Artex Ceiling - 5 popular DIY patterns

The first, and most import, step to getting your perfect Artex ceiling finish is preparation. When applying the Artex Textured Finish, make sure to:

• Keep the room as cool as possible and eliminate draughts
• Apply the mixture generously, but evenly
• Work in 1 x 0.5 metre sections at a time
• Work as quickly as you can to ensure each section can be blended and textured

1. Broken Leather

This pattern offers a smooth, brushstroke texture with much less effort. To achieve this Artex ceiling pattern, you’ll need an Artex Texturing Brush. Firstly, cover the brush with a polythene bag. Then, using a dabbing and half twist motion from the wrist, bounce the polythene face across the surface. Do this at random, in both directions.

2. Stipple

This simple, artistically inspired pattern adds depth to any Artex ceiling. You only need an Artex Texturing Brush and a steady hand. Once your surface is coated, simply bounce the brush in a light and steady motion. After each bounce, bring the brush back down cleanly to avoid a dragging texture. Turn the brush very slightly between bounces to achieve a more random pattern.

3. Swirl

One of the most popular Artex ceiling patterns are swirls. Again, this pattern uses the Texturing Brush to create roughly sketched swirls with a professional appearance. Place the brush on the recently coated surface and, starting from the bottom of the circle, spin the brush. When you’ve completed each full swirl, pull the brush cleanly away. Repeat, randomly overlapping and layering swirls.

4. Fan or Shell

This popular pattern requires some precision and determination. Holding an Artex comb at a 25 - 30° angle, make a sweeping motion while pivoting on one end of the comb to create a half moon shape. Repeat in rows, from one end of the ceiling to the other. Create new rows below the one before, with the shapes placed half way between the two above it.

Using the same half moon shape, you can also create a shell pattern. Instead of a single sweeping motion, bob the comb up and down throughout the shape. This will create small, even mounds along the top of the shape, like a clam shell.

5. Knifed plaster