Artexing

Artexing

Artexing is the process of creating a pattern, normally on ceilings or walls, with a surface coating called artex. Artexed ceilings and walls were a popular choice for homeowners in the past, but nowadays there is also a growing demand for artex removal and repair.

Artex Ceilings & Walls

Whilst not a popular as it once was, many homeowners continue to install artex ceilings due to the unique finished effect. There are wide range of patterns available, and skilled plaster and artex professionals can create stunning ceilings and walls.

In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about artexing. There is information on prices, patterns and you can even find local artexing specialists near you.

Artex Swirl Textured Plaster

Compare Artexing Prices

Are you looking to create artex ceilings or walls, repair your artex or have it removed? We can help you find a great deal by comparing local installation prices. To find out how much artexing work costs in your area, simply use the cost calculator below.

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By comparing prices or requesting a quote, you help us raise £1.50 for an amazing charity. There is no cost to you, and there is no obligation to proceed. So, what are you waiting for? Find out how much artexing services cost in your area.

Artexing Prices

When deciding on home improvements, it is always a good idea to understand the potential costs. Below we will explore the many factors that influence the price of artexing, as well as a pricing guide based on your requirements.

Below are the main factors that can impact the cost of your artexing:

  • Location – Like most home improvement projects, London and the South of England typically have higher prices compared to Northern England and Scotland. The availability of specialist artex professionals will also influence the pricing.
  • Size – One of the largest factors in the cost of artexing work is the the size of ceiling or wall that you want created. Larger areas will take longer than smaller ceiling and walls, and as a result, prices will be higher.
  • Presence of Asbestos – If your pre-existing artex contains asbestos, this will increase the cost of any repair or removal work that you require. Asbestos is extremely dangerous, and requires specialist testing, removal and disposal.
  • Pattern – The pattern that you would like for your artex will change the cost. More complex designs will take more time and require a greater level of skill, whilst a basic pattern can be completed faster, and consequently will cost less.

How much does artexing cost?

If you are an experienced DIY enthusiast, and want to keep the costs down, you might want to tackle artexing work yourself. The hardware and equipment needed to install, remove and cover artex can be found at most home improvement stores.

Prefer to leave it to a professional? Whilst there are a number of reasons quotes can vary, as discussed above, the price for artexing a typical lounge room would range from approximately £280 to £400. If you want your artex removed, it is important to remember that artex containing asbestos will cost more to remove.

Check Artexing Prices from Local Installers & Repairers!

Job DescriptionCost (estimate)
Ceiling Artex Installation per square metre£15-50
Wall Artex Installation per square metre£10-40
Artex removal per square metre£5-30
Plaster over Artex per square metre£10-30

Interested in how to get a great deal on artexing services? Keep reading to find our money saving tips.

Artex Patterns

One of the reasons that artex became a popular choice for many homeowners is the range of patterns that can be achieved. An talented artex specialist will be able to create dozens of different patterns, ensuring your home is truly unique. Below are some of the most popular artex patterns.

Swirl Artex Patterns

Created using a texturing brush, this design creates random and overlapping swirls on your ceiling or wall. When completed to high standard, the start and finish of the swirl should not be visible.

Swirl Pattern Artex Ceiling Coating

Stipple Artex Pattern

One of the most commonly used artexing patterns, a stipple effect adds texture to an artex ceiling. It is created by bouncing a texturing brush covered with artex in an even pattern across the ceiling or walls.

Stipple Ceiling Patterns

Broken Leather Artex Pattern

A popular ceiling pattern choice, the broken leather effect is achieved with the help of a plastic bag. The bag covers the texturing brush and is applied at random intervals to achieve a unique finished product.

Broken Leather Ceiling Patterns

Fan or Shell Artex Patterns

One of the most popular designs, the fan pattern is also one of the most difficult. Shell patterns require a high level of skill and precision, but the finished results can be extremely aesthetically pleasing.

