Why Are Barns Painted Red?

One of the most iconic aspects of the classic American barn is its red paint job.

The classic red barn is a fixture of the American landscape, an iconic reminder of rural life and traditional values. But why were so many barns painted red in the first place? While there is no single answer to this question, the most common explanations point to practicality and/or symbolism.

There are a few different explanations for painting barns red…

1) The practice of painting barns red dates back to the early 19th century. At that time, most barns were made from wood, unlike today’s steel and concrete structures. Bare wood was weathered by the sun, rain, and snow and was attacked by fungi and mold. As a result, barns of that era looked quite shabby. The wood of the barns was coated with an oil such as linseed oil (from flax) and may have also had milk or lime mixed in (white barns). But they also used rust (iron oxide) because it was plentiful on a farm and it also killed the fungi and mold/mildew that would, otherwise, grow on the wood surfaces. Since the red “paint” was inexpensive and easy to obtain, it was used to coat the barns in order to prevent a dilapidated condition.

2) Red paint also softened the hard lines of the barns and made them more pleasing to the eye.

3) One belief is that barns are red so a farmer’s cows can find their way home, but if so, that’s a failed strategy cattle are colorblind to the colors red and green .

4) Red is the color of barns because it symbolizes fertility, and paints containing red pigment have been used to paint barns for centuries.

5) The tradition of painting barns red is thought to be an ancient European one, and it likely started when the Celts began decorating their houses and temples with red clay.

6) Red is the most popular color in the world, with more shades than any other. It’s present in a number of different cultures, religions, and traditions. Some see it as a symbol of prosperity, while others associate it with love or death.

7) Red can be seen as a sign of danger. In many countries, it is the color of fire trucks and ambulances, as well as stop signs. It’s also associated with warning labels on dangerous products.

8) In many cultures, red represents happiness. It is the color of fire, and the color of blood. In India, it symbolizes prosperity and power.

Here’s a “story” that seems rather far-fetched – and why do we not believe this?

In addition to protecting the barns from the weather, another reason for painting barns red was that it protected them from fires. When dry barns were burned, the flames would not catch on the wood. This was because paint did not readily ignite, and the smoke from a burning barn was usually black because it absorbed heat from the flames rather than reflecting it back. In the summer of 1892, a dry barn was destroyed in Vermont by fire. The owner, Mr. Thomas B. Robinson, of Middlebury, stated that the paint saved his barn from destruction and that he was never sorry for having used it. In the winter of 1892, a barn in the town of Middlebury was struck by lightning, which started a fire at one corner. The dry paint helped to smother the flames and prevent their spreading. The fire was discovered and extinguished before it reached the hay loft. In a short time, the barn was ready to be painted again. Since no one could remember exactly what color it had been originally, a decision was made to paint it yellow. The theory was that it would be easier to determine when the paint was no longer yellow than to try to recollect what color it had been before.

Which one do you believe? We happen to agree with the first one about a means of preserving the barn wood with materials at hand. Makes sense, right?

Yes, of course, these images are available as prints, wall art, framed, on canvas and on a variety of home decor items.

Link to: Iconic Red Barn at Greenwood

Link to: Plain Jane Red Barn

Link to: Gettysburg Red Barn

Link to the: Bill Swartwout Photography Gallery

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