Why red?

As you have likely noticed, most barns are red. Have you ever wondered why? Fashion statement or the result of something useful?

“I am always humbled by the infinite ingenuity of the Lord, who can make a red barn cast a blue shadow.” – E.B. White

The Agricultural Heritage Center, located just outside of Longmont, Colorado, is an amazing place to visit! It takes you back in the history of local farming in the area.

For me, it brings back a lot of memories of being a kid, growing up in the beautiful farmland of Idaho. I have always enjoyed seeing big old barns, no matter what shape they are in. They are a huge part of our history, of the hard work and can-do attitude of our country. 

​Looking at the pictures I have taken of the stately red barn at the Heritage Center, the question I was very curious about was why are they almost always red? Why is red the most popular color of these old barns? The answer is actually quite simple and logical.

Hundreds of years ago there obviously was not the choice of paint colors we have now. It was very limited. In the latter part of the 1700's, farmers would seal (season) their barns with linseed oil to preserve the wood. They then began mixing the linseed oil with skimmed milk, lime, and red iron oxide, which is essentially rust. This mixture was a very good sealant, as it hardened well and lasted for a long time. It also killed the fungi and moss on barns.

The mixture ended up being red in color, which came from the linseed oil which is orange and is made from flax plants. The red color of the mixture also was from the red iron oxide that was used in it. Since it was a popular and effective way to seal barn wood, many barns became red with the use of this mixture.

As time went on and paint became more available, the tradition of red barns continued and red paint was the popular choice for barns for many years to come.

If you ask me, I think it is a fine color for a barn. It has a bit of a sassy attitude along with a defiance that says it is here for the long haul!