Does your artex contain asbestos?
Artex — and similar textured decorative coatings — was the UK's favourite ceiling finish from the 1960s through the 1990s. Chrysotile (white asbestos) was added to the mix to strengthen it and make it easier to apply. Artex Ltd stopped adding asbestos to their products around 1984, but other manufacturers continued until the 1999 ban.
The probability depends on when it was applied:
| Application period | Probability of asbestos |
|---|---|
| Before 1984 | Very high (80%+) |
| 1984–1999 | Moderate (30–50%) |
| After 1999 | None (banned) |
The pattern style — stippled, swirled, fan, bark — doesn't tell you anything about asbestos content. Only laboratory testing can confirm it. For a broader look at where asbestos hides in your home, see our identification guide.
How to test artex for asbestos
Testing is cheap, fast, and non-negotiable before any work on artex in a pre-2000 building.
DIY sampling (£25–£50)
Buy a sampling kit online. Mist the area with water, use the scraper provided to take a small coin-sized sample, seal it in the bag, and post it to the UKAS-accredited lab. Results arrive by email in 24–48 hours. One sample per room is usually sufficient — but if different rooms were decorated at different times, test each separately.
Professional survey (£200–£400)
A surveyor takes samples from every room with textured coatings, plus any other suspect materials. This makes sense if you're planning a full renovation. See our survey guide for details.
Never skip testing. Sanding or scraping artex that contains asbestos releases microscopic chrysotile fibres directly into your breathing zone. One afternoon of DIY ceiling removal without testing has caused fatal mesothelioma cases.
Artex removal costs in 2026
| Job scope | UK average | Birmingham price |
|---|---|---|
| Single room ceiling | £200–£500 | £180–£450 |
| Two rooms | £350–£800 | £320–£720 |
| Full house (4–5 rooms) | £1,200–£3,000 | £1,100–£2,700 |
| Encapsulation (per m²) | £15–£25 | £14–£22 |
| Skim-coat over artex (per m²) | £30–£50 | £28–£45 |
Removal prices include containment, wet stripping, disposal, and site cleanup. They don't include replastering or redecorating — budget an additional £15–£25/m² for a smooth plaster skim after removal.
For the full picture on all asbestos removal costs, see our UK cost guide.
Encapsulation: the cheaper alternative
If your artex tests positive for asbestos but is in good condition — no cracks, no flaking, no damage — you don't have to remove it. Encapsulation seals the surface, preventing any fibre release.
Two methods:
- PVA-based sealant (£5–£10/m²). A penetrating liquid applied with a brush or roller. It soaks into the artex and binds the fibres. Cheap and effective for surfaces in good condition.
- Encapsulating paint (£15–£25/m²). A thicker coating that covers and seals the textured surface. Some products create a smooth finish you can paint over directly.
Encapsulation is the HSE's preferred approach when the material is undamaged. It's cheaper, faster, creates no waste, and avoids the disruption of full removal. The only downside: the artex texture remains visible unless you skim-coat over it.
Can you skim-coat over artex?
Yes — and it's perfectly legal if the artex is in good condition and the skim-coating process doesn't sand or abrade the surface. Many plasterers apply a 3–5mm plaster skim directly over textured coatings to create a smooth, modern finish.
The key rules:
- The artex must be stable — no flaking, crumbling, or loose areas
- No sanding or scraping of the artex surface before skimming
- The plasterer should know (and document) that asbestos is present beneath the skim
- If you sell the property later, you must disclose the encapsulated asbestos
Cost: £30–£50 per m² for a professional skim coat. A 15m² bedroom ceiling costs roughly £450–£750. It's more expensive than encapsulating paint but gives you a smooth, paintable surface.
What happens during removal
Professional artex removal follows a controlled procedure:
- Room clearance. All furniture is removed or covered. Carpet and flooring are protected with polythene sheeting.
- Containment. The room is sealed with polythene and tape. A negative pressure unit may be used to prevent fibres escaping.
- Wet stripping. The artex is soaked with water or a chemical softener (typically a PVA-based solution). Once soft, it's scraped off using broad scrapers. The wet method keeps fibre release to a minimum.
- Bagging. All waste goes into double-sealed, labelled asbestos waste bags.
- Cleanup. Surfaces are wiped down with damp cloths. The room is inspected visually before containment is removed.
- Disposal. Waste is transported to a licensed facility with consignment notes.
The process takes 1–2 days per room. You'll need to stay out of the room during work and for a short period after. Get quotes from local removal specialists.