Any ideas for removing or modifying the appearance of artex on ceiling. Can't sand due to sharp spikes.?

Question

Any ideas for removing or modifying the appearance of artex on ceiling. Can't sand due to sharp spikes.?

Answer 1

Artex is poisonous and especially bad if enhaled.  So if you do sand it make sure you wear suitable protection i.e. a mask etc.

Some old Artex contains asbestos - so be carefuyl!!!

Best to get a plasterer to skim straight over it.

Answer 2

you can re-plaster over artex.

Answer 3

Plaster over it to make a snooth finish.

Answer 4

What the h**l is Fleetcommander on about,  Artex is perfectly safe to sand down, if the right precautions are taken.

Artex no longer contains asbestos, so, if the artexing was done in the last few years it is safe to sand down - albeit messy and dusty.

If you have no idea of the history of the artex then assume that it has been up for some time. In this case, the artex may well contain asbestos and any removal will require breathing apparatus/masks and very careful disposal.

By removing the points or spikes. you are also creating a new 'key' for any covering you choose to put up - be it a new artex coat or paper.

Most artexers/decorators will remove the spikes with a special scraper and then recover the existing coat with a new coat of artex and a new design.

Fleet what ever his name is - is a nonce for telling you to do what he has said - that is more time consuming than having the ceiling re-artexed.

Answer 5

you can get stuff from b and q its about £20 u can do it your self its easy.check out there webb page

Answer 6

Use a sharp bladed WIDE scraper to remove the spikes - get as flat a possible and then sand it down.

OR

Get as flat as possible and then skim Artex over the surface to get a smooth surface - sand flat and paint.

You can buy a wide blade scraper for about £5 - £6 in most DIY stores. They come with a razor sharp blade to take off the spikes. They work a treat.

Contrary to above answer - Artex is not necessarily poisonous - if it has been done in the last few years - it will be OK - over 8 years or so - then don't touch it unless you have breathing apparatus - old Artex contained asbestos.

FLEETCOMMANDER - YOU are an ******** -hide behind your PC screen - come over and say that - you know nothing - I have been a decorator for years and the only way to 'nib' the spikes is by a wide blade scraper - then you have a choice - paint over it or 'flat it' for re-artexing or plastering or papering.

Just goes to show that someone with NO KNOWLEDGE is dangerous.

Answer 7

you can steam it off with a wallpaper steam stripper then recover with lining paper.

it's easy but do not sand it down...

Answer 8

get a plasterer to skim the ceiling is the best thing to do