Why Are Farmers Barns Mostly Painted Red With White Trim ?

Answer 1

The traditional red and ochre paints found on many barns became widely available in Vermont by about 1850. Made with locally produced iron oxide earth pigments and linseed oil, the paints were relatively inexpensive, and it became fashionable on farms throughout the region to have a red barn contrasting with the white farmhouse. At the end of the century, shingled barns stained dark green or brown became fashionable on gentlemen's farms. In the twentieth century, red, white, and yellow have been the colors of choice of most farmers, often with the trim in a different color.

Answer 2

A long time ago farmers used to mix blood (from slaughtering livestock) with some other compound (lime maybe?) & used that mixture to paint the barns. It was more economical for them to do it that way.

Waste not, want not.

Answer 3

red paint was relatively easy to make during the colonial period. It was something like iron oxide mixed with cod's liver oil or castor oil - stuff that was readily available at the time. Plus, it was fairly durable. I think the white trim was a later development. Now, it's become a traditional color scheme.

Answer 4

Cuz. How else could they "paint the town red" back in the day and not include the barn?

Answer 5

Beats me, but aren't they pretty? I'm thinking of painting the outside of my house like that!

Answer 6

red (lead based) paint is cheapest, white paint looks pretty

Answer 7

Good question...ours is ...?