Artex Removal London
Textured Artex ceilings and walls date a room instantly, and most people want them gone. There are two routes: skim a fresh coat of plaster straight over the texture for a flat, modern finish, or fully remove the Artex and replaster back to a clean surface. Which is right depends on the depth of the texture and the condition underneath.
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Artex Removal London
Textured Artex ceilings and walls date a room instantly, and most people want them gone. There are two routes: skim a fresh coat of plaster straight over the texture for a flat, modern finish, or fully remove the Artex and replaster back to a clean surface. Which is right depends on the depth of the texture and the condition underneath.
There is one critical caveat. Artex applied before 2000 frequently contained chrysotile (white asbestos) as a binder. It is completely safe while undisturbed, but sanding, scraping or drilling it releases fibres. For that reason any pre-2000 textured coating must be tested before work begins — we never disturb it on assumption.
We test first. Where a sample comes back clear, we skim or remove it normally. Where asbestos is confirmed, we arrange removal through a licensed asbestos contractor and only return to plaster once the surface is certified clear. We do not remove asbestos ourselves — that work belongs with licensed specialists, and we are upfront about it.
What's Included
- Survey of texture depth, substrate condition and property age
- Asbestos sample testing for any pre-2000 textured coating
- Coordination of licensed asbestos removal where asbestos is confirmed
- Skim-over plastering for a flat, modern finish
- Full removal and replastering back to a smooth surface
- Dust protection, sheeting and full clean-down
- Optional mist-coat and redecoration of the finished surface
- Fixed written quote and workmanship guarantee in writing
What It Costs in London
These are guide prices to help you budget. We give you a fixed, written quote after a free on-site survey — no call-out charge and no surprises later.
| Work | Guide Price |
|---|---|
| Skim over existing Artex (plaster-over)Flat modern finish, texture sealed beneath | £8 – £15 / sqm |
| Full removal & replasterBack to a clean, smooth surface | ~£100 / sqm |
| Small ceiling plaster-overTypical box room or small ceiling | £150 – £250 |
| Asbestos sample test (pre-2000 coatings)Per sample, before any work | £50 – £100 |
| Licensed asbestos removalQuoted separately where asbestos is confirmed | by licensed contractor |
Guide prices only — every job is confirmed with a fixed written quote after a free survey. Prices exclude VAT where applicable; your written quote states the VAT position clearly.
Our Process, Step by Step
Survey & asbestos check
We assess the texture depth and condition and establish the property’s age. For any coating that could pre-date 2000, we arrange a sample test before touching it — this is non-negotiable for your safety and ours.
Test result & route
If the sample is clear, we proceed with skim-over or removal. If asbestos is confirmed, we arrange a licensed asbestos contractor to remove it safely and only continue once the surface is certified clear.
Skim or remove
For a skim-over we seal and bond the texture, then apply plaster for a flat finish. For full removal we strip the coating from a clear substrate and replaster back to a smooth surface ready for decoration.
Finish & decorate
The new plaster is left flat, dust-sheeted and clean. We can mist-coat and decorate as part of the package or hand it over ready for your decorator once the plaster has fully dried.
Frequently Asked Questions
Skimming a fresh plaster coat over existing Artex costs around £8–£15 per square metre. Fully removing the texture and replastering back to a clean surface is closer to £100 per square metre. A small ceiling plaster-over typically lands at £150–£250. Where a pre-2000 coating needs asbestos testing first, sampling is £50–£100. We quote a fixed price after a survey.
Artex and similar textured coatings applied before 2000 frequently contained chrysotile (white asbestos) as a binder. It is safe while undisturbed but hazardous if sanded, scraped or drilled. For that reason any pre-2000 textured coating must be tested before work begins. We test first and never disturb a textured coating on assumption.
No. Where testing confirms asbestos, removal is carried out by a licensed asbestos contractor — not by us. We arrange and coordinate that specialist work, and we only return to plaster and finish the surface once it has been certified clear. Being upfront about this is part of doing the job safely and lawfully.
A skim-over is faster and cheaper and gives a flat modern finish while sealing the texture beneath — ideal where the Artex is sound and the texture is not too deep. Full removal back to a clean substrate is preferred where the coating is loose, very heavily textured, or where you want the surface genuinely bare. We advise which suits your ceiling at survey.
A single skimmed-over ceiling is usually done in a day, with the room dust-sheeted and cleaned down afterwards. Full removal takes longer and, where asbestos is involved, the licensed contractor’s controlled removal adds time. We protect floors and contents throughout and leave the room clean, with plaster left to dry fully before decoration.
Plastering, Painting & Decorating
Plasterers, painters and decorators for Central London homes and rentals — re-skimming, flawless preparation, period cornice restoration and full redecorating for homeowners and landlords alike.
View service Cost GuideArtex Removal Cost in London: 2026 Price Guide
Artex removal in London costs £8–£15/sqm to skim over, or around £100/sqm to remove and replaster. Asbestos artex needs testing first. See full costs here.
Read the guideAcross Every London Borough
We skim over and remove Artex ceilings and walls in flats, terraces and ex-local-authority stock across every London borough, testing pre-2000 coatings for asbestos before any work begins.
Get Your Free Survey & Fixed Written Quote
Book a free on-site survey and we'll return an itemised, fixed-price quote in writing — anywhere in London. No call-out charge, no surprises later.
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- Fixed price, in writing
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