Polycell Smooth Over

eamonn321

I have really horrible thick artex on a bedroom ceiling. Would it be better to plasterboard over it and have a skim on top of that? The ceiling underneath is quite a fragile lath and plaster. I'd be interested in your opinion nelly.

woolley_2

Sorry I'm not nelly but having just faced the same problem I would and did pull the old ceiling down including the laths - and plaster board onto the joists then tape and skim. Dusty and time consuming as the laths have hundreds of nails in them but you'll get a much better job and a more secure ceiling and its actually probably easier in the long run.

nelly_2

I never pull them down its such a pain in the !!!!!! and the mess is incredible.

Board over it with 2 inch screws (dont use nails their sh1te) finding the joist's with a hammer and nail at both ends of the room, mark them on the wall and bobs yer uncle.

If its really thick artex then board it, sometimes a coat of bonding will do it, but for a novice boarding will be easier.

nelly_2

woolley wrote:

Sorry I'm not nelly but having just faced the same problem I would and did pull the old ceiling down including the laths - and plaster board onto the joists then tape and skim. Dusty and time consuming as the laths have hundreds of nails in them but you'll get a much better job and a more secure ceiling and its actually probably easier in the long run.

the best thing for getting the nails out is a garden spade you just run it along the joist with some force and they all come pinging out, takes about 5 minutes verses a fortnight

Bet you wish you knew that before hand

paullwill8

This is going to be expensive JD, however try using a 3-4" scraper to get the filler out of the tub onto the applicator, then work upwards. Don't worry too much about it being un-even as it is very easy to sand.
A much cheaper and just as good (if not better) option would be to use Tetrion filler, mix it yourself, it can also go on thicker and is very easy to use. If you do use this option make sure you brush and vaccum thoroughly as the dust is very fine and cause emulsion to crack.
HTH.