Asbestos Textured Coatings – Artex Risks & Removal

What is Asbestos Textured Coating?

Asbestos textured coating—often known by trade names like Artex—was a decorative finish applied to ceilings and walls from the 1960s through the 1999. These coatings often contained Chrysotile (white asbestos), especially those applied before 1985.

You’ll commonly find asbestos in:

Swirled ceiling patterns
Stippled or combed wall textures
Plastered over ceilings in domestic and commercial properties

Although the asbestos is usually firmly bound within the material, disturbing it through sanding, scraping, or drilling can release harmful fibres.

Asbestos Textured Coating Identification

Visual inspection isn’t enough—many textured coatings look the same whether or not they contain asbestos. The only way to confirm is through professional asbestos sampling and testing.

Asbestos Textured Coating Removal

Removing textured coatings is classed as notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW). Our team follows strict guidelines using controlled methods to safely remove asbestos coatings. See our full asbestos removal service offering.

Asbestos Textured Coating Health Risks

Although considered lower risk when left undisturbed, sanding or scraping textured coatings can release fibres, potentially causing:

Asbestosis
Lung cancer
Mesothelioma

Asbestos Artex Ceiling in Older Domestic or Commercial Property

Asbestos Textured Coating Applications

These coatings were widely used in:

Homes (bedrooms, hallways, lounges)
Offices and schools
Ceilings and upper wall sections
Pre-fab and council properties

If you’re unsure about what’s on your ceiling, we recommend an asbestos management survey.

Asbestos Textured Coating Testing

We use controlled sampling techniques to take a small section of the coating and analyse it at a UKAS-accredited lab. Book asbestos testing if you suspect Artex in your property.

Asbestos Textured Coating Disposal

If removed, asbestos coatings must be:

Bagged and labelled
Disposed of at a licensed waste site
Handled only by trained personnel

See our asbestos disposal services for more details.

Asbestos Textured Coating Regulations

Work involving asbestos coatings is governed by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Most jobs fall under non-licensed but notifiable work, requiring detailed risk assessments and training.

Asbestos Textured Coating Encapsulation

If coatings are in good condition and won’t be disturbed, encapsulation may be a safer and more cost-effective option than removal. We offer advice through our asbestos management services.

Asbestos Textured Coating Cost

Pricing depends on:

Ceiling/wall size
Accessibility
Whether testing or removal is needed

Examples of Asbestos Textured Coatings

See our gallery below for examples of Artex ceilings, stippled walls, and plastered finishes that tested positive for asbestos. If in doubt, get in touch through our contact page.