Artex Removal in Great Yarmouth
Transform your dated textured ceilings and walls into smooth, modern surfaces. Whether you need artex skimmed over or fully removed, our experienced team delivers flawless results across Norfolk and Suffolk—safely, cleanly, and at a fair price.
What Is Artex & Why Remove It?
Artex is a brand name that became synonymous with textured coatings applied to ceilings and walls across the United Kingdom from the 1960s through to the late 1990s. These stippled, swirled, or patterned finishes were hugely popular because they covered imperfections cheaply and added a decorative element that was fashionable at the time. You will find artex in thousands of homes across Great Yarmouth, Norwich, Gorleston, Lowestoft, and the wider Norfolk and Suffolk areas.
Today, however, textured ceilings and walls look dated and can make rooms feel dark and uninviting. The rough, uneven surface traps dust and cobwebs, makes painting difficult, and is almost impossible to keep clean. Many homeowners looking to modernise their properties find that removing or covering artex is one of the most impactful improvements they can make—instantly brightening rooms and adding a clean, contemporary feel.
Whether you are renovating a family home, preparing a property for sale, or simply want smooth ceilings and walls, professional artex removal or skimming over artex is the answer. Our team specialises in transforming textured surfaces into flawless, paint-ready finishes that completely modernise any room.
Artex & Asbestos: What You Need to Know
If your home was built or decorated before the year 2000, there is a real possibility that the artex on your ceilings or walls contains chrysotile (white asbestos). Asbestos was commonly added to artex and other textured coatings to strengthen the product and improve its fire resistance. When artex containing asbestos is left undisturbed, it poses minimal risk. However, scraping, sanding, or drilling into it can release microscopic fibres into the air, which are extremely hazardous to health.
This is why we always recommend having a sample of your artex tested by an accredited laboratory before any work begins. Testing is quick, affordable (usually around £25–£40 per sample), and gives you complete peace of mind. We can advise you on how to take a sample safely and recommend trusted local testing laboratories in Norfolk. We will never begin artex removal work on pre-2000 properties without a clear test result.
Two Proven Approaches for a Smooth Finish
Every artex ceiling and wall is different. We assess the condition, texture depth, and your goals before recommending the best method for your property.
Skimming Over Artex
Skimming over artex is the most popular and cost-effective method for achieving smooth ceilings and walls. Rather than removing the textured coating entirely, we apply a bonding agent (PVA or specialist primer) directly to the artex surface, then apply two coats of multi-finish plaster to create a perfectly level, smooth result.
This approach is ideal when the existing artex is firmly bonded to the substrate and has tested negative for asbestos (or when you want to encapsulate asbestos-free artex safely). It is faster, cleaner, and more affordable than full removal—and the finished result is indistinguishable from a brand-new ceiling or wall.
- Fastest route to a smooth, modern finish
- No messy scraping or steaming required
- Ideal when artex is firmly bonded and in good condition
- Two-coat skim for a flawless, paint-ready surface
- Significantly less dust and disruption
From £250 per ceiling
Full Artex Removal
In some situations, full artex removal is the better option. This involves steaming and scraping the textured coating from the ceiling or wall surface, then re-plastering or skimming to achieve a smooth finish. We use professional steamers and specialist scrapers to soften and lift the artex cleanly.
Full removal is recommended when the artex is loose, cracking, or poorly bonded to the surface underneath; when the texture is extremely thick or heavily layered; or when you need a completely flat substrate for specific decorative finishes such as wallpaper or venetian plaster. This method takes longer and creates more mess, but the end result is a completely clean slate.
- Best for loose, flaking, or poorly bonded artex
- Professional steaming and scraping techniques
- Completely removes the textured coating back to substrate
- Followed by re-plastering for a perfect finish
- Ideal when preparing for wallpaper or specialist finishes
From £350 per ceiling
What to Expect When You Book
From your first call to the final smooth finish, we guide you through every step of the artex removal process. Here is exactly how it works.
Asbestos Check
We advise on testing for pre-2000 artex. No work begins without a clear result from an accredited lab.
Site Assessment
We visit your property, inspect the artex, assess bonding and condition, and recommend the best method.
Preparation
Floors, furniture, and fittings are fully protected with dust sheets and polythene sheeting.
Removal or Skimming
We skim over or fully remove the artex, then apply multi-finish plaster to create a flawless surface.
Clean-Up & Handover
We clean up thoroughly, remove all waste, and leave your rooms tidy and ready for decorating.
Typical Artex Removal Timelines
4–8 hours
Single ceiling (skim over)
1–2 days
Single ceiling (full removal)
3–5 days
Whole house (multiple ceilings)
Drying & Aftercare: After skimming, the new plaster needs adequate warmth and ventilation to dry properly—typically 2 to 5 days depending on conditions. We will advise you on exactly when it is safe to paint and how to achieve the best decorating results.
