The building surveyor who recently advised us on the purchase of our 17th-century cottage has recommended we use limewash to redecorate our internal walls. We want to do the right thing but are concerned that limewash may be too powdery for a 21st-century

Good quality limewash applied properly to a suitable background, such as lime plaster or existing limewash, should not rub off readily onto clothes. It may adhere poorly in certain circumstances, however: if it is prepared with ordinary bagged lime rather than lime putty; coats are applied excessively thickly; there is inadequate dampening down before limewashing; or drying out is too rapid.

These problems should not arise where a suitable contractor is employed or, if you are decorating your house yourself, you follow the advice in the various leaflets available from reputable heritage organisations.