Hello World! Welcome Friends! Artex is a prominent feature of a lot of older homes in the UK. Even if you don’t know what it is, you’ll have seen it at some point or another. If you’ve got some Artex ceilings or walls in your home and you feel like they’re cramping your vibe, you might have thought about plastering over Artex. A lot of people are unsure whether or not they can plaster over Artex, after all, it isn’t a flat surface!
Here’s what you need to know about plastering over Artex from Top Notch Walls, and whether it’s a feasible option for your property.
Is an Artex Ceiling or Artex Wall Safe to Plaster Over?
Artex is a textured surface that was largely installed from the 1960s to the 1990s. A lot of people now deem it outdated, hence wanting to plaster over Artex. However, it is not as simple as just getting a first coat on.
Artex ceilings and walls can contain asbestos. This is a dangerous substance that can cause serious illness if not handled correctly. Before you begin sanding, painting or plastering your Artex ceiling, you must check it for asbestos. You can buy asbestos testing kits online, and test the surface to ensure your safety. Asbestos is harmless if undisturbed, but when broken up it becomes a health risk. If your Artex ceilings have asbestos in, you should contact an asbestos expert to safely remove the Artex for you.
You should also check the state of the Artex ceiling. If it is flaking or you notice any loose Artex anywhere, whether it is asbestos or not, you won’t be able to plaster over it without the plaster eventually flaking away too. It will need to be safely removed in order for you to have a smooth surface to create a smoother finish.
How to Plaster Over Artex Ceilings and Walls
Once you have determined that it is safe to continue, it is time to begin the process of plastering over Artex. You will need to:
Prepare the Surface
Preparation is key. You will need to clean the Artex surface and make any necessary repairs in order to ensure a smooth finish. This will help the base coat and bonding coat to stick to the smooth surface better.
Using a scraper, remove loose material and sand the surface to remove any rough spots and high points. Then, carefully apply a coat of PVA adhesive to the Artex wall. This works as a bonding coat, helping the plaster to adhere to the surface when you begin to apply the first coat.
In Artex with particularly high points, you may need to use sandpaper or a scraper to flatten the stipple, as otherwise, you’re unlikely to achieve a truly flat plastered surface.
Allow the bonding coat to dry completely before continuing.
Plastering Over Artex
You will need to use a plaster that is the right consistency for Artex; too thick and the plaster will not stick, too thin and the plaster will not cover the Artex. Once you’ve found a comfortable middle ground, you can begin plastering over Artex by applying a base coat using a trowel. As with any plastering, spread the plaster equally like you would on a normal surface. Once the whole ceiling or wall is covered, you can leave to dry.
After the base coat, you should apply a skim coat. A skim coat is thinner than the base coat, to ensure a perfect finish. Carefully use the trowel to apply the second coat, and then use a float to smooth out the plaster for that perfect smooth finish.
Normally, two coats of plaster is enough. If it isn’t, you can do an additional coat if necessary, but be sure to let the two coats beneath dry and to smooth out the plaster when done.
Time to Decorate
After the second coat has dried, you can begin to decorate. Now is the time for adding paint or wallpaper to your Artex surface.
Tips for Plastering Over Artex:
- Get yourself a skimming spatula to help you to apply the skim coat. This will help to smooth out any imperfections and create a properly smooth surface.
- Use a multi finish plaster to plaster over Artex. Multi finish plaster is versatile plaster, and works well on textured surfaces like Artex, and provides a smooth finish. One of the most recommended brands of multi finish plaster is the Thistle Multi Finish Plaster.
- Sand the surface between coats. Whether you’re working on a ceiling or a wall, sanding the surface before you add an additional coat of plaster will help to ensure that the plaster forms a smooth surface.
If the Artex Ceiling and Wall is Not Safe to Plaster Over…
If you discover asbestos or flaking, loose Artex, you should remove the substance entirely. If that is not possible, you should certainly not cover it with plaster. Your best options are to remove the artex and replace the ceiling with something else, like plaster, or to install a false ceiling.
You can create a false ceiling with dry lining plasterboard, covering the unsightly Artex and providing you with a new canvas. It will, of course, reduce the ceiling height, but if you have the ability to adjust the ceiling height without dramatically impacting the feel of the property, it is much cheaper than removing Artex completely.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
How Long Does a Damp Proof Course Last?
Can You Put Drain Cleaner in a Washing Machine?
Do Epoxy Resin Floors Scratch?
7 Key Steps to Take Before Starting a Kitchen Remodeling Project
Understanding the Kitchen Renovation Process
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Toodles,
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