Surface Preparation

Can You Wallpaper Over Artex? How to Handle a Textured Ceiling or Wall

Artex is a textured coating that was popular in UK homes from the 1960s to the 1990s, typically found on ceilings but sometimes on walls. Papering over artex without preparation produces a paper that mimics the texture underneath and looks uneven in raking light. The right approach is to level the surface before hanging — not to paper over the texture hoping the pattern will hide it. There's also a safety consideration if the property predates 1985.

Open the Wallpaper Planner

Artex applied before 2000 may contain asbestos — test before disturbing

Artex manufactured and applied before 2000 may contain asbestos fibres, with the highest risk in properties built or renovated before 1985. Artex in good condition that is simply being covered — not sanded, scraped, or drilled — poses minimal risk, because the fibres are locked in the coating. However, keying the surface for papering or skim-coating it will disturb the material. Before doing any surface work on artex in a pre-2000 property, commission an asbestos test from a UKAS-accredited laboratory. Testing a small sample costs around £30–50 and takes a few days — worth doing before committing to any prep work.

Skim coating is the cleanest solution for a paintable, paperable surface

If testing confirms no asbestos (or the artex is definitely post-2000), the most effective prep is a skim coat of finishing plaster or a specialist artex-flattening compound over the textured surface. Applied by a plasterer, a skim coat levels the texture completely and provides a smooth, uniform surface that behaves identically to standard plasterboard for papering purposes. Allow the skim to dry fully — typically 2–4 weeks before papering, or when the surface has turned from dark to uniformly light — then apply a diluted PVA primer coat before hanging.

Thick lining paper is the DIY alternative to skim coating

If plastering is not an option, a thick lining paper (1200-grade or heavier) can bridge a mild artex texture. Apply the lining paper horizontally (cross-lined), using a heavy-duty paste, and allow it to dry fully before decorative papering. This works well on low-relief textures — stipple, swirl, or light fan patterns — but will not fully hide a deep-relief comb or spike pattern. On heavy texture, the relief will still show through lighter decorative papers. A double layer of lining paper improves the result but adds cost and drying time.

Artex ceiling wallpapering is unusual — walls are the more common case

Most artex papering questions are actually about walls, not ceilings. Wallpaper is rarely hung on ceilings in modern decorating practice, and a ceiling artex in good condition is more often painted over after a skim coat than papered. If the query is about a textured wall feature rather than a ceiling, the prep steps above apply directly. If the artex is on a ceiling and the intention is to paper it, the same rules apply, but working overhead adds significant difficulty — a skim coat by a plasterer is a more practical solution than DIY overhead lining.

New plaster over artex needs time before papering

After a skim coat over artex, the fresh plaster needs to cure before papering. Rushing this step is one of the most common causes of paper failure on newly plastered walls — the damp plaster absorbs paste moisture unevenly and the paper can bubble, crack at the seams, or peel. Wait until the surface is uniformly pale and has stopped feeling cold to the touch. Prime with diluted PVA (1 part PVA, 4 parts water), allow it to dry to a slight tack, then hang using standard or heavy-duty paste as specified by your paper manufacturer.

Ready to see the price for your project?

Get a free roll estimate in the planner, then unlock the exact cutting plan, workbench sheets, and order list from a one-time project or yearly plan.

See plans & pricing

Or try the free planner first →

Common questions

Can you wallpaper directly over artex?

Not recommended without preparation. Artex texture shows through the paper and looks uneven in any raking light. The correct approach is to level the surface first — either by skim coating (the best result) or applying a thick lining paper. Before doing any surface work, check if the artex contains asbestos if the property predates 2000.

Is artex safe to wallpaper over without testing?

If you are only covering it with paste and paper without sanding or scraping, the risk is very low. The concern arises when you disturb the surface. To be safe, commission an asbestos test from a UKAS-accredited lab before any preparation work on artex in a pre-2000 property.

What is the best lining paper to use over artex?

1200-grade (or heavier) lining paper applied cross-lined gives the best result for mild artex textures. For heavier relief, a double cross-lined layer improves the outcome but does not fully hide deep texture patterns. A skim coat of plaster is the definitive solution for anything more than a light stipple.

More wallpaper guides

See all guides →

Get your exact roll count

Draw your walls — including sloped sections, alcoves, and single feature walls — and get a free estimate before you buy.