Artex

[swindontony]

My Fathers artexed ceiling is starting to look a bit untidy, very small cracks are appearing and its flaking off a bit as well in places, what would be the best way to redecorate it other than stripping the artex of. Thanks in advance.

[parkesquay]

You can get a PVC coating which is then possible to skim/plaster over but this will depend on 'how thick' the artex pattern is. It might however be simpler to fix plasterboard to the ceiling (to cover the artex) and then plaster/skim as normal.

However there are professionals who give advice on this site who will undoubtably come up with a definitive answer.

[spudqueen]

If you go out and buy a copy of todays Daily Mail, in the 'answers to correspondents' bit (like the Guardians notes and queries) there is someone who has invented something to get rid of artex.

[malaise]

You can get specialised texturised paints that you apply as normal to cover small cracks. They sell it in B&Q etc x

[Hamish]

If it is an old house I would think twice about removing the artex, you may also remove the plaster if it is also cracked and powdery. I would go for the cover option.

[chiv]

X-Tex Textured Coatings Remover is the best removal answer. I have used it on my whole house and it works a treat. Brush it on and leave it for a couple of hours or overnight and scrape off. It even keeps pre-1985 artex wet so it does not let any asbestos fibres into the air. I bought it from decorating direct.co.uk