Artex removal in Tiverton
Looking for professional artex removal help in Tiverton? Hembury Contracting provides reliable painting services across Tiverton and surrounding areas.
Price Guide
£260-£410
Typical Duration
5-8 hrs
Location
Tiverton
Dated artex ceilings scraped smooth or skimmed flat for a modern finish. Safe removal methods, full room protection, and proper plastering that's ready to paint in a few weeks.
### Say Goodbye to Those Swirls
**That artex ceiling** - it's been staring at you for years, hasn't it? Those dated swirls and stipples screaming "1970s" every time you look up.
Getting rid of it properly makes a **massive difference** to how modern a room feels. Smooth ceilings = instant upgrade.
> 💡 **Pro tip:** Not all artex needs removing. Skimming straight over shallow patterns is quicker, cleaner, and cheaper - and the result looks identical.
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### Removal vs Overskim - What's Best?
Here's the honest truth about your options:
| ✅ Skim Over (Usually Best) | ❌ Full Removal (Sometimes Necessary) | |------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | Less mess and dust | Very dusty and messy | | Quicker job (5-6 hrs) | Longer job (full day+) | | Cheaper | More expensive | | Works for most patterns | Needed for very deep textures | | Ceiling slightly lower (unnoticeable) | Ceiling height stays same |
**Most jobs I do:** Skim straight over. Unless your artex is extremely deep or hiding damaged plaster, this is the sensible approach.
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### What You Get
**🔧 The Artex Removal Process**
| Stage | What Happens | |-------|--------------| | **Assess** | Check pattern depth, test for damage, confirm approach | | **Protect** | Full room sheeting, furniture covered, dust containment | | **Remove** | Carefully scrape artex (if needed), prep surface | | **Plaster** | Fresh skim coat applied smooth and level | | **Finish** | Mist coat applied, ready for final decoration |
**📦 You're Left With** - Completely smooth, flat ceiling - Mist coat seal (first paint layer) - Modern finish ready for emulsion - Clean room (though some fine dust inevitable)
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### Pricing Guide
| Room Size | Estimated Time | You'll Pay | |-----------|----------------|------------| | Small bedroom | 5-6 hrs | **£260-£310** | | Average living room | 6-7 hrs | **£310-£360** | | Large reception | 7-8 hrs | **£360-£410** |
*Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Overskim only - full scraping adds time. Asbestos testing not included.*
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### Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ **1970s/80s property** - instant modern upgrade
✅ **Selling your house** - buyers hate artex
✅ **Pre-decoration** - get it done before the decorator arrives
✅ **Damaged artex** - falling off or cracked anyway, sort it properly
⚠️ **Asbestos concerns?** Pre-1985 artex may contain asbestos. Get it tested first - I can't remove asbestos-containing materials.
Why Choose Us for Artex removal in Tiverton?
Safe removal with dust containment
Smooth plastered finish ready to paint
Asbestos awareness for older properties
Complete transformation from dated to modern
What to Expect
### Step 1: Assessment & Protection I check your artex depth and pattern, confirm the approach (skim over vs remove), and sheet the entire room. Everything gets covered. ### Step 2: Prep & Application If removing, I carefully scrape the artex. If skimming over, I prep the surface. Then fresh plaster goes on smooth and level - this is skilled work. ### Step 3: Mist Coat & Cleanup Once set, I apply a mist coat (seals the new plaster). Clean up is thorough but expect to wipe surfaces - plastering is dusty. Plaster needs 2-3 weeks to dry before final painting.
Our Tiverton Service Coverage
We cover Tiverton and a 30-mile radius from Exeter, meaning you get local service with the backing of an established business. Whether you're in the centre of Tiverton or in the surrounding villages, we're here to help.
Good to Know
> 🎨 **Decorating soon?** Do the artex removal first. Your decorator can't work around wet plaster, and new plaster needs 2-3 weeks to dry before painting. Get this done, let it cure, then book your decorator. **Multiple ceilings?** Doing the whole house together saves on setup time and the per-room cost. Plus you only live through the disruption once. **Older Exeter property?** Many Victorian and Edwardian homes had artex added in the 70s/80s. I've worked on dozens - wonky ceilings, lath and plaster underneath, sometimes asbestos. I know what to expect and how to handle it properly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Artex removal in Tiverton
Does artex contain asbestos?
It can do if it was applied before the mid-1980s. I can't remove asbestos-containing artex - that requires licensed specialists. But for post-1985 artex or if you've had it tested and it's clear, I can remove it safely. Most jobs I do are fine, but it's worth knowing about if you're in an older Tiverton property.
Can you just plaster over the artex instead of removing it?
Yes - this is actually the easier option and often what I'd recommend. I can skim straight over most artex patterns (not too deep) to create a smooth finish. It's quicker, cheaper, and less messy than full removal. The ceiling ends up slightly lower but you'd never notice.
How messy is artex removal?
Not going to lie - it's dusty work. I use polythene sheeting to protect your room and furniture, but expect some fine dust. The scraping creates mess, then the plastering creates more. I clean up thoroughly, but you'll want to wipe surfaces down afterwards. Overboarding or skimming over is much cleaner if that's an option.
What's the process - removal or overskim?
Depends on the artex depth and your ceiling condition. Shallow patterns get skimmed over. Deep swirls or if the ceiling's damaged underneath might need removal first, then fresh plaster. I'll advise what's best when I see it - sometimes the 'proper' removal isn't worth the extra mess and cost.
How long before I can paint the new ceiling?
Fresh plaster needs at least 2-3 weeks to fully dry before painting with emulsion. Rush it and the paint won't stick properly. I'll leave it with a mist coat (watered-down emulsion) which seals it - your decorator finishes with two proper coats once it's dry.
Get a Free Quote in Tiverton
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01392 964094Request Online QuotePricing for Tiverton
* Same rates for all locations in our service area
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