Need A Smooth Ceiling

[bond]

Hi all, my ceilings currently have a horrible swirly pattern on them and I want them nice and smooth, I've tried to scrape and repaint over but to no avail. Quotes to re-skim are very expensive and the process very messy. Is it easier for someone to place a thin light-weight layer of board to the existing ceilings? If so, what would you think is a reasonable cost per square metre. I live in London so I know the cost will be more than anywhere else, but I'm hoping some people may have a rough idea. Thank you.

[nailit]

//Hi all, my ceilings currently have a horrible swirly pattern on them and I want them nice and smooth, I've tried to scrape and repaint over but to no avail.//
I presume your ceilings are artexed?
Have you tried steaming them. A bit of hard work but doable.

[Tuvok]

I think Polyfilla do something to cover artex.

http://www.polycell.co.uk/product/polycell-smoothover-for-damaged-and-textured-walls/

[mastercraft]

A bit more info needed Bond. Do you live in a house, a flat within a block or a flat within a house? Need to know if it as a lathe & plaster, plasterboard or concrete ceiling? Unfortunately, the room will have to be cleared, as it will definitely be a messy job.

[tonyav]

If I were you I'd have it overboarded, Artex up until 2000 contained asbestos.
http://www.mybuilder.com/questions/v/20/is-there-an-easy-way-to-remove-artex

[nailit]

//Artex up until 2000 contained asbestos. //
Jeez... I removed loads of artex in the 80's and 90's. (without a mask as well) Thats my lungs gone then :-(

[bond]

There is no asbestos, I don't even think it is real artex. It's a flat and there is no concrete between floors, just wood/wooden joists/floorboards etc. Thank you.

[tonyav]

How about this stuff then.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZPrcwkruwY

[nailit]

tony, do i have need to worry?

[tonyav]

If you were breathing in the dust then I would be a tad concerned, nailit.

[nailit]

Thanks tony, it is a concern.

[mastercraft]

"I don't even think it is real artex."

What is it then?

[bednobs]

in all honesty i think it's one of those jobs it's worth saving up for and paying someone else to do

[The Builder]

Even if you board over it, it'll still need finishing. This could be "dry-jointed". That is ... the joints only are taped and jointed, then finished with a sponge.

This is probably your only option if you don't want the cost of skimming over the Artex.

[bednobs]

also, what light fittings do you have? Boarding up to a light fitting and making it look goog is going to be tricky

[The Builder]

Good point, Bednobs. All fittings should be taken down first, then re-fixed after boarding or skimming.