Does skimming over artex make the room feel lower?

Barely. The whole build-up adds about 5–8mm to the ceiling. Overboarding first adds another 12.5mm but is still imperceptible in a normal room.

Will the artex pattern show through?

Not if it's done properly. The undercoat is what flattens it out, and the skim on top gives a perfectly smooth finish.

Straight-talking advice on plastering, skimming, rendering and damp — from a Yorkshire tradesman with 30+ years on the tools.

Honest, up-to-date plastering prices across Yorkshire for 2026 — skimming, full re-plaster, ceilings, rendering and small repairs.

How long fresh plaster takes to dry before you can paint, wallpaper or move furniture back — and what happens if you rush it.

How to tell whether your walls just need a fresh skim or a proper re-plaster back to brick — and what each one costs.

When it's safe to skim over artex ceilings and walls, and when you should remove it first — including what to do about asbestos in older artex.

How to tell what's causing damp patches on your wall — condensation, penetrating damp, rising damp or a leak — and what to do about each.