Friday, August 25, 2017

Why Are Most Barns Red...?

I've kinda wondered about that myself over the years. Finally, thanks to the folks over at the Farmer's Almanac I have a reasonable answer!

Why Are Barns Painted Red?

Ever wonder why old barns are usually red in color? Red is (or, perhaps, was) a popular color for barns due not to its color shade but for its usefulness.



Many years ago, choices for paints, sealers and other building materials did not exist. Farmers had to be resourceful in finding or making a paint that would protect and seal the wood on their barns. Hundreds of years ago, many farmers would seal their barns with linseed oil, which is an orange-colored oil derived from the seeds of the flax plant. To this oil, they would add a variety of things, most often milk and lime, but also ferrous oxide, or rust. Rust was plentiful on farms and because it killed fungi and mosses that might grow on barns, and it was very effective as a sealant. It turned the mixture red in color.

When paint became more available, many people chose red paint for their barns in honor of tradition.

Well, I am certainly glad we got that out of the way. No more having to lay in bed at night wondering about it, ya know?

Coffee in the kitchen this morning. Maybe you've heard...we have a storm coming in.

9 comments:

linda m said...

Thanks for letting me know this. one less thing to keep me awake at night - hahaha. To be honest i did wonder why they were always painted red. Stay safe during this storm. Hope it isn't as bad as they are predicting.

Momlady said...

Did not know that! Another tidbit to tuck away and bring out some day. Hope the storm doesn't raise too much havoc in your neck of the woods. Stay safe.

Hermit's Baby Sis said...

Always a fun learning experience with you, Bubba. Stay dry and inside!
Big hugs ~

Unknown said...

I did not know this very interesting info. either. I love red barns but then red is probably my favorite color. A barn any other color to me just does not look right. You and Baby Sis stay safe. I will be staying in touch. Love you, Bubba.

blondie said...

Hi Jim, Long time no see :)
Just checking in to make sure you're OK, seeing that nasty storm headed your way gives me the creeps, :(
I see that Houston is on the edge of the storm, so hopefully it won't cause you any trouble at all.
Take care and stay safe!

JO said...

Now I know why too. Those barns wouldn't have lasted long if all those combined natural things around. People back then had more sense than they do today with all their chemicals.

I also hope the storm doesn't get as bad as they say. Be safe my Friend

HermitJim said...

Hey Linda...
You never know until the last minute with these storms.
Thanks for stopping by today!


Hey Momlady...
I'm afraid we are going to get wet, for sure. Always glad to add a bit of trivia for future reference.
Thanks for coming over today!


Hey Sis...
Sure is gonna be a good day to stay in and read. Raining already at my house and has been most of the night, looks like.
Thanks for the visit this morning!


Hey B...
You know me...a virtual warehouse of almost useless information. You're right about barns not looking natural in anything but red.
Thanks for checking in with us this morning!


Hey Blondie...
Damn, it's good to see you again! I thought you might have decided to hang it up. The main concern here is the flooding as the storm is apparently gonna hang around for a couple of days. Weatherman says as much as 13 to 15 inches can be expected. Bummer!
Oh well, got plenty of coffee and wine so I should be good to go!
Thanks for the visit, my Colorado Cupcake!


Hey Jo...
People back then used the common sense that they were given to figure things out. Too bad more of us today don't do that!
Thanks, sweetie, for dropping by today!

blondie said...

"Colorado Cupcake" LOL, you didn't forget.
I don't blog anymore, but I do still play the games.

Hope that storm stays 'under control' for you. I'll be watching the News and keeping an eye on ya.

Take care :)

HermitJim said...

Hey Blondie...
Thanks for thinking of me! Means a lot!