PLASTERING ADVICE
Covering artex/ removing artex
Ok lets face it, there are not many of us who actually like artex but how can we get rid of the dreaded stuff ?
There are a few methods to cover it, the first is a thick skim coat, which in my opinion, is lazy and leaves a texture similar to orange peal. This is the cheapest quickest method and if you are not too fussed then it is the way to go. Another method is to put a quick undercoat on to level out all the texture of the artex, let this dry and then give a final skim coat. This is probably the most common method and is the one I would reccommend. The last method is to fix new plasterboards over the whole ceiling and this would usually only be done if the ceiling is in a right state or if you wish to fit some spot lights.
Worried about Asbestos in Artex ?
Textured Decorative Coatings (TDCs) are the textured decorative plasters (Artex being one of the most common) and are mostly found on ceilings and walls of domestic properties decorated in the 1950s – 1980s. Untilapproximately 1984, TDCs could contain very small quantities (around 2%) of white asbestos fibres. Even before this date, however, most textured plasters were not asbestos containing.
Are there any health risks associated with TDCs?
Due to a misunderstanding with the authorities, TDCs have been classed as asbestos containing coatings as they were confused with Limpet products (100% asbestos fibres sprayed onto support beams in buildings as fire insulation). There is, however, no measurable risk to health from the asbestos content in TDCs.
The asbestos content (if any) in TDCs is minimal and poses no measurable risk to health. Adding light fittings, picture hooks, or similar, by drilling or making holes, poses no measurable risk to health.
Source: www.asbestoswatchdog.co.uk