Here's where I test whether you can use wallpaper to cover artex.
My fiance and I have been debating whether you can get wallpaper to cover artex. And that's because for weeks, we've been wondering whether there is asbestos in our Artex?
When we moved in last year, everything had a gaudy 70s vibe. So we haven't attempted scraping it off which could take days on end sporting masks. And then comes the overalls and gloves to keep our lungs safe.
However, everyone online say to skim over with ready made expensive stuff or plastering. But I haven't read anyone saying they've used wallpaper to cover artex. And whether they've failed. Perhaps there's a good reason for that?
So we've given it a go as a quick fix and it is now in its drying stages.
This is our first wallpapering job we've ever done too and wallpapering stairs is probably the most difficult to do.
However, the stairs are eventually going to be moved in the bedroom and partitioned off.
The first job I ever tackled here were stripping layers and layers of painted wallpaper. Then woodchip and more paint which took at least a month before I filled and sanded. It gave a the fresh look it was screaming for.
But I was at a stumbling block with the stairs.
Since stripping all the wallpaper off in the first place, I now have a wallpaper phobia which was another reason I wasn't sure about this project.
And it would probably take me along time to consider a certain print for a possible focal wall.
I find bold wallpaper limiting if you want to make a statement and it's not ideal for people like me who consistently like to play with colourful accessories.
Anyway, we gave it a go and the question was, does it work?
CAN YOU USE WALLPAPER TO COVER ARTEX?
TWO YEARS LATER AFTER USING WALLPAPER TO COVER ARTEX
As expected, our artex was far to bumpy. And after just a few months while on the stairs, we kept catching it. In fact, I've never found a special type of wallpaper to cover artex either.
I wouldn't recommend it. There's far too much air and space under where the artex textures are. So it easily moved over time.
If you can, then I advise either giving it a lick of paint or getting a plasterer in to skim it.
For those who only have a small area of artex, buying a ready mix tub of skim probably would be a great solution. I've since used it while applying with a vinyl smoother on some chased cables and love the stuff.
However, our hall has a very tall ceiling, so consider it too dangerously high to even consider reaching up to get to.
I'd love to take it down right now, but that's again, another battle. One day I'll get it skimmed, but it's just not important right now.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
Dan
Useful, thank you 🙂
Jan
Thought it seemed to good to be true. Thank you. Will save up for a plasterer!