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Plastering Birmingham
Birmingham's Premier Plastering Service
​ Making a House into a Home
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Artex Removal 

​Who remembers Artex? Who could possibly forget Artex? In the 1970's we loved it. By the 1980's it was becoming very unfashionable, and by the 1990's it could knock 5% off the value of your house. These days, nobody wants to find Artex in their house, and there is a thriving industry in Artex removal. Unfortunately, its a messy and time consuming job, and although you can do it yourself, you'd probably be better off calling in the professionals. Artex was often applied to hide ceiling issues, so even after removal, you may find other serious problems.

Until 1985, Artex ceilings contained asbestos. As we all know, asbestos is highly dangerous, although Artex contained the less dangerous white form, which is water soluble, so if it enters your body, it can also leave. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't take it seriously. Asbestos can still be found in Artex as late as 1999, so it pays to be extremely cautious, and if in any doubt, consult a professional. 

Check the HSE website for further information.

There are four main options available to you when rectifying Artex, and Masters of Plaster will advise you on the best route when you have discussed it with them. These options are;

Plastering
The most straightforward approach is just to plaster over the Artex. This should be easy, but in reality it can be quite difficult. It depends to an extent on the height of the Artex, how hard it is, and on the state of the ceiling itself. It can be cheaper and more cost effective than other options. 

Bonding the Artex
This is an old school method, but can often be the best way. It involves using a bonding coat to build up over the Artex, so you create a level surface. Its safe, as there is no scraping involved, so no danger of releasing any asbestos. Its difficult though, and only advised for professionals. 

Remove, Board and Skim
Sometimes, its best to go in with all guns blazing. This method involves exactly what it says; the entire ceiling is removed, plaster boards are fitted, and a skim layer of plaster is applied. The result is a new ceiling, free of Artex, with a perfectly smooth finish. 

Over Boarding
This is similar to the above option, but instead of tearing down the old ceiling, with all the mess and dust involved, plaster boards are applied over the top of the Artex and screwed into the joists. Then a skim layer of plaster is applied. Once again, a new ceiling is the result. 

As you can see, there are no easy options with Artex. They are all time consuming and require skill and experience. They certainly aren't an amateur undertaking. When the seventies ended, you could just take off your flairs. Artex is a completely different proposition.  

Plastering Birmingham have removed hundreds of Artex ceilings across Birmingham, and will be happy to advise you on the best option for your particular ceiling. Give us a call and lets work together to bring your ceilings into the twenty-first century. 

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Our Happy Customers

The Dreaded Artex

​We bought our first house in Edgbaston, and it came complete with Artex ceilings. Horrible. We tried removing it ourselves, but it was a nightmare. We gave up and got some quotes. Plastering Birmingham were brilliant. Highly recommended.   

Mr and Mrs Pinder
Edgbaston

​Artex

​I lived with Artex ceilings for a decade, but my new wife hated them. On balance, I thought it would be easier to get rid of the Artex, than get rid of my wife. I booked Plastering Birmingham and they did a great job. Smooth ceilings and a happy wife. 

Michael ​C
​Perry Barr

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Artex Nightmare

​The previous owner of my flat applied Artex to the ceilings AND the walls. It looked disgusting. Plastering Birmingham removed the lot. Thank God. I can't thank them enough. My flat now has smooth walls and ceilings and I'm not embarrassed anymore.  

Blake Henderson
Sparkbrook

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