Artex and textured ceilings
Artex ceiling removal and skimming in London
Dated Artex and textured ceilings tested, then skimmed or overboarded to a smooth, modern finish, safely.
- Asbestos tested first
- Smooth, flat finish
Textured ceiling removal
Smooth ceilings, with safety first
Artex and similar textured coatings applied before 2000 can contain asbestos, so we never sand or scrape a ceiling until it has been tested. Once we know what it contains, we choose the safe way to give you a smooth ceiling, ready for paint.
Sample test
A small sample sent to an accredited lab, with the certificate shared with you.
Clear result
High points scraped back, surface sealed and the ceiling skimmed flat.
Asbestos found
The coating is left undisturbed and sealed in by overboarding and skimming.
Ready to decorate
Mist coat and finish coats by our own decorators.
Your options
Skim over, overboard or remove?
Skim over the Artex
For coatings that test clear: the quickest and cheapest way to a smooth ceiling.
Best when
- The test is clear
- The ceiling is sound
Overboard and skim
New plasterboard fixed over the old ceiling, then skimmed. Safe for coatings that contain asbestos, and fixes cracked or sagging ceilings too.
Best when
- Asbestos is present
- The ceiling is cracked or uneven
Full removal
Steaming or scraping the coating off. Messy and slow, and only by a licensed contractor if asbestos is present, which we can arrange.
Best when
- Ceiling height must not change
- A licensed contractor is used
Before and after
From Artex to smooth
Drag the slider to compare.
FAQ
Artex ceiling questions
Does my Artex ceiling contain asbestos?
Only a lab test can tell. Artex and similar textured coatings applied before 2000 may contain small amounts of asbestos, so we take a small sample before any work and share the certificate from the accredited lab with you.
Can you skim over Artex?
Yes, once it has tested clear. We scrape back the high points, seal the surface with a bonding coat and skim the ceiling flat. If asbestos is present, we overboard the ceiling instead, so the coating is sealed in and never disturbed.
How much does Artex ceiling removal cost?
As a guide, skimming over an Artex ceiling in an average room costs from £450 to £750, and overboarding and skimming from £650 to £1,100. The asbestos test is usually around £50 to £80. Licensed asbestos removal is priced separately by the specialist if it is needed.
Is it better to remove Artex or cover it?
Covering is usually quicker, cleaner and cheaper. Removing a textured coating means steaming or scraping it off, which is messy and, if it contains asbestos, must be done by a licensed contractor. Skimming or overboarding gives the same smooth result.
How long does it take to skim an Artex ceiling?
Most rooms take one to two days to skim, plus drying time before decorating. Overboarding adds about half a day.
Free quotes
Get a quote for your Artex ceiling
Send us a photo of the ceiling and we will arrange the test and a fixed, itemised quote.
- 07852 371651
- Monday–Saturday: 07:00–18:00