Painting Over Artex Ceilings Safely in London: What You Need to Know

The Artex Problem in London Homes

Artex textured ceilings were hugely popular in British homes from the 1960s through to the mid-1990s. If your London property was built or renovated during that period, there is a good chance you have at least one Artex ceiling. They were applied in properties of every type — from council flats in Wandsworth to family homes in Richmond and period conversions in Fulham.

While Artex is not harmful when left undisturbed, many homeowners want to update the look. The question is how to do it safely and achieve a result you are happy with.

The Asbestos Question: Test First

This is the critical starting point. Artex manufactured before the mid-1980s may contain chrysotile asbestos. You cannot tell by looking at it. The only way to know is to have it tested.

How to get an asbestos test:

• Contact a UKAS-accredited laboratory. Several operate across London and offer postal testing kits for around 25 to 40 pounds per sample.
• Take a small sample from an inconspicuous area. Wear a disposable mask and gloves, dampen the area first to suppress dust, and seal the sample in a plastic bag.
• Results typically come back within two to five working days.

If asbestos is present, do not sand, scrape or disturb the surface. You have two safe options: encapsulate and paint over it, or have it professionally removed by a licensed asbestos contractor. Removal is expensive and disruptive, so painting over is usually the preferred route.

If no asbestos is found, you have more flexibility including sanding, skim coating or full removal.

Option One: Painting Directly Over Artex

This is the simplest and most cost-effective approach, and it works well when the texture is in good condition and you do not mind the pattern remaining visible.

Preparation steps:

• Wash the ceiling with sugar soap to remove grease, nicotine stains and dust. Artex traps dirt in its peaks and grooves.
• Fill any cracks or damaged areas with a flexible filler. Standard fillers crack on textured surfaces.
• Apply a stain-blocking primer if there are watermarks or discolouration. Zinsser B-I-N is excellent for this.
• Apply two coats of a quality matt emulsion using a long-pile roller. The longer pile gets into the texture properly, ensuring even coverage. Short-pile rollers miss the recesses and leave a patchy finish.

This approach suits properties across Belgravia, Chelsea and Kensington where the ceiling is in good condition and the owner wants a quick, clean refresh rather than a full renovation.

Option Two: Skim Coating Over Artex

If you want a smooth, modern ceiling, skim coating is the best option. A plasterer applies a thin layer of finishing plaster over the Artex, creating a flat surface ready for painting.

Advantages:

• Completely hides the texture.
• Creates a contemporary smooth finish.
• Encapsulates any asbestos safely if present.
• Costs significantly less than full removal.

What to expect:

• A skilled plasterer can skim a standard room ceiling in a day.
• The plaster needs to dry fully before painting — typically two to three days depending on ventilation and temperature.
• Use a mist coat (watered-down matt emulsion) as the first coat on fresh plaster, followed by two full coats.

Skim coating is particularly popular in period home renovations across Notting Hill, Hampstead and Islington where homeowners want clean lines to complement restored cornicing and ceiling roses.

Option Three: Full Removal

Removing Artex entirely is the most disruptive option. It involves soaking the texture with a steam wallpaper stripper or specialist Artex remover, scraping it off, and then replastering.

This is only advisable when:

• The Artex has been confirmed asbestos-free.
• The ceiling beneath is in reasonable condition.
• You want to expose original plaster features hidden beneath the texture.

For most London properties, skim coating achieves the same visual result with far less mess, time and cost.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Sanding Artex without testing for asbestos — this is dangerous and potentially illegal if asbestos is present.
• Using a short-pile roller — it will not cover the texture evenly and you will waste time applying extra coats.
• Skipping the primer — stains bleed through emulsion on Artex. Prime first, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Rushing the skim coat dry time — painting too soon causes the finish to crack and peel.

Professional Help Makes the Difference

Artex ceilings are one of those jobs where professional preparation and application make a visible difference to the final result. Our team handles Artex ceilings regularly across all 21 London areas we serve, from straightforward repaints to full skim-and-paint packages.

If you are unsure about the best approach for your ceiling, get in touch for a free assessment and quote. We will advise on the safest and most effective solution for your property.