Safe, Efficient Solution to Unsightly Artex Ceilings
Plastering Over Artex
Guildford Plastering Services can plaster over your Artex ceilings and walls to create a smooth, paint-ready surface without removing the existing texture. Our professional plasterers cover Artex ceilings and walls across Surrey, with an approach based on the Artex’s condition, depth and stability.
We assess the surface carefully and recommend whether skimming, preparation or plasterboard offers the most reliable finish.
Our combined 50 years of experience helps us handle everything from single-room updates to full renovations, while keeping dust controlled and your property tidy.
You’ll learn how we prepare Artex safely, which plastering options suit different Guildford properties, and what to expect from the process. We also answer common questions about costs, finishes, drying times and whether every Artex surface can receive a new plaster coat.
Professional Plastering Service
Step 1: On-Site Evaluation
Enter your details in the form and briefly describe what plastering service you require.
Step 2: On-Site Evaluation
We'll be in touch to arrange a suitable time for us to visit and assess the job and discuss your best options.
Step 3: Get your Quote
You will receive a quote for the works with details of how long we estimate it will take.
Step 4: Work Completed
We do the required plastering on an agreed day and advise on drying times and how to seal the fresh plaster before decorating.
Contact Form
Plastering Over Artex: Assessment, Preparation And Smooth Finishes
Our plasterers assess the Artex, ceiling condition and previous repairs before recommending skimming or removal. We protect floors and furnishings, prepare the surface carefully and apply the right plaster system for a smooth, paint-ready finish across homes and small commercial properties in Surrey.
When Artex Can Be Skimmed Rather Than Removed
We can often skim over sound Artex when the textured plaster remains firmly bonded, dry and free from significant movement. We check for loose areas, hollow sounds, water damage, flaking paint and excessive texture before deciding whether a skim coat will provide a reliable base.
Preparation may include scraping high points, removing loose material and applying a suitable bonding or primer system. We then use controlled coats of plaster to level the pattern without adding unnecessary weight to the ceiling.
Skimming over Artex usually suits:
- Firm, stable Artex on ceilings or walls
- Light to moderate texture
- Surfaces without active damp or movement
- Rooms where the existing background remains secure
Our combined experience across single-room skims and full renovations helps us select the practical option rather than removing sound material unnecessarily.
Safe Artex Removal And Ceiling Preparation
Some older textured coatings may contain asbestos, particularly in properties built or refurbished before the late 1990s. We do not assume that a coating is safe based on its appearance. If the material requires disturbance and its composition is uncertain, we recommend appropriate asbestos testing before Artex removal or extensive preparation.
Where removal is suitable, we control dust, protect the room and take off unstable or unsuitable material. We inspect the exposed ceiling for damaged plasterboard, weak backgrounds, staining and previous patch repairs.
The preparation stage can involve sealing, bonding, replacing damaged sections or applying a suitable undercoat. We also investigate any signs of leaks before plastering, because covering an active source of damp will eventually lead to further failure.
Plastering Over Artex FAQ
Yes, we can often skim over Artex if the ceiling is sound, stable and suitable for covering. We first check for loose areas, cracks, water damage and excessive texture, then prepare the surface so the plaster bonds properly.
Where needed, we may seal, level or repair the Artex before applying plaster. We also check whether asbestos testing or specialist advice is necessary before starting work.
The price depends on the ceiling’s size, texture depth, condition, access and the amount of preparation required. Repairs, difficult access, multiple coats and asbestos-related controls can also affect the quotation.
We assess the ceiling in person or review suitable photographs before giving a clear price. Our service covers Guildford and surrounding areas across Surrey and beyond for both domestic and commercial projects.
Some older Artex coatings may contain asbestos. We do not disturb, sand or scrape a coating when asbestos is suspected without appropriate testing and professional guidance.
A suitable asbestos survey or sample test can confirm the material’s status. If asbestos is present, we follow the relevant safety requirements and may recommend a licensed asbestos contractor where the work requires specialist removal.
Not usually. If the Artex remains firmly attached and the ceiling is suitable, we can normally prepare and skim over it rather than remove the entire coating.
Removal may be necessary when the surface is loose, badly damaged, contaminated by damp or too uneven to cover reliably. We choose the least disruptive suitable method after inspecting the ceiling.
A standard single-room ceiling may take around one day to prepare and plaster, although larger or damaged ceilings can take longer. We allow additional time for repairs, bonding, drying and difficult access.
Fresh plaster must dry fully before painting. Drying time varies with room temperature, ventilation, humidity and the number of coats applied but we'll advise you on drying time once the work is completed.
Yes, with suitable preparation and sound background conditions, we can create a smooth, paint-ready finish over many Artex ceilings. Deep patterns, movement, staining and previous water damage may require extra preparation or additional coats but we always get there in the end!
Our combined 50 years of plastering experience helps us select the appropriate approach for each ceiling.