Artex Removal Costs & Free Quotes
We believe in honest, transparent pricing with no hidden extras. Here are our typical artex removal and skimming prices for properties across Great Yarmouth and Norfolk.
£250–£450
Skim over artex (per ceiling)
Most popular
£350–£500
Full artex removal (per ceiling)
Steam & scrape
£200–£400
Artex wall skimming
Per wall
From £1,200
Whole house artex removal
Multiple rooms
What Affects the Price?
Size of the ceiling or wall
Texture type and depth
Condition of the substrate
Method chosen (skim vs removal)
Get Your Free Artex Removal Quote
Free, no-obligation assessment · Clear breakdown of costs · Advice on asbestos testing · No hidden extras
Artex Removal Gallery
See the transformation from dated textured ceilings to smooth, modern finishes across homes in Great Yarmouth and Norfolk.
What Our Customers Say
Real reviews from homeowners across Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, and Suffolk who trusted us to transform their textured ceilings and walls into smooth, modern surfaces.
“Had our old artex ceilings skimmed throughout the house. The finish is absolutely flawless—like having a brand new home. Brilliant work.”
Stephen Lynch
Gorleston · Artex Ceiling Skimming
“The results are amazing! The knowledge and correspondence from him has been outstanding—highly recommend—5 star service.”
Shane Atherton
Lowestoft · Full Property Renovation
“It now looks immaculate. Took care of the carpets and was conscious of keeping mess/dust to a minimum. Highly recommend.”
Vic Dron
North Walsham · Textured Ceiling Removal
“Great work ethic, always on time, took a lot of time & trouble to ensure the work was completed to a high standard.”
Judy Bishop
Norwich · Multi-Room Artex Removal
“Very polite and tidy, very reasonable price, would highly recommend and will use again.”
Paul Garnett
Great Yarmouth · Ceiling Skim Over Artex
“Amazing service, we are really pleased with the results! Reasonably priced and very polite. Side note—great with dogs!”
Samantha Mckay
Great Yarmouth · Artex Removal & Replaster
Artex Removal Across Norfolk & Suffolk
Based in Great Yarmouth, we provide professional artex removal and textured ceiling skimming services across the entire Norfolk and Suffolk region. No job is too far.
Great Yarmouth
Gorleston
Norwich
Lowestoft
North Walsham
Beccles
Hemsby
Caister-on-Sea
Acle
Hopton
Bradwell
Belton
Don't see your area listed? We cover all of Norfolk and Suffolk. to check availability.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Artex Removal
Everything you need to know about artex removal, asbestos testing, costs, and timescales in Norfolk.
Does artex contain asbestos?
Artex and textured coatings applied before the year 2000 may contain chrysotile (white asbestos). It is essential to have a sample tested by an accredited laboratory before any removal or disturbance work begins. We can advise you on how to arrange testing and recommend trusted local laboratories in Norfolk.
Can you skim over artex instead of removing it?
Yes. In many cases, skimming over artex is the most practical and cost-effective solution. We apply PVA or a bonding agent to the textured surface, then skim with two coats of plaster to create a perfectly smooth, modern finish. This avoids the mess and cost of full removal.
How much does artex removal cost in Norfolk?
Artex removal or skimming over artex typically costs between £250 and £500 per ceiling, depending on the size of the room, the type of texture, and the condition of the surface underneath. We provide free, no-obligation quotes with a clear breakdown of all costs.
Is it safe to remove artex yourself?
We strongly advise against DIY artex removal. If the artex contains asbestos, disturbing it without proper precautions can release dangerous fibres into the air. Even asbestos-free artex removal creates significant dust and mess. Always have artex tested first and use a professional for removal.
How long does artex removal take?
A single ceiling typically takes one day to skim over artex, including preparation and clean-up. Full removal may take longer depending on the texture depth and ceiling condition. A whole house with multiple ceilings usually takes 3 to 5 days.
What is the best method for removing artex?
The best method depends on the situation. Skimming over artex with a bonding coat and multi-finish plaster is the most popular option—it is cleaner, faster, and more affordable. Full removal by steaming and scraping is used when the artex is loose, flaking, or when a completely flat surface is needed for specific finishes.
Do you provide asbestos testing for artex?
While we do not carry out asbestos testing directly, we can advise you on the process and recommend accredited local laboratories in Norfolk that provide fast, reliable artex asbestos testing. We will not begin work on pre-2000 artex until a clear test result has been provided.
Ready for Smooth, Modern Ceilings?
Say goodbye to dated artex and hello to beautifully smooth surfaces. Contact your local artex removal experts in Great Yarmouth today for your free, no-obligation quote.