaking down its adhesive properties. It’s important to follow safety precautions, including wearing protective clothing and ensuring proper ventilation when working with acid-based products. 

Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to apply the product. Wait for it to react (usually around 12 to 48 hours), then remove the texture with a scraper.

5. Use Mechanical Methods

For larger areas or stubborn Artex, mechanical methods such as power sanding or sandblasting can be effective.

Power sanding involves using a power sander with a coarse-grit sandpaper to remove the texture layer by layer. 

Sandblasting utilises compressed air to propel fine sand particles against the surface, effectively stripping the texture away. 

These methods are best suited for experienced individuals or professionals due to the potential for creating a significant amount of dust and the risk of damaging the underlying surface. However, you can hire these tools at most home improvement stores, should you want to give them a try.

6. Heat Gun Method

Steamers can soften and loosen the Artex texture with moisture and heat. However, these machines are expensive to buy or rent. 

If you want to save a quid, you can use a heat gun instead – if you don’t have one, you can buy or rent one without breaking the bank.

Heat the surface with the gun, focusing on small sections at a time, and then scrape away the softened texture using a scraper.

Take care not to overheat the surface, as it can damage the underlying substrate. This method requires caution, as heat guns can be a fire hazard and produce harmful fumes. Ensure proper ventilation and wear protective equipment while using this method.

Similar to stripping, this method is laborious and best suited for smaller surfaces.

7. Fill with Plasterboard Compound

Sometimes, filling rather than removing Artex could be your best bet. This method allows you to freshen up your home without spending days on end removing the texture. 

The plasterboard compound is designed to fill in the plasterboard joints. However, you can use it to fill in the spaces in the Artex texture.

Spread the compound over the Artex design using a trowel. Make sure to fill in all crevices and create a flat finish.

Allow the compound to dry for at least 24 hours, then sand the surface to remove imperfections and achieve the desired smoothness. You can now paint the area with your favourite paint product.

While this method requires some skill in applying and finishing the compound, but it can be an efficient option for smaller areas.

8. Skim Coat the Area

Skim coating is similar to filling with plasterboard compound, but it uses joint compound instead.

The method involves applying a thin layer of joint compound or plaster over the Artex to create a smooth surface. 

Similar to filling with plasterboard compound, the method requires some skill in applying and feathering the joint compound to achieve a seamless finish. 

Once the skim coat dries, sand the surface until it is smooth to the touch. Skim coating is particularly useful when dealing with shallow or less pronounced Artex textures.

9. Cover with Plasterboard

If the Artex is too stubborn to remove and the underlying surface is in too poor of a condition to fill the texture with plasterboard or joint compound, you could cover the whole area with plasterboard.

The method is as straightforward as it gets, and involves fixing plasterboard directly over the Artex to create a smooth surface for further decoration.

Before applying the plasterboard, ensure the surface is clean and stable. Use plasterboard adhesive or fasteners to fix the panels in place. Then, fill and seal the joints between the boards with plasterboard compound to create a seamless finish.

This is one of the easiest methods to get rid of Artex without hassle. However, keep in mind that the new boards will take up some of the space in your room, reducing its size. On the bright side, the new panels are very easy to install and decorate.

10. Combine the Methods

If you don’t want to fill in the Artex texture nor cover it with plasterboard, you can combine several of the removal methods above to deal with a stubborn area.

For instance, you can use a combination of steam stripping, scraping and sanding. You can soften the texture with a chemical stripper, scrape out everything, then sand off the residues. Alternatively, you can remove the Artex residues with a heat gun.

The only thing to keep in mind if you decide to combine more methods is that chemicals should never mix together.

Don’t apply chemical stripper and acid-based removers at the same time, and rinse thoroughly between one chemical product and the next, to prevent unwanted reactions.

To decide which methods to use simultaneously, assess the condition of the surface and choose the most appropriate combination based on the texture, thickness and adherence of the Artex.

11. Hire a Professional

When everything else fails, or for complex or extensive Artex removal projects, hiring a professional may be the most efficient and safest option.

