Can I cover Artex ceilings to flat finish?

Yes! Usually it is quite simple to do so! To clarify, just because it's simple it doesn't mean it's easy that's why it's advisable to hire a professional. Here is the process for skimming over Artex to a flat finish:

• Scrape off as much of the pointy bits as possible using a large scraper

• Prime the ceiling before plastering, personally I like using PVA but you can use other primers suitable for plaster like Blue Grit, SBR etc

• Two coats of finishing plaster to be applied, I as well as most plasterers in the UK work with MultiFinish from British Gypsum

Once the plaster has been polished the ceiling needs to be left for a couple of days to dry before painting can commence. Note when I say a couple of days is more of a suggestion it could take longer in a cold wet weather or it could be quicker in the summer.

How much does it cost to have my Artex ceiling re-plastered?

Depends on the size of the room and how much prepping work needs to be done. For a room in the region of 12-20 metres square it takes about 4 hours to complete the plastering. If it's not a building site and floors/furniture need to be covered it could take another 2/3 hours to do so. To summarise It could take between half and a whole day to have a ceiling replastered to a flat finish, and in 2025 you can expect to pay for that in the region of £220-£350