Across over 80-90 properties surveyed in Bristol and Bath, roughly 40% required asbestos testing before work could proceed — and the £25-50 test is the most important money spent before any Artex job on a pre-1985 property.

What Most Artex Guides Tell You vs What Our Bristol Surveys Show

Many online guides suggest that if your Artex is in good condition, you can simply skim over it, or that you only need to worry if your home was built before 1999. Our experience in the Bristol and Bath housing market tells a different story. Because so much of our local housing stock dates back to the mid-20th century, the risk profile is significantly higher than national averages suggest.

For official guidance on managing these materials, refer to the HSE guidance on asbestos in textured coatings.

Does Your Artex Contain Asbestos? How to Tell

It is a common misconception that asbestos-containing Artex was produced until the 1999 ban. In reality, the industry phased out asbestos in textured coatings by 1984. If your home was built before 1985, it falls into the high-risk category. You cannot identify asbestos by looking at the pattern; whether it is a stipple, swirl, or broken leather effect, the only way to confirm the presence of chrysotile (white asbestos) is through professional laboratory testing. We always advise our clients to treat pre-1985 ceilings as suspect until proven otherwise. If you are planning a renovation, our plastering services can help you assess the next steps safely.

The 4 Scenarios We Encounter on Artex Jobs

Pre-1985 Property, Test Comes Back Negative

When a test confirms the absence of asbestos, we can proceed with standard preparation. We apply a high-quality bonding agent like Blue Grit or Thistle Bond-it to ensure the new plaster adheres perfectly to the textured surface. This is a straightforward process that typically takes one day for a standard room.

Pre-1985 Property, Test Comes Back Positive

If the test returns a positive result for chrysotile, we must pause. Licensed asbestos removal is required before any plastering can begin. This adds between £500 and £1,500 to the project budget, as the work must comply with HSE NNLW (Non-Licensed Work) regulations for areas over 1m². If you are unsure about your property, contact us for a quote to discuss your specific situation.

Post-1985 Property

Properties built after 1985 are generally considered lower risk. However, given the inconsistent records of building materials used during the transition period, we still recommend testing for any property built before 1990 to ensure complete peace of mind.

Intact vs Damaged/Friable Artex

Condition is a major factor. Intact Artex in good condition is lower risk even if it tests positive, as the fibres are bound within the coating. However, if the Artex is damaged, crumbling, or friable, it poses a higher risk of fibre release and must be handled by a licensed removal specialist before we can apply a fresh skim coat.

Your 3 Options: Skim Over, Overboard, or Remove

1. Skim Over: Suitable for intact Artex that tests negative. It is the most cost-effective method. Pros: fast and affordable. Cons: requires a solid, stable base.

2. Overboard: Involves fixing new plasterboard over the existing ceiling. This is ideal if the Artex is heavily textured or if there is a risk of poor adhesion. Pros: provides a perfectly flat surface. Cons: reduces ceiling height slightly.

3. Remove: Necessary for damaged or friable Artex. Pros: removes the hazard entirely. Cons: most expensive and time-consuming option. For more details on these methods, see our guide on Artex ceiling removal and skimming costs.

What Plastering Over Artex Typically Costs

As we tell our customers, spending £25-£50 on a test is a fraction of the cost of a full licensed removal if work has already commenced and been forced to stop.

What to Expect on the Day

Our process is designed to be efficient and safe. We start with a 10-15 minute assessment to check the pattern, confirm the age of the property, and review any existing test results. If the area is safe, we apply a bonding coat like Blue Grit to create a mechanical key. We then apply a professional skim coat to achieve a smooth finish. A standard room ceiling is usually completed in one day. If you are ready to proceed, get in touch for a professional assessment.

FAQ

• Does all Artex contain asbestos? No, only Artex produced before 1985 is likely to contain asbestos.

• How do I know if my Artex has asbestos? You cannot tell by looking; you must have a sample tested by a laboratory.

• Can you skim over Artex with asbestos? Only if it is in perfect condition and you have consulted a professional, though removal is often safer.

• How much does it cost to remove asbestos Artex? It typically adds £500-£1,500 to the project for licensed removal.

• Is it safe to leave Artex if it contains asbestos? Yes, if it is intact and undisturbed, it poses very little risk.

• What year did Artex stop using asbestos? Production of asbestos-containing Artex ceased in 1984.

• How long does plastering over Artex take? A standard room ceiling usually takes one day.

• Do I need a licensed contractor to remove Artex? Yes, if the material contains asbestos and the area is over 1m², it must be handled according to HSE NNLW regulations.