Artex ceilings were once a popular feature in homes across the UK, particularly those built between the 1970s and 1990s. While some homeowners still appreciate the textured look, many now prefer a smoother, more modern finish. If you are wondering whether you can simply paint over an artex ceiling or whether more work is needed, you are not alone. At YD Decorating Services, we help homeowners across Epsom and Surrey navigate this exact decision. Here is what you need to know before starting your project.

Can You Paint Directly Over Artex?

In many cases, yes. If your artex ceiling is in good condition, with no flaking, cracking or loose areas, it can usually be painted directly using a standard emulsion. This is the simplest and most cost effective option, refreshing the look of the ceiling without removing the texture itself.

However, textured ceilings do have a few quirks worth knowing about before you start:

Textured surfaces absorb more paint – The raised pattern of artex means it typically needs more coats than a flat, smooth ceiling to achieve full, even coverage.

Rollers need the right nap – A medium to long pile roller works best for getting paint into the grooves and ridges of a textured surface, rather than a short pile roller designed for smooth walls.

Old artex may contain asbestos – This is an important consideration for any ceiling installed before the year 2000. If you are at all unsure about the age or content of your ceiling, it is always worth having it checked before any sanding, scraping or removal work takes place.

When Artex Needs More Than a Repaint

Sometimes a fresh coat of paint is not enough, particularly if the ceiling shows signs of:

Cracking or flaking texture – This usually points to age related deterioration or movement in the property, and painting over it will not solve the underlying issue.

Water staining or damp marks – These need to be addressed at the source before any redecoration, otherwise stains are likely to bleed through even the best quality paint.

Uneven or patchy texture – If previous repairs have left the ceiling looking inconsistent, painting alone will highlight rather than hide these differences.

In these cases, a decorator may recommend additional preparation work before painting, such as filling, sanding or partial re-skimming.

Smoothing Over Artex Ceilings

For homeowners who want to move away from the textured look entirely, there are a few routes available:

Skimming over the artex – A thin layer of fresh plaster is applied directly over the existing texture, creating a smooth, modern surface without needing to remove the artex underneath. This is often the most practical option, provided the existing texture is stable and secure.

Plasterboard overlay – In cases where the artex is in poor condition or contains asbestos, a new layer of plasterboard can be fixed directly over the ceiling, then skimmed and finished as normal. This avoids disturbing the original surface altogether.

Full removal – The most involved option, this means completely stripping the artex back before re-skimming the ceiling from scratch. This is generally only necessary when the ceiling is severely damaged or when asbestos content requires specialist removal.

Each of these approaches comes with a different cost and timeframe, so it is worth discussing your ceiling’s specific condition with a professional before deciding which route suits your home and budget.

Choosing the Right Paint and Finish

Whether you decide to paint over existing texture or start fresh on a newly skimmed ceiling, a matt emulsion designed for ceilings is generally the best choice. Matt finishes help disguise minor imperfections and avoid drawing attention to any unevenness, which is particularly useful on older ceilings that may not be perfectly flat.

For rooms with higher moisture levels, such as kitchens and bathrooms, a specialist moisture resistant ceiling paint helps prevent mould and yellowing over time, regardless of whether the surface underneath is textured or smooth.

Weighing Up Your Options

There is no single right answer when it comes to artex ceilings. Some homeowners are happy to keep the texture and simply refresh the colour, while others prefer the cleaner, more contemporary look of a smooth, skimmed ceiling. The right choice depends on the condition of your existing ceiling, your budget and the overall style you are working towards in your home.

Not Sure Which Option Is Right for Your Ceiling?

If you have a textured or artex ceiling in your Epsom or Surrey home and are unsure whether to repaint, skim or replace it, the team at YD Decorating Services can assess your ceiling and recommend the most practical, cost effective solution.

Get in touch with YD Decorating Services today for a free, no-obligation quote and let’s find the right approach for your ceiling.