Is Artex the same as textured paint?

Artex is a trade name for a type of textured coating commonly found on walls and ceilings in homes and businesses throughout the UK. It was applied throughout the 70’s and 80’s, and a similar form of textured coating is still used today.

Do you have to paint Artex?

We don’t recommend you paint straight over Artex, it’ll take several coats no matter how good the paint is. But, if you level out the Artex first, then you can paint it. There are plenty of smoothing products available which can make evening your Artex easy. … Once it’s smoothed over and dry, you can paint the ceiling.

What does Artex stand for?

textured finish
(ˈɑːtɛks ) trademark. a brand of coating for walls and ceilings that gives a textured finish.

Can I still buy Artex?

You can purchase Artex as a ready-made product which comes in powder or paste form which is ideal for small repairs. However, for a whole ceiling, you may want to consider purchasing a large bag of powdered Artex which must be mixed with cold water using a mixing tool to create the right texture.

Does Artex devalue house?

Now, Artex ceilings can actually devalue a house. It’s very difficult to match up new repairs onto old Artex patterns. Undamaged and painted Artex is usually harmless. However, many people don’t like asbestos–based building materials in their home and will take any opportunity to remove it.

How can I cover my Artex ceiling without plastering?

If it’s time to bid farewell to your artex ceiling, there are five ways you can remove it: ‘Scrape and Sand‘, ‘Cover with Plasterboard’, ‘Wet Plaster Over’, ‘Steam, Scrape and Sand’ or use ‘Eco Solutions X–Tex’. The best option for you depends on many things, including the age and condition of your ceiling.

What can you use instead of Artex?

If you would prefer to remove Artex instead, then it can be done using a wet method – using either a wallpaper steamer or a special gel. As long as the material remains damp, the fibres will not become airborne.

Can you Artex straight onto plasterboard?

Artex can be applied to plasterboard, plastered or painted surfaces. If you are applying directly to plasterboard, joints need to be taped and filled, and nail heads need to be filled. Both plasterboard and new plaster require a coat of diluted Artex sealer or PVA bonding.

How do you get Artex off walls?

The most popular way to remove Artex is to use a steamer to loosen it and then ease it off with a scraper. This process is slow but effective, if you hold the steamer in the same place for too long, however, the Artex will liquefy and run everywhere making a mess.

How do you touch up artex?

Can you plaster over artex?

Plastering over artex is a very common part of our trade now. … Any artex must have a backing (bonding) coat applied first as as skim coat is only 3 mm thick. Once the bonding coat is dry you apply PVA to reduce suction when skimming the top coat. This will give you the desired flat finish.

Can you artex over artex?

No – you can plaster over artex if that is your preference. … What’s more, you will not be permitted to cover an artex surface that has been proven to contain asbestos.

How do you smooth Artex ceilings?

Using the spatula, load the smoother with Artex Easifix Smooth-It. Apply an even coat with firm, sweeping strokes. When the whole surface is covered, allow to dry until firm to the touch. Repeat the process as many times as required to reach the desired smoothness.

How do you fix hairline cracks in Artex ceiling?

Is it safe to skim over Artex?

Skimming Over Artex.

We wouldn’t recommend scraping artex with asbestos in it, even with masks. If you have patterned Artex, it’s possible to coat it with PVA to achieve a flat surface, and then skim it. Stippled Artex can’t be treated effectively in this way.

Can I wallpaper over Artex walls?

I wouldn’t recommend it. There’s far too much air and space under where the artex textures are. So it easily moved over time. If you can, then I advise either giving it a lick of paint or getting a plasterer in to skim it.

How do you stop cracks from reappearing?

This can be achieved by fixing a new plasterboard layer over the affected area, making sure that the new lining is adhered to one side of the open crack only. In the event that this new lining would need to cover a large area of the wall, it may be more appropriate to hack off the plaster around the crack.

What causes cracks in Artex ceilings?

Usually, ceiling cracks are caused by one of two things: structural damage or settling (all structures settle to some extent after they’re built). If the ceiling cracks are due to normal settling, there’s usually nothing to worry about.