Large Artex Ceilings Skimmed Smooth in Runcton | B Bell Plastering

I had already plastered their upstairs Artex ceilings back to flat, they were really pleased with the finish and asked me to come back for the next part of their home.

This visit involved a couple of large ceilings and some wall repairs where electricians had chased out for new sockets. We completed the work over two days. The ceilings needed careful preparation because the background was very dry, while the wall patches needed a neat blend into the existing plaster.

If you're looking into having your lounge Artex ceiling skimmed flat, this job gives you an idea of what I look at before starting, why preparation matters and what to expect afterwards.

It’s always great to work for customers that are familiar with our work. They saw how much having flat smooth ceilings uplifted the rooms upstairs and wanted to carry that through the downstairs lounge area.

55m² across the ceilings is a pretty large area. We also had the electrician's chases to repair, so we needed to plan both parts of the work. Once it was all complete the room was one step closer to being the family living room that our customers wanted.

The customer was once again really pleased with the completed work and has already booked me for a third visit, this time for work in the bathrooms they are renovating. That's a particularly satisfying outcome for me because they have seen how we work in their home twice already.

Why these ceilings needed careful preparation

One of the main challenges on this job was the dry background. A dry surface can draw moisture out of freshly applied plaster too quickly and as a result this reduces the time to work with the plaster. It was especially important that we got the preparation right because of the size of the ceilings.

We applied several coats of PVA to control the suction before skimming. I wouldn't do this for every ceiling because the condition of the surface determines the approach. As well as this I need to check whether artex is all intact because loose material or damaged areas can affect the plaster staying on the ceiling.

I work around Worthing  where there is a lot of different house types and ceiling backgrounds so I have gained a lot of experience with all types of ceilings so I know that even ceilings with similar-looking patterns can need different preparation, this is why it is important to me to assess what is actually there before any work takes place.

Does Artex need to come down/overboarded?

Often we don’t need to overboard or take down the celling to get rid of your artex. If the ceiling is already a plaster boarded ceiling and is sound then we can prepare it and skim over it to create a smooth finish. This saves money for our customers and avoids unnecessary  work.

Some ceilings need a different approach. If your ceiling is made from Lath and plaster or the ceiling has more extensive problems, then I will explain whether repairs, over boarding or removal would the better option.

Blending the repairs around the new sockets

The other part of this job was from when the electricians had chased into the walls for new sockets. A patch like this needs to blend into the existing plaster on the wall seamlessly. If you can feel a ridge then once it has been painted it will be noticeable. For these repairs, we used a trowel with a thinner, sharper edge to help blend the new plaster into the existing surface. 

It’s always good to consider any smaller jobs that need doing when you are arranging to have your ceiling plastered, it’s a great way to get multiple jobs in your home done at once and it can also be more cost effective for you.

Preparing your lounge for plastering

We always ask that as much furniture as possible is out of the room before we arrive. A clear room gives us space to work and reduces the amount of furniture that needs protecting. If you have large pieces that are difficult to move, tell me beforehand. We can discuss what needs moving rather than leaving that decision until the morning of the job.

I always take care to protect floors and furniture by wrapping them in plastic sheeting, and I leave the property clean and tidy afterwards. I understand that working in people's homes means thinking about the whole visit, including protection and clearing up.

Cost, timing and the finished result

My guide price for having your artex ceiling skimmed is from £250 and up to £600 per ceiling, this depends on the size, condition and preparation required. 

I'm listed on Checkatrade with 100% feedback and  five-star Google. We are pleased to be able to offer a service that leaves our customers happy with the work and wanting to book us back in for their other house projects.

If you're thinking about having your lounge Artex ceiling skimmed flat or need any wall repairs, I'm happy to take a look and explain the options. Call B Bell Plastering on 01903 299098 or fill in our contact form for a free quotation, with no obligation.

FAQs

How much does it cost to skim a lounge Artex ceiling?

My guide price is £250 to £600 per ceiling, with the actual quotation depending on size, condition and preparation.

How long will the plastering take?

Dan and I completed the Runcton ceilings and wall repairs over two days. For a single ceiling it would be a one day job usually taking between 5 and 7 hours.

How long should I leave new plaster to dry?

I recommend waiting until the plaster has dried fully before decorating, this usually takes 3-4 days but in the colder months it can take slightly longer. If you are unsure when it is dry you can send me a few pictures and I will let you know.

Should I open the windows or use a dehumidifier?

I recommend keeping the windows slightly open to help let the moisture from the plaster leave the room. I wouldn't use a dehumidifier or strong direct heat to rush drying as this can lead to cracks appearing.

How do I paint the ceiling afterwards?

I advise waiting until the plaster is fully dry and then doing a white mist coat made of  40% water and 60% paint. After this you can follow up with 2 coats of your chosen paint.

Do I need to remove all the furniture?

I recommend clearing as much furniture as possible so we have room to work and protect the lounge properly. If something is too large to move easily, let me know in advance and we'll discuss how to prepare the space.