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[Seth]

No coving:
Get new 3/8" plasterboards fixed to the existing ceiling, tape the joins, then skim flat.
Obviously, you'd need to ascertain the exact positions of the joists, often fixed at 16" centres and across the shortest span.
Done quite a few by this method now!
 

If you've got coving:
A competent plasterer would be able to re-skim over the existing surface. Might need two skims.
 

B.

[Andy B]

Artex is fairly easily removed with a steam wall paper stripper.  It turns it into a gooey paste. I must admit though I've only removed it from the ceiling of a 6' x 3' downstairs toilet/'cloakroom'.

[pauls]

Knock of the high spots then seal with a pvc sealer then plaster over the top.

[hotel21]

Artex is fairly easily removed with a steam wall paper stripper.  It turns it into a gooey paste. I must admit though I've only removed it from the ceiling of a 6' x 3' downstairs toilet/'cloakroom'.

.... and how long did that take??   

[Dishevelled Den]

Artex is fairly easily removed with a steam wall paper stripper.  It turns it into a gooey paste. I must admit though I've only removed it from the ceiling of a 6' x 3' downstairs toilet/'cloakroom'.

That's right Andy. 

I did the ceiling in the kitchen using a steamer (with flat plate) then scraped the result off.

Worked very well once I had a rhythm going with all the stuff coming away cleanly leaving the plaster board unmarked.

I can't remember how long the job took but I spread it over a couple of evenings - the room was about 17x11

[hotel21]

shitty crappy image but, hopefully you get the gist.

Dining room with Alps surface to the top, smoother surface of lounge to the bottom.

Yes. I know, crappy job, but I was a working guy with two kids trying to better himself on limited funds at the time......      

[Vamps]

We have polystyrene tiles, inherited in our house, took them down in the bathroom and what a pain, ended up using an Artex type substance to cover the mess............I would love newly plastered ceilings but suspect this would mean removing and replacing the whole ceiling, in every room of the house, I know it was the in thing at one time, i don't mind it but it is a fire hazard.........

[Entwood]

shitty crappy image but, hopefully you get the gist.

Dining room with Alps surface to the top, smoother surface of lounge to the bottom.

Yes. I know, crappy job, but I was a working guy with two kids trying to better himself on limited funds at the time......      

That looks a little deep to skim ..

Perhaps try a small area with the steam treatment and see what the results are like and how long it takes   would give you some idea of how long to do the whole job  

If you don't like the results or the time taken .. then the reboard option rises to the top ??

[hotel21]

That looks a little deep to skim ..

Perhaps try a small area with the steam treatment and see what the results are like and how long it takes   would give you some idea of how long to do the whole job   

If you don't like the results or the time taken .. then the reboard option rises to the top ??

Therein lies the root of my concerns.

Was unaware of the succeptability of Artex to a team stripper so, encouraged by that, given the potential asbestos content.

Looks like the New Year project is emerging (as is, in many household up and down the country...)   

[omegod]

Nothing hurts like falling against an artexed wall when pished!

Get a plasterer round for an opinion, I had a fairly deep one skimmed after it was coated with some weird green gritty stuff. worked for me

[hotel21]

Nothing hurts like falling against an artexed wall when pished!

Get a plasterer round for an opinion, I had a fairly deep one skimmed after it was coated with some weird green gritty stuff. worked for me

I'd be looking for the daft bint in a bed with the birly head (Carrie??) and fella in the back to front shirt stood next to her if I hit that Artex in a hurry.....          

[Andy B]

Artex is fairly easily removed with a steam wall paper stripper.  It turns it into a gooey paste. I must admit though I've only removed it from the ceiling of a 6' x 3' downstairs toilet/'cloakroom'.

.... and how long did that take??   

Not very long once you get going and the artex softens.

[Big_Al]

bit late in getting onto this thread but . .

I had the same  when we moved into our present house . Every ceiling was artexed in a horrid comed circular patten.

Unibonded & skimmed  over each room as we decorated.  My advice would be  to do that . Get a good plasterer in for a quote first, nothing to lose by that .

In my opinion, from your photo skimming that would not be a problem  as  skimmimg the ceilings is done in 2 coats ( one straight on top of the other as the first just starts to go off)  if it is done properly.  Ususl thing is to go over the whole ceiling with a sharp blade scraper to remove the peaks & highest spots.

 But be aware as said previously some artex does contain small amounts of asbestos. I was told on a recent asbestos course that only the very early artex from late 50's has the larger quantities in it.

 Most  DIY er's  don't know about two coat use on finish plastering

Good luck  . . sure you can sort it 

[dad1uk]

http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=123099
http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/artex.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SldbUcEjtvE

Just some ideas, but I don't think there is an easy way.
The recommended way of dealing with the asbestos hazard seems to be keeping it wet to avoid the dust hazard.

[Taxi_Driver]

When we bought our present house it was a mortgage repo and needed decoration top to toe.  And it got it.

The then current fashion 'must have' was artexed ceilings. Managed to dissuade her from artex on the walls, thank goodness but she managed to get all (and I mean ALL) roofs done in a 4 bed house....).

Question is, looks fine in bedrooms and toilets and stuff, but the lounge/dining room needs re-decorated overall.  Would it be easier but messier to remove plasterboard roofing panels in entirety or knock biggest lumps off and simply place new boards on top of existing?  House is 1960's ex-council stylee - big rooms but bog standard ceiling height - so, what does the group experience of OOF recommend?

I know what I intend to do but interested in the 'professional'/experienced DIY type comments...   

Easiest way B

I've had a couple of artrex ceilings covered over with new boards.....mind...i did have a plasterer to do it....he suggested it was quickest and easiest for him....and you carnt tell its a 'false' ceiling tbh....But i think it depends whats behind the artex......my ceilings were the old wood lattice type....so the plasterer didnt need to discover where the joists were....to get a good hold for the plasterboard screws......tho i guess with a pointed screwdriver it wouldnt take long to find the joists