What is Artex made from?
asbestos
Until the mid-1980s, Artex coating was made using white asbestos to strengthen and harden it. Therefore, old Artex manufactured by Artex Ltd before this time will contain asbestos.
How do you create an Artex effect?
You only need an Artex Texturing Brush and a steady hand. Once your surface is coated, simply bounce the brush in a light and steady motion. After each bounce, bring the brush back down cleanly to avoid a dragging texture. Turn the brush very slightly between bounces to achieve a more random pattern.
Can you Artex straight onto plasterboard?
Artex can be applied to plasterboard, plastered or painted surfaces. If you are applying directly to plasterboard, joints need to be taped and filled, and nail heads need to be filled. Both plasterboard and new plaster require a coat of diluted Artex sealer or PVA bonding.
How can I cover Artex without plastering?
If it’s time to bid farewell to your artex ceiling, there are five ways you can remove it: ‘Scrape and Sand’, ‘Cover with Plasterboard’, ‘Wet Plaster Over’, ‘Steam, Scrape and Sand’ or use ‘Eco Solutions X–Tex’. The best option for you depends on many things, including the age and condition of your ceiling.
Can I skim over Artex?
Plastering over artex is a very common part of our trade now. Any artex must have a backing (bonding) coat applied first as as skim coat is only 3 mm thick. Once the bonding coat is dry you apply PVA to reduce suction when skimming the top coat. This will give you the desired flat finish.
Does Artex devalue house?
Now, Artex ceilings can actually devalue a house. It’s very difficult to match up new repairs onto old Artex patterns. Undamaged and painted Artex is usually harmless. However, many people don’t like asbestos–based building materials in their home and will take any opportunity to remove it.
What can I use instead of Artex?
If you would prefer to remove Artex instead, then it can be done using a wet method – using either a wallpaper steamer or a special gel. As long as the material remains damp, the fibres will not become airborne.
Do you PVA before Artex?
The PVA can be applied the day before as the artex provides a rough surface which will act as a good key. If it is really smooth though you need to either apply the plaster when PVA is tacky or if wanting to PVA day before a handful of sand mixed in with PVA will provide a rough surface for plaster to stick to.
Can you wallpaper over Artex walls?
I wouldn’t recommend it. There’s far too much air and space under where the artex textures are. So it easily moved over time. If you can, then I advise either giving it a lick of paint or getting a plasterer in to skim it.
How can I cover Artex cheaply?
How do you use Artex?
Use Artex professional texuring tools create most decorative patterns, or use with powder or ready mixed texture to smooth over and flatten unwanted texture.
How do you mix Artex for plaster?
You will need a clean bucket to mix the Artex in, and a tool to mix it with. You can purchase a specialist Artex mixing tool, or if you have one you can use a plaster mixing tool which attaches to a drill. You will need a supply of cold water to mix the Artex powder with.
How long does it take for Artex to dry?
Allow 12 to 24 hours for the Artex to dry fully. Make sure the temperature is above 5oC and the area is well ventilated to allow the material to dry properly. Once you are sure it is completely dry, you can paint over it using standard emulsion paint.
Can Artex be used to remove asbestos?
Artex used to be made with asbestos to add strength, so if you have an old Artexed ceiling and are thinking of trying to remove it, get a professional to look at it first. Artex can be bought as a ready-mixed paste, or as a powder.