Vintage Red Barn On Blue Sky In NYS Stock Image

Why are barns red. Another theory is that the color actually came from animal blood added to the paint as a status symbol for wealthy farmers after a recent slaughter. Another reason for red barns could be that during the 1800’s red paint was also the cheapest to produce so many people may have painted their barns red simply to cut down on costs. A recipe consisting of skimmed milk, lime and red iron oxide created a rusty-colored mixture that became popular among farmers because it was cheap to make and lasted for years. Farmers were able to easily obtain iron oxide the compound that lends natural red clay its coppery color from soil. Linseed oil derived from flax plants was also used to seal bare wood against rotting, and it stained the wood a dark coral hue.Farmers also noticed that painting their barns with the homemade paint kept the buildings warmer during the wintertime, since the darker color absorbs the sun`s rays more than plain, tan wood. So red paint spread in popularity due to its functionality and convenience, becoming an American tradition that continues to this day.