Is Artex Dangerous? Asbestos in Artex Explained

Artex ceilings and walls textured with coatings made before the mid-1980s may contain asbestos. You cannot tell whether a specific Artex ceiling contains asbestos by looking at it. The only way to know is to have a sample tested by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. If asbestos is present, the risk depends on the condition of the coating and whether it's disturbed — not on the fact that it exists.

This article explains the facts homeowners need. It does not provide asbestos removal instructions. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials without proper controls can release dangerous fibres. For authoritative guidance, see the HSE asbestos advice.

Does Artex contain asbestos?

Artex is a brand name that became a generic term for textured coatings applied to ceilings and walls. Textured coatings manufactured between roughly 1960 and the mid-1980s commonly used asbestos (typically white asbestos, chrysotile) to add strength and texture. Asbestos was phased out from these products, and coatings made from the late 1980s onward do not contain asbestos.

So:

• Pre-mid-1980s Artex / textured coatings — may contain asbestos
• Post-mid-1980s coatings — generally asbestos-free
• Any specific ceiling — can only be confirmed by laboratory testing

The date the coating was applied is a guide, not a guarantee. A ceiling patched or over-coated at any time could have older material underneath.

Why you can't tell by looking

There is nothing visible that identifies asbestos-containing Artex. The texture pattern (swirls, peaks, circles, stipple) tells you nothing about the composition. A ceiling that looks identical could contain asbestos or be completely asbestos-free. Colour, age of the property and texture type are all unreliable indicators.

This is why the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) treats any textured coating of unknown age as potentially asbestos-containing until tested.

When should you test?

Testing is sensible before any work that could disturb the coating:

• Before sanding or scraping a textured ceiling
• Before removing an Artex ceiling
• Before drilling many holes (e.g. for downlights, fittings)
• Before a renovation that involves the ceiling or wall surface
• If the coating is damaged — cracked, flaking or water-damaged

A small sample taken carefully by someone following HSE guidance, sent to a UKAS-accredited lab, will confirm whether asbestos is present. Many homeowners prefer to have a professional take the sample to avoid any risk of fibre release.

What not to do

If you suspect a coating may contain asbestos, do not:

• Sand it — sanding creates dust and releases fibres
• Scrape or chip it dry — mechanical disturbance is the main risk
• Drill repeatedly without controls
• Use a power stripper or sander on the surface
• Try to remove it yourself without understanding the legal and safety requirements

The risk from asbestos comes mainly from inhaling airborne fibres. Intact, undisturbed asbestos-containing Artex that's in good condition is generally safer left alone and managed than removed by an unqualified person.

Encapsulation vs removal

If asbestos-containing Artex is confirmed, two common approaches are:

• Encapsulation — covering the coating so it's not disturbed. Skimming over Artex with plaster is one form of encapsulation, because the textured surface is sealed beneath a new layer without being broken up. This is often the lower-risk, lower-cost option when the coating is sound.
• Removal — taking the coating off. This must be done by a competent professional with the right controls, and may be subject to asbestos regulations and notification requirements.

The right choice depends on the condition of the coating, the planned works, and professional advice. Encapsulation is frequently recommended where the surface is sound and the goal is a smooth finish. See our Artex covering and skimming over Artex pages for what's involved in covering a textured ceiling.

Professional procedures

Proper handling of asbestos-containing materials follows HSE and CAR 2012 (Control of Asbestos Regulations) requirements. For textured coatings this may involve controlled wet removal, enclosure, appropriate RPE/PPE, and licensed waste disposal. Homeowners should not attempt removal of asbestos-containing coatings themselves.

FAQ

How much asbestos is in Artex? Where present, the asbestos content of textured coatings is typically low (a few per cent), but any disturbance can still release fibres. Only a lab test confirms whether a specific ceiling contains asbestos.

Is Artex dangerous if left alone? Intact, undisturbed asbestos-containing Artex in good condition is generally considered low risk. The risk arises when it's damaged or disturbed.

Can I skim over Artex? Yes — skimming over a sound Artex ceiling is a common encapsulation method that avoids disturbing the textured coating. If the coating is old, test before any preparation that breaks the surface.

How do I know if my Artex has asbestos? Only by having a sample tested by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. You cannot tell by appearance.

Should I remove an Artex ceiling myself? No. If it may contain asbestos, removal should be carried out by a competent professional following HSE requirements.

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If you have an Artex or textured ceiling you'd like smoothed or covered, send London Plastering Service a photo and the approximate age of the property. We can advise on safe covering options and provide a free quote — and we'll always recommend testing first if there's any chance the coating predates the late 1980s.