Having trouble with your wood panelling looking old or do you want to get rid of your Artex? Why not restore, renew and replace? 4Homes takes a look at both these problems and finds the best solutions.
Try using paint or varnish stripper to remove any dark varnish. Always test a small area in the least visible spot before committing. Alternatively use a fine sandpaper to rub back to the natural wood. Again, try sanding a small area somewhere less visible if possible. Oak, and many other woods, are very desirable and so even if cost is an issue we wouldn't recommend ripping it out - try to keep the panelling as a feature.
If you are able to sand or strip as described above and the exposed wood is lighter, once you have done all of the panelling you will need to varnish it afresh. This time use a clear or neutral varnish to preserve the wood without staining it a dark colour.
We would recommend removing and re-plastering. Get two or three plasterers to give you a quote. Ask them to give you a price for removing the existing plaster and re-plastering separately. If your budget is tight you can save by removing the old plaster yourself. Bear in mind, though that Artex could be hiding asbestos and should be surveyed prior to any removal or demolition, and any waste produced treated as contaminated.
Assuming asbestos is not found, take care not to damage the surrounding walls, wear safety goggles and a hard hat to protect yourself, and lay down dust sheets to catch the falling plaster as you go.
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