Contractors have the necessary expertise, tools and experience to tackle challenging removals. They can assess the condition of the substrate, recommend the most suitable method and ensure the project is completed to a high standard. 

While it may involve additional costs, professional removal can save time and provide peace of mind.

Conclusion

Artex is an old-fashioned decorative texture you can find on the walls and ceilings of older homes. Whether you want to redecorate or increase your home’s resale value, there are various ways to remove Artex and create a smooth surface for painting.

Before embarking on a DIY project, remember that older Artex surfaces may contain asbestos, which is a potentially dangerous mineral. To stay on the safe side, always test the Artex beforehand, and hire a professional if asbestos is revealed.

Otherwise, we hope this guide can help you pick the right Artex removal method for you.

Primary Sidebar

Pages

  • 15 Disadvantages Of Fibreglass Roofing (Here’s What To Know!)
  • 15 North East Facing Gardens Pros & Cons (Ultimate Guide)
  • 16 Disadvantages Of Karndean Flooring: Is It Worth It? (UK Guide)
  • 17 Problems With Acer Trees: UK Edition (What To Do)
  • 45+ False Chimney Breast Ideas: Best Living Area Examples
  • 8 Problems With Amtico Flooring (Read This Before Buying!)
  • 9 Most Common Faults Of Karcher Pressure Washers (How To Fix Them)
  • Aqualisa Shower Problems (Solutions Explained UK)
  • Are Soda Crystals The Same As Bicarbonate Of Soda? (3 Differences + Uses)
  • Artex Removal (Ultimate Guide UK)
  • Average Deep House Cleaning Costs (2025 Price Guide UK)
  • Back Boiler Removal Costs: The Ultimate Guide (2025)
  • Baking Soda vs Bicarbonate of Soda (Definitive Guide)
  • Bathroom Fitting Cost: 2025 Installation & Renovation Prices UK
  • Bathtub Installation Costs & Fitting Prices: 2025 Guide
  • Block Paving Cost: 2025 Driveway Paving Prices (per m2) UK
  • Brick Summer House Cost: How To Save In 2025
  • Can You Mount A TV Above A Log Burner? (UK)
  • Can You Paint Matt Over Silk? (UK Paint Guide)
  • Can You Put Zoflora In Washing Machine? (No! Do This Instead)
  • Can You Use Baking Powder For Cleaning? (Yes! Here’s How)
  • Can You Use Emulsion As Undercoat? (The Definitive Guide)
  • Can You Use Kitchen Paint In A Bathroom? (Answer Explained)
  • Can You Use Masonry Paint On Wood? [3 Application Tips]
  • Can You Use Polyfilla On Wood? (The Definitive Guide)
  • Carpet Fitting Cost 2025: Installation & Laying Prices UK
  • Chimney Breast Removal Cost 2025: Compare Prices UK
  • Clothes Not Smelling Fresh After Tumble Drying (Why & Fixes)
  • Complete Bathroom Tiling Cost Guide (2025 Prices)
  • Complete Cobblestone Driveway Costs (Prices Per m2)
  • Complete Velux Loft Conversion Cost Guide UK (2025)
  • Concrete Driveway Cost UK: 2025 Imprinted & Stamped Prices
  • Conservatory Prices: Compare 2025 Installation Costs UK
  • Cost Of Extension Over Garage: Save Money In 2025 (UK)
  • Cost of Laying a Patio: 2025 Price Calculator UK (m2)
  • Cost of Rewiring a House: 2025 UK Price Comparison
  • Cost Of Running Electricity To Shed: Save In 2025
  • Cost of Velux Windows: 2025 Fitting & Installation UK
  • Cost To Lower Your Ceiling In 2025: Money Saving Tips
  • Demolition Cost per M2 (Garage/House): 2025 Prices UK
