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

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

• CAR 2012 (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012) — prohibits work on ACMs without appropriate precautions; Regulation 5 requires Duty to Manage for non-domestic premises; domestic rules under Regulation 4
• Textured coatings — technically a low-risk ACM category 2 if intact, but disturbance (sanding) creates hazard
• Pre-1985 rule — presume asbestos present in textured coatings unless tested; post-1985 is lower risk but not zero
• Chrysotile (white asbestos) — most common type in Artex; considered lower risk than amphibole (brown/blue) asbestos but still carcinogenic
• Sampling — must be carried out or supervised by a competent person; sample sent to an accredited laboratory (UKAS-accredited)
• Sample size — typically a 25mm × 25mm square taken with a damp cloth (to minimise dust); sample placed in a sealed plastic bag; sent with chain of custody form
• Licensed vs non-licensed work — work on textured coatings containing asbestos is non-licensed but must be notified to the employer and recorded; a risk assessment is required; specific control measures apply
• Non-licensed notifiable — if significant disturbance of asbestos-containing coating: employer must notify the HSE; worker health records required for 40 years
• Safe methods for textured coatings — wet scraping only (no dry sanding); H-class vacuum; RPE (FFP3 mask) mandatory; disposable coveralls; bag waste as asbestos waste
• Skim over — applying plasterboard direct to ceiling (dot and dab or battened) or applying a bonding/skim coat directly over intact Artex — safest option; leaves ACM undisturbed
• WetFilm wetting agent — applying a paste or gel (e.g. ArtexSafe, Nilco) softens the texture and reduces dust release during removal
• HSE MDHS100 — guidance document for work with textured coatings containing asbestos
• Waste disposal — asbestos-containing waste must be double-bagged in asbestos waste sacks, clearly labelled, and taken to a licensed waste transfer station; waste transfer note required

Quick Reference Table

• | Plasterboard overboard | None | Smooth finish | Yes — good option | | Wet scrape (non-licensed) | Low (if done correctly) | Medium | Requires replastering | Acceptable with controls | | Dry sand/power sand | HIGH — illegal without controls | — | — | Never on suspected ACM | | Licensed removal contractor | None after removal | High | Bare substrate | For severe cases only |

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:

• Built or redecorated before approximately 1985: high probability
• Built or redecorated after 1985: lower probability, but not zero (some application into late 1980s)
• Post-1990 textured coatings: typically asbestos-free

Common types with possible asbestos content:

• Artex (brand name; used generically for all textured coatings)
• Neotex, Wondertex, Durex, Supatex — competitor brands, same risk profile
• Any 'swirled', 'stippled', 'feathered', 'combed', or textured ceiling/wall applied in the relevant period

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:

• Bonding + skim: Apply a bonding coat (Gyproc Thistle Bonding or similar) directly over the textured ceiling, feathering the texture into the bonding plaster; when set, apply a skim coat finish. The texture is encapsulated.
• Limitation: if the texture is very deep (high relief), a lot of bonding coat is needed; plumb or set at the high points to establish levels; time-consuming but no risk of fibre release
• Plasterboard overboard: Fix 9.5mm plasterboard directly to the ceiling joists or with a biscuit/dot-and-dab adhesive system; tape and fill; no disturbance of original coating

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

• Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) — primary legislation; non-licensed work provisions at Regulations 7–12

• HSE MDHS100 — Surveying, sampling and assessment of asbestos-containing materials

• HSE HSG264 — Asbestos: The survey guide

• EH40/2005 (4th edition, 2020) — Workplace Exposure Limits: asbestos WEL 1 f/ml (chrysotile), 1 f/ml (all other types) 4-hour TWA

• HSE — Asbestos in Homes — official guidance for domestic properties and homeowners

• Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) — licensed contractor search and guidance

• Artex — Safety Data and Guidance — current manufacturer guidance (modern Artex is asbestos-free)

• asbestos — broader asbestos awareness: identification, CAR 2012 overview

• skim coat — skim-coat procedure over bonding coat

• dot and dab — plasterboard overboarding method