Fan Ceiling Pattern Artex

Knifed Plaster Artex Pattern

For a more abstract finish, you may want to consider a knifed plaster ceiling pattern. Short strokes are made at random intervals on the surface of the artex, using a filling or jointing knife.

Artexing Knifed Plaster Ceiling Pattern

Artex Containing Asbestos

Asbestos has a number of favourable properties, including fire resistance and strengthening, which made it a popular additive to many building materials, including artex. White asbestos was commonly used in artex to strengthen the product until the mid 1980’s.

How do you know if your artex ceiling or walls contains asbestos?

The use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, so if the artex was installed after this date, it should be free of asbestos. However, if you live in an older property that had artex installed prior to the year 2000, it is likely that it may contain asbestos. Asbestos testing will be able to help determine whether your artex contains asbestos.

Asbestos containing materials, such as artex, are not necessarily harmful, as long as they are in a good condition. When the material starts to break down, it can release the dangerous asbestos fibres, which can cause a number of diseases. Find out more about asbestos, and services to remove artex containing asbestos.

Removing Artex from Ceilings & Walls

Artexing is not as popular as it once was, and many homeowners want to remove or cover artexed ceilings and walls. Removing artex can be a simple and inexpensive home renovation, but it is important to ensure that your artex does not contain asbestos. As mentioned above, asbestos is a very dangerous material, and requires specialist removal and disposal.

Removing artex ceilings and walls is a often a quick job, but re-plastering may extend the job duration and also increase costs. Find out how much it costs to remove artex ceilings and walls in your local area with our price comparison tool.

Covering Artex Ceilings

Artex ceilings can be quickly covered to provide a clean and modern plastered ceiling. As there is less work and waste disposal involved with covering, the prices are often cheaper than artex removal.

If your artex contains asbestos, covering it is a substantially cheaper alternative to removal. As long as the asbestos is contained, it won’t pose a health risk to you or your family.

Artex Repairs

Due to the unique finish of artexed ceilings and walls, it can be quite difficult to repair. Most repairs will require the use of the same patterned technique that was originally used when installing the artex. Due to the high level of skill required to accurately repair artex ceilings, we recommend that this work be carried out by either a professional or experienced enthusiast.

Repaired artex will need to be painted to ensure that the entire area matches and has the same colour profile. In many cases, the entire ceiling will need to be repainted to prevent a patchy and obvious repair.

Looking for Local Artexing Specialists?

Money Saving Tips

We love helping UK consumers save more on their purchases. To ensure you receive the cheapest installation, repair and removal deals, we have put together some helpful tips and tricks.

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Compare Artexing Prices

One of the best ways to ensure you are receiving a great value for money artex installation and removal is by comparing prices. With our artexing price estimator, it only takes a moment to fill in your requirements and work out the best deal for you.[/ultimate_icon_list_item][ultimate_icon_list_item icon=”Defaults-check” icon_color=”#81d742″ content_font_size=”desktop:16px;” content_font_color=”#2d2d2d”]

Combine Home Improvements

Artexing services are often undertaken as part of a larger home improvement project. If you are having other projects carried out, it will often be cheaper to use the same company to carry out the work as one larger project. However, this should be used for similar type projects, such as combining artex work with plastering, painting, etc.[/ultimate_icon_list_item][ultimate_icon_list_item icon=”Defaults-check” icon_color=”#81d742″ content_font_size=”desktop:16px;” content_font_color=”#2d2d2d”]

Look for Sales

If you are looking to do DIY artex work, you can save big by purchasing your equipment and hardware during a sale. In some cases, savings can be more than 40% off the retail price. Remember to check out your preferred suppliers social media pages for great deals and promotions.[/ultimate_icon_list_item][ultimate_icon_list_item icon=”Defaults-check” icon_color=”#81d742″ content_font_size=”desktop:16px;” content_font_color=”#2d2d2d”]

Promo & Discount Codes

Promo codes for artexing installation and removal, really? Yes, you may be surprised that many installers and removalists have promo codes and deals that can help you save on the cost of your fitting. We recommend you find local suppliers first, then check to see if they have any discount codes available.[/ultimate_icon_list_item][ultimate_icon_list_item icon=”Defaults-check” icon_color=”#81d742″ content_font_size=”desktop:16px;” content_font_color=”#2d2d2d”]

Ask for a Discount!