  • Disadvantages Of Corian Worktops In The UK (11 Cons)
  • Do Wickes Have a Cutting Service? (Answer Explained)
  • Does Vinegar Bleach Clothes? (9 Ways To Use Vinegar In Laundry)
  • Does Washing Machine Use Hot Water? Not Always (Here’s Why)
  • Double Glazing Cost 2025: Window Installation Prices UK 
  • Electrician Call Out Fees & Price List: 2025 Cost & Charges UK
  • Enzymatic Cleaners (Everything You Need To Know)
  • Fuse Box Replacement Cost: Complete 2025 Price Guide UK
  • Garage Conversion To Bedroom Cost Guide: Save Money In 2025
  • Garage Door Repair Costs: How Much In 2025? (UK Prices)
  • Garage Gym Conversion: Costs, Process & Tips (2025)
  • Garage Roof Replacement Costs: 2025 Price Guide UK (per M2)
  • Garden Clearance Costs In 2025: How To Save Money (UK)
  • Garden Room Extension Costs: 2025 Price (Savings Guide)
  • Garden Room With Bathroom Costs & Price Guide (2025)
  • Gardener Prices 2025: The Ultimate Cost Guide
  • Government Home Improvement Loans UK: Ultimate Guide (2025)
  • Granite Worktop Installation Costs: Save In 2025 (UK Guide)
  • Gravel Driveway Cost UK: 2025 Prices For All Types (per m2)
  • Gutter Cleaning Prices List 2025: UK Cost Comparison
  • House Extension Cost 2025: Compare Building Prices UK
  • House Rendering Cost: 2025 Exterior Walls Guide (m2) UK
  • How Long Does Gloss Take To Dry? The Definitive Guide
  • How Much Does A Washing Machine Weigh? (In KG)
  • How Much Does It Cost To Move Radiators? Definitive Guide
  • How Much Electricity Does A Washing Machine Use? (Washer Energy Consumption Explained)
  • How Much Postcrete Per Post? (5 Key Factors UK)
  • How Much Salt For The Dishwasher? (A Guide To Optimal Usage)
  • How Much To Build A Garage: 2025 Costs UK (Single & Double)
  • How To Clean A Very Stained Toilet Bowl: 14 Ways (UK Guide)
  • How To Disconnect A Gas Cooker (5 Steps)
  • How To Disguise Drain Covers In Gardens: UK (11 Ways)
  • How To Fill Gap Between Oven and Countertop: 5 Fixes
  • How To Fill Holes In Plasterboard: UK Guide (3 Methods)
  • How To Get Biro Off Leather: 13 Ways (UK Guide)
  • How To Hide Cooker Hood Ducting (DIY Guide UK)
  • How To Remove Airlock From Gravity Fed System: 5 Steps
  • How To Remove Limescale From Toilets Below The Waterline (UK Guide)
  • How To Scare Away Pigeons But Not Other Birds: UK (15 Ways)
  • How To Stop Ivy Growing Through Fence: UK Guide (13 Ways)
  • How To Stop Salt Coming Out Of The Wall: 2-Step Fix (UK)
  • How To Wash Sofa Covers Without Shrinking (Step-by-Step Guide)
  • Is Teflon Banned In UK? [Answer Explained]
  • Karndean Flooring Cost 2025: UK Installation & Fitting Prices (per m2)
  • Kitchen Fitting Cost 2025: New Installation Prices UK
  • Kitchen Sink Installation Cost: 2025 Replacement Prices UK
  • Loft Conversion Cost 2025: Attic & Dormer Prices UK
  • Loft Insulation Cost: 2025 Price Comparison UK (per m2)
  • Mist Coat Ratio: What’s The Perfect Mix? (Do This!)
  • Mounting TV On Chimney Breast (Yes Or No?)
  • New Driveway Cost: 2025 Installation Prices (m2) UK
  • Oil-Filled Radiators: 2025 Running Cost (UK Guide)
  • Outside Tap Fitting Costs: Installation Prices In 2025
  • Painting & Decorating Costs 2025: Room Prices & Day Rates UK
  • Painting A Breeze Block Wall: 5 Steps & Tips
  • Parquet Flooring Cost: 2025 Fitting & Installation Prices UK 
