Artex ceiling skimming in Walthamstow, Leyton and Highams Park. Textured ceilings tested, prepared and skimmed flat for a clean, modern finish.
Swirled and stippled Artex ceilings are still common in Walthamstow homes, and skimming over them is one of the easiest ways to modernise a room. Textured coatings applied before the 2000s can contain asbestos, so the safe approach is to test it before any sanding or scraping. If it is clear, high points can be knocked back; either way, the ceiling is sealed, bonded and skimmed flat without disturbing the old coating.
In Walthamstow, many houses still have Artex in living rooms and hallways from the 1970s and 1980s. The cost depends on the ceiling size, the depth of the pattern and whether any repair is needed first. A photo of the ceiling is enough to price it.
In the Victorian terraces around Walthamstow Village, the ceilings under the Artex are often old lath and plaster. They are checked for sagging or loose areas first, because skimming adds weight and a weak ceiling needs repair or boarding before it is skimmed.
A sample tested for asbestos before anything is sanded or scraped.
A bonding coat so the new plaster grips the old texture.
Usually two coats to bury the pattern and leave a smooth ceiling.
A finish that only needs a mist coat and paint once dry.
Cracked areas secured before skimming.
Floors and furniture covered and the room cleaned afterwards.
Light fittings taken down and refitted by an electrician where needed.
Send a photo or a quick video of the room on WhatsApp, or get a free fixed quote — no obligation, and we’ll tell you straight what it needs.
Some older textured coatings do. A test is the only way to know, and it is quick.
Yes, that is the usual method. Skimming over seals the old coating in.
Usually a few weeks, once the new plaster has dried to an even pale colour.
Usually a day for a standard room.
Yes, textured walls can be skimmed smooth in the same way.
It is best to keep out while the ceiling is being skimmed, but the rest of the house stays usable.
A good bond coat and skim reduces cracks. Movement in older Walthamstow houses can still cause fine cracks over time.