Artex and other textured decorative coatings were one of the most popular domestic interior finishes in the UK from the 1960s through to the mid-1980s. Applied to ceilings and sometimes walls in millions of homes, many of these coatings contain chrysotile (white) asbestos — raising important questions for homeowners planning redecoration, renovation or ceiling repairs.
Does All Artex Contain Asbestos?
No. Asbestos was added to some Artex formulations as a strengthening and fire-retardant agent but this practice ended in the UK around 1984. As a general guide: coatings applied before 1980 have a high probability of containing asbestos (0.5–3% chrysotile); coatings between 1980 and 1985 have a lower but possible probability — testing is advised; coatings after 1985 are very unlikely to contain asbestos. The only definitive answer is laboratory analysis. Samples collected by our team are sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory — results typically returned within 2–5 working days.
How Much Does Artex Removal Cost?
- Test only — sample collection and lab analysis, approx. £80–£150 per room
- Encapsulation — seal and skim over; approx. £200–£600 per room. Appropriate where coating is in good condition and disturbance is not planned.
- Full wet removal (NNLW) — approx. £400–£1,200 per room. The coating is wetted and carefully stripped to suppress fibre release.
- Whole-house programme — significant savings per room for multi-room scopes; pricing on application.
Removal vs Encapsulation: Which Is Right?
For homeowners not planning ceiling works, encapsulation is often the most cost-effective approach — provided the coating is in good condition. For those planning significant ceiling works including replastering, new lighting, loft conversion or full interior refurbishment, full removal before works begin is the correct approach. Once the ceiling is disturbed by other trades, the risk of uncontrolled fibre release increases significantly.
Legal Requirements
Asbestos-containing textured coatings are classified as NNLW under CAR 2012. Works must be notified, operatives must use appropriate RPE, and all waste must be disposed of as hazardous waste with consignment notes. Full details on our Artex removal service page. For homeowners see our domestic removal service; for waste disposal our waste collection page.