Artex and Textured Coatings: Asbestos Risk in Pre-1985 Artex, Testing, Removal and Skim-Over Options

Quick Answer: Artex and similar textured coatings applied before 1985 may contain chrysotile (white) asbestos at up to 5% by weight. You must not sand, dry-scrape, or power-sand any textured coating applied before 1985 without first testing for asbestos. If positive, the work falls under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012). The lowest-risk treatment is to skim over with plasterboard or apply a bonding coat — leaving the coating undisturbed.

Summary

Artex was the dominant textured ceiling and wall coating in UK domestic construction from the 1960s through the mid-1980s. The original Artex formulations used chrysotile asbestos (white asbestos) as a binder and reinforcement agent. Asbestos use in textured coatings was phased out by the late 1970s for most manufacturers, but old stock was still applied by contractors into the mid-1980s. This means any textured coating applied before approximately 1985 must be treated as a potential asbestos-containing material (ACM) until proven otherwise by sampling.

The asbestos content in Artex is typically low (1–4%) and in a bonded matrix — it is not the same risk as loose asbestos insulation or lagging. The primary risk is from dry sanding or abrading the coating, which releases fibres. Wet scraping with minimal abrasion creates a much lower risk. However, many decorators are unaware of the risk and sand textured ceilings routinely — this is illegal if the material contains asbestos and has been the cause of several prosecutions.

For tradespeople, the key rule is: if it might be Artex and it was applied before 1985, test before you work.

Key Facts

Quick Reference Table

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Approach Asbestos Risk Cost Result Recommended?
Skim over (bonding + skim) Minimal (no disturbance) Low Smooth finish Yes — first choice

Detailed Guidance

Identifying Textured Coatings

You cannot identify asbestos content by visual inspection — Artex looks like Artex whether it contains asbestos or not. Age is the primary indicator:

Common types with possible asbestos content:

Testing Procedure

  1. Advise the client to test before any work starts; provide this in writing as a quotation note
  2. Take a sample yourself (with appropriate precautions: RPE, damp cloth) or instruct a specialist to sample
  3. Send to a UKAS-accredited laboratory — results typically 3–5 working days; fast-track available
  4. Result negative: can proceed with normal precautions (wet scraping preferred)
  5. Result positive: implement CAR 2012 non-licensed notifiable controls (below)

Skim-Over Method (Recommended)

The safest and often most practical option:

For skim-over on ceilings, warn the client of the slight reduction in ceiling height (typically 5–15mm). This is almost imperceptible in most rooms.

Non-Licensed Removal Controls (If Removal Is Necessary)

If the client insists on removal:

  1. Risk assessment — documented; stored for 40 years
  2. Notify employer — for employed workers; self-employed must keep their own records
  3. Area preparation — clear all furniture; seal doorways with polythene sheeting and tape; remove soft furnishings if possible
  4. PPE and RPE — disposable Type 5/6 coveralls (Tyvek); FFP3 half-face respirator or better; nitrile gloves; disposal covers for footwear
  5. Wet scraping — apply wetting agent (water with washing-up liquid or proprietary product) to soften coating; scrape with wide flat scraper; avoid generating dust
  6. H-class vacuum — clean debris continuously with HEPA-filtered vacuum (H-class; minimum EN 60335-2-69)
  7. Disposal — double-bag in asbestos waste bags; seal with gaffer tape; label; arrange consignment to licensed waste facility

Frequently Asked Questions

My client's ceiling is definitely Artex from the 1970s but they say it doesn't matter — what do I do?

Advise in writing that under CAR 2012 you are required to treat the coating as a potential ACM and cannot dry-sand or abrade it without testing. Offer the skim-over option, which avoids the need for testing. If the client refuses testing and insists on sanding, do not carry out the work — you could face HSE prosecution. Document the client's refusal and your advice.

Can I skim directly over heavily spiked Artex?

Yes, but it requires more preparation. Very deep spiky textures (e.g. original 1970s 'trowel drag' patterns) need the tips broken down first — use a stiff scraper gently (damp surface) to knock down the peaks. Then apply bonding coat to fill and level. A smooth finish will require 2 coats of bonding and 1 coat of skim. The result is indistinguishable from new plasterwork.

Does a decorator need a licence to work on Artex?

Not for non-licensed work (textured coatings with asbestos are classified as non-licensed). However, a risk assessment is required, the work must be notifiable if significant disturbance is involved, and appropriate controls must be in place. A decorator who dry-sands a positive-test ceiling is exposing themselves to prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and CAR 2012.

Regulations & Standards