Artex Ceilings and Coving

Katecooks

I have just bought a house (built in the 1980s) which has artexed ceilings which I would like plastered smooth. The coving has also been completely covered in artex (why oh why would anyone do this??). Is it possible for a good plasterer to make these smooth or should they be removed and replaced. Just trying to establish the cost and whether it is affordable as the artexed coving is in every room in the house.

Van_Girl

I can't answer the question on whether it can be smoothed (although it sounds like a faff), but if you're looking at removal, make sure you have the Artex tested for asbestos first

GDB2222

I’ve seen lots of artex ceilings but never Artexed coving. Can you post a picture please.

CliveOfIndia

It certainly is possible to plaster over it, and this is often the easiest way to deal with it.

But as the previous poster mentions, it's worth getting it checked for asbestos.  If it does contain asbestos then plastering over it is almost certainly the best option.  It's perfectly safe as long as it's not disturbed, but you most definitely don't want to be sanding it or drilling into it at all.

If you did decide you wanted it removed and it does contain asbestos, that's certainly not a DIY job - you'd need to get a specialist in who is qualified to deal with it.

Ben1989

My house was built I think solely with artex. 

First thing is getting it surveyed for asbestos. When we got ours surveyed in 2020 it cost £110. That was for four rooms. If it does not contain asbestos then you'd scrape the highpoints off the coving and skim.