Artex Removal Services in Exeter

Professional artex ceiling and wall removal throughout Exeter and East Devon. Safe removal with asbestos testing where needed.

What Is Artex?

Artex is a textured coating applied to ceilings and walls, popular in UK homes from the 1960s to 1990s. It was used to create patterns like swirls, stipple, and peaked textures. While it was fashionable at the time, most homeowners now prefer smooth, modern finishes.

The challenge with artex removal is that artex manufactured before 2000 may contain asbestos fibres. This means removal needs careful handling and, in some cases, specialist licensed contractors.

Why Remove Artex?

Common reasons for artex removal:

• Updating the look of a dated room
• Preparing ceilings for modern LED lighting (artex casts shadows)
• Damage or cracks in the artex coating
• Getting ready to sell (smooth ceilings are more appealing to buyers)
• The texture collects dust and is difficult to clean

Artex and Asbestos: What You Need to Know

Artex manufactured before 2000 may contain white asbestos (chrysotile). This was banned in 1999, so any artex applied after that date is asbestos-free.

If your property was built or decorated before 2000 and you're not certain when the artex was applied, we recommend asbestos testing before removal. This is a simple process: we take a small sample and send it to a UKAS-accredited lab. Results come back within 24-48 hours.

If asbestos is found: We have two options. For low levels of asbestos, we can arrange licensed removal by a specialist contractor (typical cost: £400-800 per ceiling depending on size). Alternatively, we can cover the artex with a skim coat rather than removing it, which avoids disturbing the asbestos fibres.

Our Artex Removal Methods

1. Scraping and Skimming (Asbestos-Free Artex)

For artex known to be asbestos-free, we can scrape off the texture, smooth the surface, and apply a fresh skim coat. This gives you a perfectly smooth ceiling ready for painting.

Cost: £350-600 per room depending on size

Time: 1 day removal + 1 day for plaster to dry

2. Skim Over (Covering the Artex)

If the artex contains asbestos or you want to avoid the dust and mess of removal, we can apply a bonding agent and skim directly over the artex. This encapsulates the texture and gives you a smooth finish without disturbing the asbestos.

Cost: £250-450 per room

Time: 1 day work + 1 day drying

Note: This adds 3-5mm to the ceiling height and may affect light fittings and coving.

3. Licensed Asbestos Removal (If Required)

For ceilings with confirmed asbestos content, we can arrange a licensed contractor to remove the artex safely under controlled conditions. We then return to re-skim the ceiling once the asbestos work is complete.

Cost: £400-800 for asbestos removal + £200-400 for re-skimming

The Artex Removal Process

Here's what happens when you book artex removal:

1. Free survey: We assess the ceiling, discuss your property's age, and recommend testing if needed
2. Asbestos test (if applicable): We arrange sampling and lab testing (results within 48 hours)
3. Quote: Written quote based on the test results and chosen method
4. Preparation: We protect floors and furniture with heavy-duty dust sheets
5. Removal or covering: Scraping (if safe) or skimming over the artex
6. Finishing: Fresh skim coat applied to create a smooth surface
7. Drying: 1-2 days before you can paint
8. Clean-up: All waste removed (disposed of correctly if asbestos present)

Artex on Walls

While artex is most common on ceilings, it was also used on walls (often in hallways). The removal process is the same: test if needed, then scrape or skim over. Wall artex is often easier to remove than ceiling artex because you're not working overhead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does artex removal cost?

For a typical bedroom ceiling, artex removal costs £350-450 + VAT if the artex is asbestos-free. If asbestos is present and licensed removal is required, expect £600-1,200 total including the removal and re-skimming. Skimming over artex (covering it) is cheaper at £250-450.

Can I remove artex myself?

Not if it might contain asbestos. UK law requires asbestos work to be carried out by licensed contractors if more than 10m² is involved. Even if your artex is asbestos-free, removal is messy, dusty, and requires skill to achieve a smooth finish. We recommend leaving it to professionals.

How do I know if my artex contains asbestos?

You can't tell by looking. The only way to know is laboratory testing. We can arrange this for £50-80. Properties decorated after 2000 are almost certainly asbestos-free, but testing is the only way to be certain for older artex.

Is it better to remove artex or skim over it?

If the artex contains asbestos, skimming over it is safer and cheaper. If it's asbestos-free and in good condition, removal gives a better finish and avoids the slight ceiling height reduction. We'll advise on the best approach during the survey.