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Removing Artex

Have you grown tired of your artex ceiling or wall but dread the prospect of trying to remove it? . Skill rating : Beginner

Introduction...
Removing Artex
Have you grown tired of your artex ceiling or wall but dread the prospect of trying to remove it? If you want to convert a textured surface back to a flat surface, suitable for painting or wallpapering; then read on.
 

It is a rather messy job removing thick textured coatings applied by roller or brush on ceilings and walls. By far the easiest method of removal is by using a steam powered wallpaper stripper, and scraping off the wetted artex by hand -a bit more labour intensive -but effective. Alternatively, there are brush-on coating removers available, or, artex skim coats which cover over and smooth out the textured surface

It is a rather messy job

It is a rather messy job
 

Always remember-do not rub down a dry textured coating. If the textured coating has been on for a number of years it may contain harmful constituents, such as asbestos. Respiratory problems may also be experienced due to air-borne dust and fibres, so great care and appropriate precautions should be taken at all times. When scraping off artex, always ensure the surface is wetted.

Always remember-do not rub down a dry textured coating.

Always remember-do not rub down a dry textured coating.
 

When steaming walls or ceilings ensure there is plenty of ventilation and protective coverings for carpets and furniture. Use the steamer to soften the textured surface, scraping off the coating with a hand held scraper. Usually, after adequate application of the steam, the artex will peel and chip away in large pieces and can be handled safely into disposable plastic sacking. Make sure you wear protective glasses, wear old clothes or overalls and gloves, and some form of head covering.

When steaming walls or ceilings ensure there is plenty of ventilation

When steaming walls or ceilings ensure there is plenty of ventilation
 

When you’ve removed the bulk of the coating, you may find that you need to give the wall or ceiling a final rub down with a coarse wet and dry glass paper to achieve a really smooth surface that is ready for paint or wallpapering.

When you’ve removed the bulk of the coating.

When you’ve removed the bulk of the coating.
 

There are several products available on the market for simply covering over artexed surfaces by either brush or trowel, with the advantage that they take longer to set than conventional plasters and so allow us a longer time for smoothing out. Check with your supplier.

There are several products available on the market for simply covering over artexed surfaces

There are several products available on the market for simply covering over artexed surfaces
 

In certain cases artex would have been used to cover a bad ceiling or wall surface. Other than re-plastering and correcting the faulty surface, covering with plasterboards may be the simplest and less messy option. These may be then skimmed with conventional plaster and after drying either painted or papered over.

In certain cases artex would have been used to cover a bad ceiling or wall surface.

In certain cases artex would have been used to cover a bad ceiling or wall surface.
 
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