Artex Removal in York

Artex had its day. Those swirls and stipples were on half the ceilings in the country at one point, and now they are the first thing people want gone when they do a room up. We remove artex or skim over it to leave a flat, modern surface ready for paint.


There is one thing worth knowing before you start scraping at it yourself. Artex applied before the year 2000 can contain asbestos. That is not a reason to panic, but it is a reason not to sand it dry in your living room. We work safely and will advise you on testing if the age of the coating is in doubt.

Cover it or take it off

Two routes, and the right one depends on the artex.


If the coating is sound and not too heavy, the quickest, cleanest option is to skim over it. We bond the surface and apply finish plaster on top, and the swirls disappear under a flat skim. Less mess, less time, lower cost.



If the artex is thick, flaking, or you simply want it gone, we remove it. That is a more involved job, done with the right method for the coating, and then the surface is made good and skimmed.

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Why people leave it to us

Removing artex badly is a genuine health risk and a horrible job to boot. Done properly it is straightforward, and you end up with a ceiling or wall that looks like it was always meant to be smooth. We have taken artex off more York ceilings than we can count, and the room always feels twice as modern afterwards.

Get A Free Artex Quote

Call McHandy on 07940 099 976 for a free artex quote, or message us.

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Frequently Asked Questions
  • Does my artex contain asbestos?

    At McHandy, we specialise in York home renovation projects, with a particular focus on York kitchen renovation and York bathroom renovation. Our dedicated team is passionate about transforming spaces into beautiful, functional areas tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a complete kitchen overhaul or a serene bathroom retreat, we are here to make your vision come to life, no matter the size of the project.


  • Is it cheaper to cover artex than remove it?

    Usually, yes. Skimming over sound artex is quicker and less disruptive than full removal. We will quote both so you can choose.

  • Will the ceiling be totally flat afterwards?

    That is the point. Whether we cover or remove, you get a flat, paint-ready finish.