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Tired of textured ceilings? We offer three safe ways to tackle Artex in Ludlow: Skimming, Overboarding, or Removal. Includes professional advice on asbestos safety.
Tired of the 70s Texture? Here Are Your Options.
Tired of the 70s Texture? Here Are Your Options.
We help Ludlow homeowners smooth over the past.
We help Ludlow homeowners smooth over the past.
If you have an Artex ceiling in your home, you are probably wondering what the best way to tackle it is. Maybe you are looking to refresh a room, or perhaps you are simply tired of the dated "stipple" or "swirl" texture.
At Abode Plastering, we get asked about this constantly. There is no "one size fits all" solution, but there are generally three main approaches to transforming an Artex ceiling. Below, we break them down from the most budget-friendly to the most comprehensive.
⚠️ The Safety First Rule: Asbestos
⚠️ The Safety First Rule: Asbestos
Before we start, we must talk about safety. If your Artex ceiling was installed before the year 2000, it must be tested for asbestos before any work is carried out that might disturb it.
Our Policy: We prioritise safety for both our team and your household. If asbestos is confirmed, we cannot scrape or disturb the ceiling directly. We will advise you on safe encapsulation (overboarding) or specialist removal. Abode Plastering can help arrange professional asbestos testing in Ludlow.
Option 1: Skimming (The Budget-Friendly Choice)
Option 1: Skimming (The Budget-Friendly Choice)
This is often the quickest and most cost-effective solution if your Artex is in good condition and confirmed free of asbestos.
The Process: We carefully scrape the high points off the existing Artex to create a flatter, uniform surface. We then seal the surface with a specialist primer before applying the plaster.
Pros: It is generally the cheapest and fastest option, creating significantly less dust and disruption than ripping the ceiling down. You can often keep your existing coving.
The Risk (Delamination): There is a small chance that the moisture from the new plaster causes the old Artex to pull away (delaminate) from the ceiling, especially if it was painted over distemper. While we take every precaution, we cannot guarantee against this if the original bond is weak.
Option 2: Overboarding (The "Solid" Choice)
Option 2: Overboarding (The "Solid" Choice)
This method involves fixing new plasterboards directly over your existing Artex ceiling, creating a fresh, smooth surface to plaster onto.
The Process: We locate the existing ceiling joists and mechanically fix new boards over the Artex. This encapsulates the old texture completely.
Pros: You get a solid, stable surface effectively hiding the old Artex. It provides enhanced fire resistance and improves soundproofing between floors. It is also the safest way to deal with asbestos Artex without disturbing it.
Cons: It will slightly reduce your ceiling height. Also, existing coving will almost always need to be removed before we can overboard.
Option 3: Removal (The "Fresh Start")
Option 3: Removal (The "Fresh Start")
This is the most comprehensive option, involving the complete removal of the existing Artex ceiling.
The Process: We rip down the entire ceiling structure and install a brand new plasterboard system.
Pros: It gives you a completely clean slate. It is ideal if you are doing a larger renovation and need access to the ceiling void for new pipes, wiring, or lighting layouts.
Cons: This is the most expensive and labour-intensive option. It is also the messiest and takes the longest to complete.
Which Option is Right for You?
Which Option is Right for You?
The best approach depends on your specific circumstances, budget, and the condition of your existing Artex.
Crucial Note on Pricing: We strictly do not offer generic "menu pricing" for Artex work because the variables (asbestos content, bond strength, pattern depth) vary too much. We must assess it.
Get an Accurate Estimate Upload photos of your ceiling to our secure form. We can often assess the pattern and room type digitally to give you an initial idea of costs and the best method for your home.
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