Does Artex contain asbestos?

Artex and similar textured coatings applied before 1985 may contain chrysotile (white asbestos). After 1985, manufacturers stopped using asbestos, and it was fully banned in the UK in 1999. If your property was built or decorated before 1985, you MUST have the Artex tested before disturbing it. Asbestos testing kits cost around £20-30, or a professional survey costs £50-100. Never sand, scrape, or drill into suspected asbestos-containing Artex.

What is the cheapest way to cover Artex?

The cheapest method is to skim over the Artex with a 3-5mm coat of multi-finish plaster. This costs around £15-25 per m² for labour and materials combined. The Artex is coated with PVA first, then skimmed smooth. This avoids any dust or disturbance of the textured coating. Most plasterers in the UK prefer this method. Use our Skim Coat Calculator to work out how many bags of multi-finish you need.

How much does it cost to remove Artex in the UK?

Costs vary significantly by method: skimming over costs £15-25/m², steam and scrape costs £20-35/m², chemical removal costs £25-40/m², and professional asbestos removal costs £35-60+/m². A typical ceiling (12-15 m²) costs £180-750+ depending on the method chosen. Labour rates vary by region.

Can I remove Artex myself?

If the Artex is confirmed asbestos-free (post-1985 or tested), you can remove it yourself by steaming and scraping, using chemical Artex remover (like X-Tex or Artex Easistrip), or skimming over it. If asbestos is present, you must NOT disturb it yourself — hire a licensed asbestos removal contractor. DIY removal of asbestos-containing materials is illegal in the UK.

How long does it take to remove Artex from a ceiling?

Skimming over a ceiling takes an experienced plasterer 3-5 hours for a standard room. Steam and scrape takes 1-2 days for a ceiling as it is labour-intensive. Chemical removal takes 1-2 days including dwell time. Professional asbestos removal may take 2-3 days including set-up, removal, air testing, and clean-up.

Artex Removal Estimator — How Much Does Artex Removal Cost?

Artex Removal Cost Estimator — Ceiling & Wall Area Calculator

Estimate the cost of removing or covering Artex textured coatings. Calculates area and cost based on your chosen removal method.

Asbestos Warning

Artex applied before 1985 may contain asbestos. Always have it tested before any removal work. Never sand, scrape, or drill into untested Artex in pre-1985 properties.

Input Method

Ceiling Length

Ceiling Width

Include wall area

Add Artex-covered wall area to the calculation

Removal Method

Choose based on the age and condition of the Artex

Your Cost Per m²

Enter your own labour/contractor rate per square metre

How We Calculate This

Our Artex removal cost estimator calculates the total area of ceiling and wall surfaces to be treated, then multiplies by your entered cost per square metre. This gives you an estimate based on your local rates.

The formula

Estimated cost = Total area (m²) × Your cost per m²

Removal methods explained

Skim over: Cheapest option. PVA the surface, then apply 3-5mm of multi-finish plaster to create a smooth finish over the top of the Artex
Steam and scrape: Use a wallpaper steamer to soften the Artex, then scrape it off. Labour-intensive but effective
Chemical removal: Apply a chemical Artex remover (X-Tex, Artex Easistrip) to dissolve the coating, then scrape smooth
Professional removal: Licensed removal including asbestos testing, containment, removal, and disposal. Required if asbestos is confirmed or suspected

Important Asbestos Warning

Artex applied before 1985 may contain asbestos. Always test before disturbing any textured coating in pre-1985 properties. Disturbing asbestos is a serious health hazard and a criminal offence if done without proper precautions. Contact your local council or a licensed asbestos surveyor for testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.

Artex Removal Cost Estimator — Ceiling & Wall Area Calculator

How We Calculate This

The formula

Removal methods explained

Frequently Asked Questions

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