Asbestos Artex Removal

At Blue A Ltd, we remove artex ceilings containing asbestos safely, legally, and with zero shortcuts. Whether it's a textured swirl finish from the 70s or an old stippled ceiling hiding in your hallway, our team handles the complete process — from testing and containment to certified removal and disposal.

Artex coatings were widely used in UK homes and commercial buildings from the 1960s through the 1990s. What most people don’t realise is that many of these decorative finishes contain chrysotile (white asbestos) — especially those applied before 1999. When disturbed, they can release airborne fibres that pose a serious threat to health.

With over 11,000 successful asbestos removals across the UK, we know how to manage artex safely. Our HSE-licensed team uses approved methods, specialist equipment and full protective measures to ensure the job is done right — without spreading risk.

Whether you’re planning a renovation, dealing with damaged ceilings or simply want peace of mind, we’re here to help you take the safe, legal route to remove asbestos-containing artex for good.

Why artex ceilings may contain asbestos?

Artex was a go-to decorative finish in the UK for decades. Popular for its swirled, stippled or combed textures, it was used widely on ceilings in homes, schools, and offices from the 1960s through the 1990s. But there’s one major issue: many artex coatings contain asbestos.

Why asbestos was added to artex:

• To increase strength and durability
• To improve fire resistance
• To make the coating easier to apply and mould into patterns

The type of asbestos most commonly found in artex is chrysotile (white asbestos) — often in small amounts, but enough to cause harm if fibres are released into the air.

The risk comes not from the appearance, but from disturbance. Sanding, scraping, drilling, or even minor ceiling damage can release invisible asbestos fibres, which may lead to:

• Mesothelioma
• Lung cancer
• Asbestosis and pleural thickening

If your ceiling was textured before 1999, assume it may contain asbestos — and treat it with extreme caution.

At Blue A, we don’t just guess. We test, confirm, and remove asbestos-containing artex the right way — protecting your health and keeping your property compliant.

How to tell if your artex contains asbestos?

Most artex ceilings look harmless — just dated decoration from another era. But when it comes to asbestos in artex, looks can be dangerously deceiving. The only way to know for sure is through professional testing.

Visual signs that may indicate asbestos:

• Installed before 1999
• Swirled, stippled, or combed textures common in the 70s–90s
• Ceilings that crack easily or crumble at the edges
• Layers of old paint or plaster over a bumpy surface

While these features may suggest risk, you cannot confirm asbestos content just by looking. Even experienced contractors can’t tell with certainty — and disturbing it to “check” can actually release dangerous fibres.

Here’s how we confirm it safely:

1. We take a controlled sample of your artex coating
2. The sample is sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory
3. You receive results within 48–72 hours, showing if asbestos is present — and what type

If your ceiling is due for renovation, or you're unsure of its age, don’t guess — test.

Artex asbestos removal process – safe, certified and compliant

Removing asbestos-containing artex isn’t something you leave to chance — or general decorators. The process requires strict control, specialist equipment and full compliance with HSE regulations. At Blue A, we handle every step legally, safely and with complete documentation.

1. Survey and asbestos testing

If not already confirmed, we collect a controlled sample and send it to a UKAS-accredited lab. Once results are back, we assess the ceiling type (e.g. plasterboard, lath & plaster) and decide the safest method of removal.

2. Sealing and preparation

Before removal begins, we:

• Isolate the area using industrial-grade plastic sheeting
• Post warning signage and restrict access
• Set up a negative pressure unit (if required)
• Establish a decontamination zone for our team

This step prevents airborne fibres from escaping into the rest of the property.

3. Wet removal of artex coating

To reduce fibre release:

• We spray the artex surface with a fine mist or apply a specialist chemical remover (e.g. X-Tex)
• The softened coating is carefully scraped from the ceiling
• Larger panels (e.g. plasterboard) may be removed whole if safer
• All debris is captured with H-type HEPA vacuums and double-bagged

We wear full PPE throughout — including FFP3 respirators, disposable coveralls and nitrile gloves.

4. Decontamination and clean-up

Once the coating is removed:

• The area is cleaned using HEPA vacuums and wet wiping
• All plastic sheeting, tools and PPE are sealed as hazardous waste
• Optional air monitoring can be arranged for sensitive sites

5. Licensed waste disposal and legal paperwork

All waste is transported to a registered disposal facility. You’ll receive:

• A Hazardous Waste Consignment Note
• A unique waste reference number
• Full legal proof of safe, compliant removal

No guesswork. No shortcuts. Just certified, professional artex asbestos removal from start to finish.