Quick answer
Textured coatings — Artex, Wondertex, Suretex, Marbelcoat and dozens of other UK trade names — commonly contained chrysotile asbestos before the mid-1980s. The only way to know for a specific property is a UKAS bulk sample test.
Brands and dates
UK-manufactured textured coatings including Artex, Wondertex, Marbelcoat and Suretex commonly contained 2–5% chrysotile until reformulation began in the mid-1980s. By the early 1990s major manufacturers had removed asbestos, but the material has such a long service life that most existing coatings on pre-2000 ceilings pre-date reformulation.
Testing
A small (~10p coin sized) sample of the coating, taken wet under controlled conditions, is analysed at a UKAS-accredited lab. Cost: £30–£50 plus VAT per sample. Turnaround: 24–48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
Are modern textured finishes asbestos-free?+
Yes — anything sold in the UK since around 1992 is asbestos-free.
Do I need to test every room?+
One test per application batch (i.e. rooms decorated at the same time) is normally sufficient.