Artexers Guide: Textured Ceilings, Repairs, Removal and Safe Options

If you live in an older UK home, chances are you’ve looked up at a textured ceiling and wondered what to do with it. Some people love the character, others feel it dates the room, and many simply don’t know whether it’s safe to touch or how to deal with repairs. That’s where skilled tradespeople often known as artexers come in. These are the specialists who understand textured coatings better than anyone else.

I’ve spent years working with homeowners through Dwellify Home, helping them renovate ceilings, smooth out dated textures or safely manage older surfaces. And trust me, once you understand how these coatings were made, why they were used and what your options are today, making the right decision becomes a whole lot easier.

Here’s your simple, friendly guide to everything you need to know.

Short intro about Artexers:

Artexers are skilled tradespeople who work with textured ceilings and walls. They apply new patterns, repair damaged areas or safely handle older Artex surfaces found in many UK homes.

Mission Statement:

Our mission is to help homeowners understand textured ceilings in a simple and safe way. We guide you through smart repair choices, modern design options and trusted information so your home looks better and feels safer.

What Are Artexers?

Artexers are tradespeople who work specifically with textured coatings on ceilings and walls. They know how to create new patterns, repair damaged areas or completely transform the surface to match modern design trends. Think of them as specialists within the broader world of plastering.

Where a general plasterer focuses on smooth finishes, an artexer understands how textures behave. They can work with old patterns, match existing ones and guide you on what’s realistically fixable versus what’s better to replace.

Artexer vs Plasterer

Both trades overlap, but an artexer brings a certain finesse to textured surfaces. Matching a swirl or stipple pattern is a lot harder than it looks, and this is exactly where specialist experience pays off. If your ceiling has any kind of texture, you’ll want someone who has handled these materials for years.

What is Artex

Artex is a type of textured coating that was commonly used in UK homes. It started out as a powder that you mix with water to form a paste. Once applied, the wet coating can be shaped into all kinds of decorative textures. Swirls, comb lines, stipples and little raised peaks were the most popular.

It was loved because it hid imperfections and added a decorative touch to ceilings without much effort. For older homes with uneven surfaces, this was a lifesaver.

Quick Comparison Table / Fast Guide

Artex Repair or Renovation Quick Guide

Task	Best For	Pros	Considerations
Repair	Small cracks or leak marks	Fast and affordable	Pattern must match the original
Skim/Overboard	Heavy or uneven texture	Modern smooth finish	Adds slight ceiling depth
Full Removal	Very damaged or unwanted texture	Clean reset of the surface	Testing and pro handling recommended
New Texture Application	Light modern designs	Fresh decorative look	Requires skilled application

Why Artex Became Popular in the UK

For decades, homeowners and builders preferred textured coatings because they made imperfect ceilings look acceptable quickly. Smooth ceilings require more skill and time. Textured finishes were a practical solution.

On top of that, texture was trendy. People loved the idea of ceilings with movement and design. It was a fashionable look in the 70s, 80s and even into the 90s.

Why Its Use Declined

Here’s the thing. Tastes changed. As modern minimalist interiors took over, smooth ceilings became the standard. Textured ceilings suddenly felt dated.

Matching old patterns for repairs also became tricky. You might fix one patch, but if the pattern isn’t perfect, the repair becomes more obvious than the original damage.

And of course, there’s the awareness around older textures that may contain asbestos. This pushed many homeowners toward safer renovation routes and encouraged new materials that don’t carry the same risks.

What Do Artexers Do Today?

Modern artexers don’t just apply textures. Their work now involves restoration, repair and safe renovation advice. The job looks very different from what it was in the 80s.

New Modern Texture Application

Some homeowners still appreciate subtle texture. Not every project requires a bold pattern. Nowadays many prefer lighter, softer textures that work better with contemporary lighting. Experienced tradespeople can apply these newer, safer materials without the rough look of older coatings.

Repair and Pattern Matching

If you’ve ever had a leak or crack in a textured ceiling, you know how tough it is to fix it without the repair standing out. This is exactly where experience shows. Skilled artexers study the original pattern then recreate it using the right tools, pressure and timing.

Removal and Making Old Ceilings Safe

A big part of the job today involves helping homeowners remove or cover textured ceilings safely. Sometimes removal is the right move. Other times a professional will recommend covering the surface with plasterboard or skimming it. The right decision depends on the ceiling’s condition and age.

Common Artex Patterns You’ll Still See

If you walk into older UK homes, you’ll often notice:

• Swirl patterns that flow across the ceiling
• Stipple textures created with a stipple brush
• Comb or fan lines that create a repeating wave
• Peaks or raised dots that look more rugged

Recognizing these helps in choosing the right repair method.

Artex Ceiling Damage: Root Causes

Ceilings can develop issues over time, and textured coatings often highlight those flaws.

Water leaks are the most common cause. Even a small drip from an upstairs bathroom can leave a mark. Movement in the building, temperature shifts and old workmanship also contribute to cracks or sagging patches.

