Guide — Artex & Asbestos
Artex and similar textured coatings applied before 1985 frequently contain chrysotile (white) asbestos fibres. Undisturbed and in good condition, the risk is generally low — but sanding, scraping, or removal without prior testing is a serious health and legal risk.
Artex is a brand name for a range of textured decorative coatings commonly applied to walls and ceilings in UK properties from the 1960s through to the mid-1990s. The texture was created by mixing materials including chrysotile (white) asbestos fibres into the base compound before application. Similar products were sold under different brand names — Suretex, Wondertex, Newtex, and others — and many of these also contained asbestos.
Chrysotile asbestos was used in Artex formulations until the mid-1980s. Products manufactured after approximately 1985 are unlikely to contain asbestos fibres, though there is no absolute cut-off date. The use of all forms of asbestos in the UK was banned in November 1999, but by that stage asbestos had already been largely phased out of textured coating products.
As a general guide:
If you are unsure when your Artex was applied, treat it as if it may contain asbestos until a bulk sample test proves otherwise. This is the approach recommended by the HSE.
Artex that is in good condition and not being disturbed is generally considered low risk. Chrysotile fibres in bonded materials such as textured coatings are encapsulated and are not readily released under normal conditions. The risk arises when the material is drilled, dry-sanded, scraped, or removed without containment — all of which can release fibres into the air where they may be inhaled.
Prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibres is the cause of mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer — diseases responsible for over 5,000 deaths per year in the UK. Even a single significant exposure event carries some elevated risk.
Yes — painting over intact Artex does not disturb the material and does not release fibres. Provided the Artex is in good condition and no sanding, scraping, or mechanical preparation is involved, painting is a safe option. However, if the Artex is flaking, crumbling, or showing signs of deterioration, it should be assessed by a specialist before any decorating work.
A bulk sample test is the only reliable way to confirm whether Artex contains asbestos. A qualified surveyor attends site, collects a small sample using appropriate PPE and containment, and sends it to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis. Results are typically returned within 2–5 working days with a written laboratory report confirming whether asbestos fibres are present and in what proportion.
If asbestos is confirmed, the appropriate action depends on the condition of the Artex and what you intend to do with it. Options include:
Our specialists will advise on the appropriate course of action based on the condition of your Artex and your intended works programme.
Never dry-sand, dry-scrape, or use a heat gun to remove Artex that may contain asbestos. Never use a standard vacuum cleaner to clear up dust from Artex removal. Never allow non-licensed tradespeople to remove asbestos-containing Artex. All of these actions are illegal where asbestos is present and carry significant health risks.