Smoothing Swirly Artex ceilings

F1001

Hi All - I have swirly artex ceilings with many (cosmetic) cracks due to previous leaks from upstairs bathrooms, poor nailing of boards and/or general movement since property built (1997 build). What is the best way to sort out the cracks and get that smooth modern look finish to my ceilings? Builder has suggested to secure cracked ceiling to joists and skim over but if that’s not possible (?) then overboarding - any thoughts for what will give better results? Thanks! 

DRP

If there’s any issue with the stability of the existing ceiling then overboarding would be bettter. Skimming a poor underlying substrate will just result in cracking. 

F1001

DRP said:

If there’s any issue with the stability of the existing ceiling then overboarding would be bettter. Skimming a poor underlying substrate will just result in cracking. 

Thanks @DRP - silly question but does overboarding reduce the ceiling height? Do I need to redo coving then?

FreeBear

F1001 said:

DRP said:

If there’s any issue with the stability of the existing ceiling then overboarding would be bettter. Skimming a poor underlying substrate will just result in cracking. 

Thanks @DRP - silly question but does overboarding reduce the ceiling height? Do I need to redo coving then?

If you have coving, that would usually have to be taken off in order to skim properly. Overboarding and skimming will reduce the ceiling height by 11-15mm (depending on the thickness of the boards). An insignificant reduction !
Highly unlikely that the original coving can be reused, so take advantage of the fact and select a profile that you like and is in keeping with the property.

F1001

FreeBear said:

F1001 said:

DRP said:

If there’s any issue with the stability of the existing ceiling then overboarding would be bettter. Skimming a poor underlying substrate will just result in cracking. 

Thanks @DRP - silly question but does overboarding reduce the ceiling height? Do I need to redo coving then?

If you have coving, that would usually have to be taken off in order to skim properly. Overboarding and skimming will reduce the ceiling height by 11-15mm (depending on the thickness of the boards). An insignificant reduction !
Highly unlikely that the original coving can be reused, so take advantage of the fact and select a profile that you like and is in keeping with the property.

Thanks for the advice - much appreciated!