Smooth ceilings. No more dated Artex.
Professional Artex assessment, removal and over-skimming across Leeds, finished cleanly and ready for decorating.
- 15+
- Years of experience
- 900+
- Happy clients
- 1,000+
- Jobs finished
- 75+
- Five-star reviews
Turn a textured ceiling into a surface you will be proud of.
Artex was widely used to create decorative textured finishes, particularly on ceilings. Today, many homeowners prefer a smooth, simple surface.
The right solution depends on the coating, the condition of the ceiling and the finish you want. FMJ can assess the surface, explain the practical options and provide a clear quote before work begins.
- Smooth, modern and paint-ready finish
- Careful preparation and protection
- Straightforward advice before work starts


decorating
The right route for your ceiling.
Artex does not always need to be stripped away. After checking the surface, we can recommend the most suitable way to achieve the finish you want.
Leave it in place
If the finish is sound and you are happy with how it looks, the least disruptive choice can be to leave it undisturbed.
Over-skim it
Where the surface and assessment allow, a new plaster skim can create the clean, flat appearance most homeowners are looking for.
Remove or overboard
For damaged or unsuitable surfaces, removal or overboarding may be the better preparation before the final plaster finish.
A careful approach to older coatings.
Some older textured coatings may contain asbestos.
You cannot confirm this from appearance alone. Suspected material should not be sanded, scraped or otherwise disturbed until it has been assessed appropriately.
If there is any uncertainty, testing should be arranged before work starts. We can then discuss the appropriate next step for the ceiling.
Clear advice. Careful preparation. A smooth result.
- 01
Tell us about the ceiling
Send a few photographs and details, or arrange a convenient visit so we can understand the room and the finish you want.
- 02
Assess the surface
We look at its condition and discuss whether any appropriate testing is needed before the coating is disturbed.
- 03
Choose the right method
Depending on the assessment, this may involve over-skimming, overboarding or another suitable preparation route.
- 04
Protect and prepare
Floors, furniture and adjoining surfaces are protected before work begins, helping us keep the job organised and tidy.
- 05
Finish and hand over
We complete the plastering, clear the work area and explain drying and decorating times for your new smooth surface.
Smooth finishes around Leeds.
A closer look at plastering work completed by the FMJ team in local homes.





Good work gets talked about.
“They repaired a door opening where patio doors had been removed and patched a few areas of cracked plaster. Freddy was very responsive and easy to work with.”
“The whole team was friendly, polite and professional. Parts of the coving were far from easy, and Freddy would not rest until it was done right.”
“They always leave the house immaculately clean and are very respectful workers. Thanks for the great work.”
A few useful answers.
Every ceiling is different. If you are unsure what yours needs, send us a photograph or arrange a visit.
Does Artex always need to be removed?
No. If the finish is sound and you like it, it may be left undisturbed. If you want a smooth finish, over-skimming or overboarding may be more suitable than stripping it away. The right option depends on an assessment of the ceiling.
Can you plaster over Artex?
It can be possible where the coating and surface are suitable. We first check the condition and discuss any testing that may be needed, then recommend the safest and most practical preparation method.
Could my textured coating contain asbestos?
Some older textured coatings may contain asbestos, and this cannot be confirmed by looking at them. Do not sand or scrape suspected material. Appropriate testing should be arranged before it is disturbed.
How long does Artex over-skimming take?
Timing depends on the room size, ceiling condition and chosen preparation. We will explain the likely schedule in your quote, along with drying guidance before decorating.
Can I get a quote before agreeing to anything?
Of course. We provide a clear quote before anything is agreed and make sure you are comfortable with the proposed work before it begins.
Artex removal and over-skimming across Leeds.
FMJ helps homeowners throughout Leeds and the surrounding towns create cleaner, smoother ceilings and walls.
- Leeds
- Yeadon
- Horsforth
- Harrogate
- Wetherby
- Ripon
- Otley
- Ilkley
- Bingley
- Shipley
Ready for a smooth ceiling?
Tell us about the room and the existing texture. Photographs are helpful, and we can arrange a convenient visit when needed.
Request a quote →