You can use a wallpaper steamer or a specialty removal product to remove Artex, but they can take a long time.You must make sure that the Artex doesn't have any traces of the cancer-causing substance.
Step 1: Determine if testing is necessary.
Artex was strengthened in the 1980's.If your home is older than 10 years, you may need to have the Artex tested.Do not attempt to remove Artex.It could be dangerous to your health and those around you.
Step 2: Someone can be hired to test for the disease.
You'll need a certified contractor to perform the test if it's necessary.A sample of Artex will be taken by the contractor.After testing the sample in a lab, he or she will tell you if it contains the cancer-causing substance.You'll need to speak with a specialist if the Artex contains the cancer-causing substance.Don't try to remove it yourself.You should be able to remove Artex without professional help if it doesn't contain asbestos.
Step 3: The surrounding area should be protected.
Light furniture and decorations should be removed.The furniture, appliances, and floor should be covered with a plastic drop cloth.Wear a dust mask and gloves to protect yourself.You should wear clothes that you don't mind dirtying while working on this project.It can be very messy to remove steam.If Artex becomes too hot, it canliquefy and cause stains on other surfaces.
Step 4: The wallpaper should be filled with water.
The steamer canister should be filled with hot tap water.Plug the machine into a wall outlet and it will heat up in a few minutes.Follow the manufacturer's instructions before using a steamer.If the water canister has a fill line, make sure you don't fill it above it.Give the machine enough time to heat up.
Step 5: For a while, steam an area.
The corner of the Artex covered area has a steam plate over it.Hold it in place for a while.The steam plate should not be held over one area for more than a few seconds.The Artex could liquefy if you allow it to get too hot.The ceiling or wall beneath the Artex may be damaged by applying too much steam.
Step 6: Test the progress.
Lift up the steam plate and use a scraper tool to check the Artex's softness.Use firm, controlled pressure to push the scraper into the Artex.The Artex isn't soft enough to be removed yet.
Step 7: Continue until you can remove the Artex.
Continue steaming the same area for several seconds at a time, testing after each press.The scraper should be used when the Artex becomes soft.It may take 20 seconds or more before the Artex can be removed, but you should keep testing the area with the scraper.More accidents will be prevented by frequent testing.The product is soft enough to work with once you can easily remove the Artex with the scraper tool.Use straight, overlapping parallel strokes to remove the product from the steamer.Don't damage the surface beneath the Artex by applying just enough pressure.You can let the Artex drop onto the cloth you spread earlier.You can try to collect it in a garbage bag.
Step 8: Work your way around the area.
Remove the Artex-covered area.If you follow the same technique used on the first patch, you can take your time and remove each patch.Work slowly and carefully.Do not assume that each area will take the same amount of time to soften after steaming it for several seconds.While working over the area, move in a straight line.The section before it should be slightly overlap.If you work this way, you may not accidentally leave gaps or strips of Artex behind.
Step 9: Take a look at the area.
Carefully examine your work to make sure that no Artex remains.If you find remnants of Artex, you should use the steamer and scraper again.Continue until you clear the entire area.You can dispose of the Artex bits in plastic garbage bags once you finish.If you want to avoid disturbing the dust, you'll need to work carefully.Return the room to normal by removing the drop cloth.Once you complete this step, the project is over.
Step 10: The area should be protected.
Remove as much furniture as possible and then cover it with plastic drop cloths.Drop cloth or newspaper over the floor.You should wear gloves to protect your hands.You should change into clothes you don't mind dirtying before working on this project because Softened Artex can create stains.
Step 11: Obtain a solution to remove Artex.
There are several products that are specially formulated for Artex removal.Pick a "wet working system" solution for the best results.Artex removal solutions break down the structure of the artex to make it softer.Working wet systems are non-flammable and won't create any hazardous fumes.They keep the Artex wet to prevent it from becoming airborne.The products do not allow the Artex to dry out, so they may be safe for use with artex.You should still consult with a professional before attempting to remove Artex that may contain asbestos.
Step 12: If necessary, score the paint.
When removing paint-covered Artex, lightly score the paint with a utility knife to promote easier penetration, because some solutions may have difficulty working through paint.This is important when dealing with vinyl silk paints.When exposed to the removal solution, the plastic polymers inside the paint can turn into a thick mess.It will be easier for the solution to work through the Artex beneath if the paint is scored.Since you only need to cut into the paint and not the Artex beneath it, score it lightly.
Step 13: The solution can be painted over the Artex.
To apply the removal solution, use a large paintbrush.The area should be covered thoroughly and evenly.The proper application technique can be determined by following the package instructions.You can simply apply the solution on the surface in parallel strokes.The use of a paint roller or a putty knife is not required for thicker formulas.
Step 14: The Artex should be softened.
Depending on the thickness of the Artex you need to wait 30 minutes to 8 hours before you can remove it.If you are dealing with painted Artex or thick applications, you may need to cover the area with foil or plastic film and allow it to sit overnight.The film should prevent the solution from drying out.
Step 15: The Artex should be removed.
Artex can be removed with a scraper tool.Remove the product from the entire area by working your way across it.A long-handled blade scraper is better for removing painted Artex.It will be easier to lift the Artex with this tool.Push the edge of the scraper into the Artex with controlled pressure.The Artex should be easy to remove if it is soft.Straight and parallel strokes.No small strips of Artex are left in between patches if each stroke overlaps the one before it.As you remove the floor, let the Artex drop onto it.It can be difficult to catch all of the falling pieces if you attempt to scraper it directly into a large plastic garbage bag.
Step 16: Take a look at the area.
The surface should be examined more thoroughly after the Artex has been removed.All traces of Artex are gone.If any Artex patches remain after your initial removal, you could try applying more removal product.The Artex should be softened for a longer period of time.The steamer method can be used if you can't remove the Artex with the removal solution.Wrap Artex inside a drop cloth and put it in a garbage bag for disposal.When the room is finished, return it to normal.This is the end of the process.