Getting a better deal on artexing services can be as easy as asking for a better price. This is an extremely easy, fast and simple money saving tip. And, it actually works more often than you might think. The home improvement industry is very competitive, and many suppliers and specialists will be willing to provide a further discount to secure your business.[/ultimate_icon_list_item][ultimate_icon_list_item icon=”Defaults-check” icon_color=”#81d742″ content_font_size=”desktop:16px;” content_font_color=”#2d2d2d”]

Concession Discounts

If you are an OAP, work in certain industries (army, NHS, etc.) or hold another concession, you may be able to receive a discounted rate for artex work. Not every supplier will provide discounts, but quite a few smaller installers provide a discount to certain concession holders.[/ultimate_icon_list_item][/ultimate_icon_list]

Looking for Local Artex & Plaster Professionals?

Textured Plaster and Artex Ideas & Gallery

Choosing the ceiling patterns for your home is an important decision. To help provide some inspiration and demonstrate the different textured plaster options available, we have put together a gallery of images. If you are thinking of artex, these images will provide some ideas of the different types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a few questions our visitors regularly ask about artex. Our answers below will hopefully help you, but if we have missed anything, please get in touch.

As artexing is an internal decorative coating, you will not require planning permission to carry out any related work. This includes adding new artex, removing artex and covering artex. If you have any doubts, it is a good idea to contact your local council authority or Planning Portal for clarification.

In many cases, artexing can be an enjoyable and personal way to make your home stand out. All the leading building suppliers stock artex materials, and there a numerous videos available online to assist you with how to install artex.

If you are looking to remove or cover artex, it is important to be aware of the potential asbestos risk. Asbestos is extremely dangerous, and kills more people each year in the UK than motoring accidents. If you suspect an asbestos containing material, we strongly recommend that you use a professional removal or testing service.

In most cases, artexing or removing artex will have a similar impact as painting your property, just with a slightly longer work time per square metre. As such, you shouldnt need to vacate your entire property whilst the work takes place. However, if asbestos is being removed, you may need to be away from the property whilst work is safely carried out.

There are no formal qualifications required to become a plasterer or artex installer, but most will undertake an apprenticeship to learn the skill and technique required to carry out artex and plastering work.

If your artex contains asbestos, the work should be carried out by a trained professional. Asbestos is a very dangerous material that can easily become airbourne. Professionals use important safety measures to ensure the work is carried out to a high standard.

If your contractor is taking away waste (either old doors or construction waste from a wall knock through), they should have a waste carriers licence.

Asking questions is a great way to better understand potential tradesmen. Below are a few questions that you can ask potential contractors to gain a better understanding of their experience and services.

  1. How long have you been undertaking artex work?
  2. Do you have any example photos of your previous work?
  3. Can you provide testimonials or references?
  4. Do you have public liability insurance?
  5. How long will the work take?
  6. Do you supply everything needed for the project?
  7. Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
  8. Does your pricing include VAT?
  9. Will you take away any rubbish?
  10. Do you suspect my artex contains asbestos?
  11. Do you provide any discounts of concessions?

Other Considerations

If you are hiring a professional to undertake artexing work, they should provide a warranty for their workmanship. In most cases, a warranty will last for between 6-months to several years. A warranty will provide peace of mind that if anything was to go wrong, your ceiling and walls will be quickly fixed.

Whilst there aren’t any specific qualifications that are required for an artexing specialist, it is a good idea to always ensure your chosen contractor has public liability insurance. This is an insurance that will protect you and your home if something was to go wrong during the building.

You can request a copy of your contractors PLI certificate, which they should be able to email or print for you..

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