Short answer: Yes
But here’s why it’s not always the best option
Artex, the once-popular textured coating used on walls and ceilings across UK homes, is now a well-known asbestos risk. While some contractors offer to scrape Artex as a removal method, this approach can often create more problems than it solves, especially if the underlying surface is fragile or due for refurbishment.
We explain when scraping Artex might be appropriate, where it can go wrong, and why full removal is usually the better choice.
What is an Artex ceiling, and why is it an issue?
Artex is a type of textured coating that was widely used across UK homes and buildings from the 1950s through to the late 1980s. Often applied to ceilings and sometimes walls for a decorative, swirled or stippled finish, it became popular for its ability to hide imperfections and its ease of application.
However, what many people don’t realise is that Artex manufactured before 1999 may contain chrysotile, a form of white asbestos.
Asbestos fibres are highly dangerous when disturbed. Once airborne, they can be inhaled and cause serious long-term health conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. That’s why working with, or disturbing, textured coatings like Artex should only ever be carried out by trained and competent professionals who understand how to manage the risk safely.
Not sure if your ceiling contains asbestos? Read our detailed guide on How to Identify Artex Ceilings That May Contain Asbestos. It explains key signs to look for, why self-inspection isn’t reliable, and how professional testing can give you peace of mind.
Can Artex be scraped off?
Yes, Artex can be scraped, but there are significant caveats depending on the substrate it’s applied to. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Plasterboard Ceilings and Walls
Scraping Artex off plasterboard can seriously damage the surface. Razor scrapers often dig into the board, leaving it gouged or weakened.
Even if the Artex is removed, a plasterer may later refuse to work with the damaged board, leaving the client to pay again for replacement and disposal.
2. Lathe and Plaster Ceilings
This traditional method of ceiling construction presents different challenges. Scraping Artex here is slow and labour-intensive, and often redundant.
Once the coating is removed, most builders opt to remove the lathes anyway to reboard the ceiling. At that point, full removal would have been faster and more economical.
3. Plastered Masonry or Frieze Areas
Clients sometimes request scraping to avoid the cost of full reinstatement. However, on solid plaster walls or decorative friezes, this process is extremely time-consuming. Multiple steps may be needed:
- Scoring the surface
- Applying chemical softeners like X-Tex or Torstrip
- Covering and waiting
- Scraping, and repeating
This introduces delays, additional labour, and the risk of chemical spills, which can damage flooring or create general hazards in the property.
4. Concrete Ceilings (e.g. Flats and Social Housing)
Scraping Artex from concrete surfaces is sometimes the only viable method. It requires brute effort, specialist chemicals, and trained asbestos teams. While possible, it’s slow, tiring work and not always cost-effective for large areas.
Why Full Removal is Often the Better Option
Removing the affected area entirely is often the most practical and professional route, particularly on larger or more complex projects.
- Cleaner, safer outcomes: full removal eliminates the risk of residual asbestos fibres remaining in the substrate, fully decontaminated and safe for follow-on works or occupation.
- Avoids damage to underlying materials: razor scrapers can easily gouge plasterboard, leaving the surface irreparable. We’ve seen countless projects where a contractor has scraped a ceiling to ‘save costs’, only for the plasterer to declare it unworkable afterwards and reboarding is required anyway.
- Reduces site delays and trade disputes: when scraping is used and the results are subpar, it can hold up the schedule and cause friction on site. Builders, plasterers and clients often disagree on who’s responsible for the poor finish or the extra work required to fix it. Full removal removes the guesswork and sets a clear scope for reinstatement.
- Supports a higher-quality reinstatement: whether you’re reboarding, replastering, or decorating, a fully stripped surface provides a cleaner slate. Follow-on trades can work more efficiently and with fewer surprises, meaning your project is more likely to stay on time and on budget.
- Long-term value over short-term savings: while full removal may seem like a more expensive option up front, it often proves more cost-effective in the long run. Scraping is labour-intensive and doesn’t always achieve the desired finish — especially if the coating is thick, bonded, or on a fragile substrate. Removing the substrate entirely and starting fresh typically leads to better results and fewer hidden costs.
In short, scraping can be viable in some scenarios, but it comes with real risks, both to the structure and the timeline of your project.
In most cases, full removal is the smarter investment, offering peace of mind, quality results, and fewer headaches for everyone involved.
What happens if you scrape Artex?
Scraping Artex can release dangerous asbestos fibres if the coating contains asbestos, which many older textured coatings do. Disturbing the surface without proper testing or control measures can pose serious health risks and may breach UK asbestos regulations.
scraping Artex is not always the best idea. It can lead to contamination, structural damage, and unexpected costs, which is why asbestos testing and professional advice should always come first.
Is it safe to remove Artex yourself?
No, removing Artex yourself is not considered safe unless you are certain it does not contain asbestos.
Many textured coatings applied before 2000 in the UK may include white asbestos (chrysotile). If disturbed, the fibres can become airborne and inhaled, increasing the risk of serious illnesses such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.
DIY removal without proper testing, PPE, and control measures can be dangerous and may also breach legal requirements under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
To stay safe and compliant, always arrange asbestos testing before attempting to remove Artex. If asbestos is present, removal must be handled by a qualified asbestos contractor.
DIY vs Professional Artex Removal:
Does It Make a Difference?
Short answer: Yes — a major one.
DIY scraping might look cheaper on paper, but the risks, hidden costs, and potential damage often make it a false economy. When asbestos is a factor, professional removal is always the safer, more efficient route.
DIY Removal: What Can Go Wrong
- Unknown asbestos risk: many Artex coatings applied before 2000 may contain chrysotile asbestos. Without professional testing, you can’t be sure.
- Health hazard: scraping Artex can release harmful fibres into the air. Without proper containment, extraction, and PPE, this exposes you and others to danger.
- Legal implications: DIY asbestos removal without training or proper controls may breach UK asbestos regulations (CAR 2012).
- Surface damage: razor scrapers can gouge plasterboard or crack lath and plaster. Poor results could require full reboarding and replastering anyway.
- Waste disposal issues: asbestos waste must be double-bagged, labelled, and taken to a licensed facility, not your household tip.
Professional Removal: Why It’s the Safer Option
- Asbestos testing included: professionals can take samples for lab testing before any work begins, removing guesswork.
- Full compliance: licensed contractors follow all HSE guidance and legislation for safe asbestos removal and waste disposal.
- Better results: whether scraping or full removal, professionals use the correct tools, techniques, and containment to protect the property.
- Faster & cleaner: work is completed with minimal disruption, ensuring follow-on trades like plasterers can start immediately.
Is Scraping Artex Worth It? Our Verdict
Scraping Artex is sometimes possible, but it’s rarely the best route. In most cases, full professional removal by licensed asbestos specialists is safer, faster, and more cost-effective. It clears the way for clean reinstatement, keeps your trades on schedule, and helps you stay legally compliant.
Still unsure? Contact Fibre Safe for expert advice or to arrange artex asbestos testing before you start your next project.
- Textured Ceilings & Artex Asbestos Testing: Accurate sampling and certified lab analysis to confirm the presence of asbestos.
- Comprehensive Asbestos Surveys: Detailed assessments to determine the extent of asbestos and recommend the best course of action.
- Professional Removal & Disposal: Licensed removal using industry-approved methods, ensuring your property is safe and compliant.
Don’t take risks with asbestos. Contact Fibre Safe today for expert guidance, a free quote, or to book a survey on 0800 458 4136 or send a message here.
