You will need to make sure that the holes you drill are level. It is advisable to drill a pilot hole so that the drywall isn’t damaged when you screw the auger in place. Once you have done this for all the holes, line up the mounting bracket and attach a screw through each of the holes into the plastic anchors then simply tighten the screws and put the shelf onto the bracket.

A stronger method would be to use a molly bolt which has a set of spring or screw driven arms that will anchor behind the drywall. As you tighten up the screw, the arms open out behind the wall giving a firmer support and you will be able to put heavier items on your shelf without having to worry about the shelf collapsing.

If you want to hang a heavy weight shelf then the most secure option would be to fix the shelf to the studs, or wooden supports within the dry wall, which will create maximum strength. You will need to find the studs using a stud finder, and then mark the wall with a pencil where you want to hang the shelves. The shelves can then be screwed directly into the stud without the need for rawl plugs. As before, drill a pilot hole first, then use a screwdriver to fix the screw into the wall.

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Plastering Over Artex

Generally it is said that to cover over artex, you first need to remove or knock off any large points as these would protrude through the plaster that would be used to give you a smooth surface. Once the surface is prepared, adding two layers of PVA undercoating is said to give you a firm enough base to plaster onto, and then the actual plastering can begin.

Up to three layers of plaster tend to be used to suitably cover the original textured surface and give a good quality finish. This is a time consuming task that requires skill, and is generally considered not for the untrained due to the amount of prep work and the actual plastering work itself that are involved, so if you are considering plastering over your artexed ceiling, you should consult with a quality and professional time served plasterer.

Removing Artex

Although artex can be sanded down or scraped off your interior walls, this method can be considered dangerous as older artex can contain asbestos. This makes sanding or scraping artex off a wall or ceiling a potential problem for both people living in the house and the tradesman completing the work as the carcinogenic fibres would be released into the air.

Wallpaper removers can be an effective method for removing artex, although this can turn messy as the plaster returns to its original form. If you are planning to scrape or sand your artex, it is essential to seek professional advice, find out when your artex was installed and whether it’s safe to sand it off.  Local councils may be able to help with this.

In summary, there are two solutions to your artex nightmare – to plaster over or to remove your artex from the wall or ceiling.  Both methods require skill and caution is advised. The best advice we can give you is to speak to local quality plasterers who know their trade, and get quotes on both methods to enable you to make an informed choice. Remember some plasterers may prefer one method over the other, so speak to a few to get a balanced view on how to go about removing or covering that artexed ceiling or wall.

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