  • PAT Testing Cost 2025: Appliance Certification Prices UK
  • Patio Door Glass Replacement Costs: How To Save In 2025 (UK)
  • Patio Doors Cost: 2025 Sliding & uPVC Installation Prices UK
  • Plastering Cost 2025: House & Walls Skimming Prices (m2) UK 
  • Plumber Hourly Rates: 2025 Costs & Pricing Guide UK
  • Porch Extension Costs Guide (2025 Prices)
  • Postcrete Vs. Concrete: UK Comparison Guide
  • Removing Emulsion Paint From Plaster Walls: 5-Step Guide UK
  • Resin Driveway Cost UK: 2025 Installation Prices (Per M2)
  • Roof Replacement Cost: 2025 New Installation Prices UK
  • RSJ Steel Beam Costs: Installation Prices (2025)
  • Rules For Communal Gardens In Flats: UK Guide (11 Rules)
  • Save On Amtico Flooring Costs: How Much In 2025? (UK Guide)
  • Save On Drain Unblocking Costs (2025 Price Guide)
  • Save On Excavation Costs: UK Pricing In 2025
  • Save On Flat Roof Extension Costs: 2025 Prices Explained
  • Save On Oven Cleaning Prices: 2025 Cost Guide UK
  • Scaffolding Cost 2025: Compare Hire & Rental Prices UK
  • Septic Tank Cost 2025: Replacement & Installation Prices UK
  • Sitemap
  • Standard Desk Height UK: Guide & Tips
  • Stopping Loft Condensation: 10 Things To Do (Fix)
  • Stud Wall Cost: 2025 Partition Installation & Build Price UK
  • Suspended Ceiling Costs Guide: 2025 Pricing Explained (UK)
  • Tapered Or Square Edge Plasterboard? The Definitive Guide
  • Tarmac Driveway Cost: 2025 UK Price Calculator (per m2)
  • The Cost Of Moving A Bathroom Upstairs: 2025 Pricing
  • Toilet Installation Costs In 2025: The Ultimate Guide (UK)
  • Top 13 Most Energy Efficient Washing Machines: UK 2025 Guide
  • Top 20 Plasterboard Alternatives (Choose This!)
  • Top 7 Best Sugar Soap Alternatives (DIY, Natural, Homemade)
  • Total Wallpapering Costs Guide: 2025 Pricing & Quotes (UK)
  • Tree Surgeon Prices 2025: Compare Tree Removal Costs UK
  • Types of Washing Symbols UK: The Ultimate Guide (2025)
  • UK Guide To Waste Pipe Dimensions: Sizes, Applications & Fittings
  • Ultimate Brick Shed Cost Guide (2025 Prices Explained)
  • Ultimate Replumbing House Costs Guide (2025 Pricing UK)
  • Walk In Shower Installation Costs: How Much In 2025? (UK)
  • Washing Machine Compartment Drawers (Ultimate Guide UK)
  • Wet Room Installation Costs: 2025 Fitting Prices UK
  • What Are White Goods? (Answer Explained UK)
  • What Does Hotpoint F05 Error Mean? (Fixes)
  • What Is Baking Soda Called In The UK? (Answered + Common Uses)
  • What Is Rinse And Spin On A Washing Machine Mean? (UK Guide)
  • What Size Drill Bit For Wall Plug? (UK Guide)
  • What’s The Cost Of A Home Sauna? (2025 Price Guide UK)
  • Where Do You Put Vinegar In A Front Load Washer? (UK Guide)
  • Where To Buy Hydrogen Peroxide For Cleaning (UK)
  • Where To Buy Rubbing Alcohol (UK)
  • Where To Put Powder In A Washing Machine? (UK Guide)
  • White Vinegar vs Distilled Malt Vinegar: Your Ultimate Guide
  • Why Does Gloss Go Yellow? 5 Reasons & Fixes (Do This!)
  • Why Is Borax Banned In The UK? [Yes, Here’s Why]
  • Why Is My Bathroom Extractor Fan Not Working? (7 Easy Solutions)
  • Your Kitchen Rewiring Cost Guide: Save Money In 2025
  • Zinc Roofing Costs: Save Money In 2025 (UK Guide)

> TRADESMEN REGISTER HERE<
CONTACT · BLOG · ABOUT · Products · Sitemap · PRIVACY POLICY · TERMS OF USE
Copyright © 2025 HOMEOWNERCOSTS.CO.UK