Using Artex ceilings can give your home a textured finish. The product is available in both powder form and a ready-made paste. It can be applied to plasterboard, painted surfaces, nail heads and wooden beams. There are several different designs to choose from. Depending on the desired result, you can either use a comb or stipple brush to apply the texture.
If you are planning to paint your ceiling with a textured finish, you will need to test the viscosity of the finish on a small patch of the ceiling. You can also try applying the product to a scrap wood plank or cardboard.
When you are applying the product, it is important to work in circular motions to achieve the right effect. Generally, the best way to do this is to use a stipple brush. This tool should be changed regularly to avoid creating square edges. You should also take care not to twist the bristles when moving the tool. You will need to clean the brush off each time you are finished. This will ensure that you get the best results.
When you have a rough idea of how much Artex you need to use, you should start by preparing the surface. This includes removing wallpaper, if it is on the ceiling. You can also sand down the finish to remove any loose particles.
The most common type of Artex finish is a swirl pattern. This is a great choice if you are looking to create a sleek professional look. This is created by working the mix in a circular motion. You should also overlap the circles so that they repeat in a continuous pattern.
If you are unsure of how to apply Artex to your ceiling, it is always a good idea to get professional advice. You will need to wear safety goggles and overalls, and make sure you have a safety float. You should also cover your floor and furniture with dustsheets to protect them. If you are concerned about asbestos in the ceiling, you should get a survey done before you begin. The HSE has guidance on asbestos removal and testing. You should also contact your local council to find out more.
For a more subtle look, you can try the Stipple Artex finish. This design adds depth to the ceiling and is one of the easiest to achieve. You will need a stipple brush and a polythene bag to cover the brush. You should then move the brush around in a circular motion without twisting it. You should clean the brush away from each time you complete a row.
Stipple artex can be used to create many different designs. You can even fill in gaps or holes with smoothing compound. This is ideal for fixing holes and imperfections in your ceiling. You can also buy a tree bark roller to create a more defined bark line. You will need to run the roll over the area a number of times to achieve a consistent bark pattern.