Sometimes the coating was simply applied too thickly in the past, and age has made it brittle.

Repair vs Cover vs Remove: How to Choose the Best Option

When homeowners ask what they should do, I always say the answer depends on the ceiling’s age, condition and the look you want.

Repair works best when the damage is small and the pattern can be matched cleanly. It’s the least disruptive option.

Covering the ceiling by skim coating or overboarding is ideal when the texture is heavy or uneven. This gives you the modern smooth finish without removing the old material.

Removal is chosen when the homeowner wants a reset or when the ceiling is in very poor condition. If there’s any possibility of older material containing harmful fibers, only trained professionals should handle it.

Asbestos Risk: What Homeowners Should Understand

Before the early 2000s, some textured coatings included asbestos. The coating itself is usually stable when undisturbed. Problems arise when you scrape, sand or drill into it because releasing fibers into the air can create health risks.

That’s why artex removal or heavy repair should always start with proper testing. It’s quick, inexpensive and gives you clarity before any renovation begins. Think of it as a smart safety check.

Safety First: Simple Do’s and Don’ts

Here’s a simple rule: don’t disturb a textured ceiling unless you know what’s inside it.

• Don’t sand or scrape the surface yourself
• Don’t drill into it blindly
• Don’t attempt DIY repairs on older textures

If the ceiling is in good condition, leaving it alone or covering it is often the safest route. When in doubt, ask a professional to take a quick look. Peace of mind is worth a lot more than guesswork.

Hiring an Artexer: Smart Checklist

Choosing the right person makes the whole process smoother. Here’s what I recommend asking:

• Have you worked with my specific pattern before
• Can you show examples of repair work
• What’s your process for matching textures
• How do you handle safety tests or checks
• Do you have public liability insurance

An experienced professional doesn’t hesitate with answers. Their confidence will help reassure you that the ceiling is in good hands.

Cost Factors: A Quick Guide

There isn’t a fixed price because textured ceilings vary widely. Instead, focus on the factors that influence cost.

• Ceiling size and height
• Amount of damage
• Access issues
• Whether testing is needed
• Whether you choose repair, covering or full removal

A good tradesperson will assess the space and walk you through the pricing options before starting.

DIY: What’s Safe and What to Avoid

Homeowners often ask whether textured ceilings can be a DIY project. I always say small cosmetic work like light repainting is usually fine, as long as the ceiling stays intact.

But anything involving scraping, sanding or removing texture is not a job for beginners. Even if the coating is safe, the material can flake easily and create a mess. It’s always better to let trained professionals handle major work.

Modern Alternatives to the Classic Artex Look

If you’re not a fan of the textured ceiling style, don’t worry. There are great modern options that completely change the room’s vibe.

Smooth skim finishes are the top choice for clean, contemporary interiors. Soft micro-textures can also add dimension without overwhelming the ceiling. Decorative panels and creative lighting setups can hide uneven textures while introducing a stylish element to the space.

The best part is that these solutions work beautifully in both older and newer homes.

Resale and Renovation Impact

Textured ceilings can influence how buyers feel about a property. Many prefer smooth ceilings because they create a cleaner, brighter look. If you plan to sell in the next few years, covering or smoothing may help your home feel more updated.

But here’s the thing. A well-maintained or properly managed textured ceiling is not automatically a problem. Documented test results or professional repairs can give buyers confidence that everything is safe and structurally sound.

FAQs:

What is Artex used for

Artex is used to create decorative textures on ceilings and walls. Homeowners liked it because it hides imperfections and adds character without complex plastering work.

Who is Artex

Artex is not a person but a brand name for a textured coating that was widely used in the UK. Many people simply refer to textured ceilings as Artex because the name became so common.

What is another name for Artex

People often call it textured coating, textured ceiling finish, stipple finish or swirl pattern ceiling. These names describe the decorative surface created using Artex materials.

What is the composition of Artex

Traditional Artex was a powdered mix combined with water to form a paste. Older versions sometimes included asbestos, while modern products are asbestos free and safer to apply.

Conclusion

Artexers play a much broader role today than they did decades ago. They’re not just texture creators. They’re restoration experts who help homeowners make smart, safe and beautiful decisions. Whether you want to repair a patch, smooth out an old swirl or give your room a fresh look, knowing your options makes the process far less stressful.

If you take one thing from this guide, let it be this. Don’t rush into scraping or sanding a textured ceiling. Start with understanding the material, get expert advice when needed and choose a method that fits your home’s age, safety and style. A small step in the right direction often saves a big headache later.

Whenever you’re ready to explore new ceiling ideas, fix an old one or transform your room altogether, you’ll know exactly what to ask and what to expect.

Disclaimer:

This article provides general guidance about textured ceilings and artexers. Older surfaces may require professional testing or specialist handling. Always consult a qualified expert before attempting repairs or removal.