Why are most barns red?

Question

I went for a drive today and I was noticing that almost all the barns in the country are red. I was wondering why? Especailly the older ones. You can tell that some of the ones that are old use to be red. So I was wondering dose anyone know the history behind this of why most barns are red?

Answer 1

Two popular theories:
Wealthy farmers added blood from a recent slaughter to the oil mixture. As the paint dried, it turned from a bright red to a darker, burnt red.
Farmers added ferrous oxide, otherwise known as rust, to the oil mixture. Rust was plentiful on farms and is a poison to many fungi, including mold and moss, which were known to grown on barns. These fungi would trap moisture in the wood, increasing decay.

Answer 2

Centuries ago, European farmers would seal the wood on their barns with an oil, often linseed oil -- a tawny-colored oil derived from the seed of the flax plant. They would paint their barns with a linseed-oil mixture. Farmers added ferrous oxide, otherwise known as rust, to the oil mixture. Rust was plentiful on farms and is a poison to many fungi, including mold and moss, which were known to grown on barns. These fungi would trap moisture in the wood, increasing decay.

Answer 3

Most barns are red to draw heat from the sun. The animals inside can stay warm that way. If it were white it would reflect the sun away. thus there would be no heat for the building. because of hay and other combustable items they usually don't have heaters. Hope this helps

Answer 4

paint was hard to come by in old days so farmers had to make their own. they had access to a cheap substance that was available so they used it. it turned the barns red but protected the wood from weather etc. it became a custom.

I cannot exactly remember what the substance was but it may have been blood and milk or something like that.

Answer 5

I've seen a green barn before so yea not ALL barns are red

Answer 6

Red was the color of favor until white wash was found to be cheaper .

Answer 7

Cheap paint.

Answer 8

i think they were painted wit blood cuz they couldnt afford paint. one time i saw a green barn.

Answer 9

farmer oppose socialism for anyone but them
more farm support , more price subsidies, more export subsidies