10 Interesting Facts About Paint

When you think about paint, you probably think about home DIY projects and refreshing a room with a brand-new color, but paint has many more intricacies than you might realize. Beyond the common uses and purposes of paint that you might commonly see, paint is also interesting for many other reasons. So, in no particular order, here are ten interesting and intriguing facts about paint.

What are 10 Interesting Facts About Paint?

1. Paint is Ancient

The history of paint creation goes back tens of thousands of years, despite the modern technology that churns out paint production in such large quantities today. It might even be 100,000 years old since there is archeological evidence that paintings were made in caves and on stone surfaces in South Africa around that time. There were also early oil paintings found in Afghanistan dated back to the 7^th century CE.

2. Oil Paintings were Made from Dry Paint

For hundreds of years, oil paint was mixed using dried, colored paint pigments and egg yolk! Even though that might seem random, the combination brought together the right consistency and saturation. Later, linseed oil was discovered as a good mixing agent. Speaking of oil paint, did you know that it can take up to 2 weeks to fully dry an oil painting? Technically, oil paint just hardens compared to normal drying paints, and then it is covered in a protective varnish. Some historical professionals might even say that it can take years for paintings to fully dry when the paint is layered on so thickly.

3. Desperate Times in Paint Manufacturing Called for…Creative Measures

Over the years, as paint products have evolved, people in charge of production have also had to evolve and think of creative solutions. And sometimes, desperate times in the production processes have called for somewhat desperate and creative measures. For example, before common paint tubes were invented in the mid-1800s, one of the only viable options that could store and preserve the color and texture of the paint was an animal bladder. Imagine, squeezing your paint out of an animal bladder every time you wanted to create a painting!

Another interesting change in paint manufacturing was during the period of World War II. During this time, an ingredient in paint production, linseed oil, was in high demand as a part of weapon production and maintenance. So, paint producers had to shift, research, and start to use a material of their own invention: resin. Not only is resin affordable, but it is also long-lasting and helps to maintain the true shade and vibrancy of paint colors. After some time, acrylic paint came on the market in the 50’s, thanks to the invention and addition of resin.

4. Different Colors Symbolize Different Things

Throughout history, colors have been used to symbolize different things. For example, some doors were often painted red to represent the safety those homes provided for travelers. This had particular importance during the Civil War as it helped those searching for safety along the Underground Railroad. Historically, the color purple was a symbol of royalty and regality. This may have been because the purple pigmentation was quite expensive. It required combining different pigmentations of red and blue which came from different sources, such as grinding up valuable minerals or stones such as lapis lazuli. Yellow paint has also been used on lots of warning signs to catch attention and spread important information.

5. Sir Isaac Newton Invented the Color Wheel

You read that right. Even though you might not often associate Sir Isaac Newton with art forms or paint, he was in fact the individual who invented the color wheel after seeing the rainbow through a prism.

6. Painting the White House Takes 570+ Gallons of Paint

So, do you think it takes a lot of paint to cover the outside of your house? Try painting the white house instead. This large building takes over 570 gallons of paint to be thoroughly covered and painted.

7. Spray Paint Led to a Graffiti Revolution

Spray paint was developed and invented in the mid-1900s because the inventor was under a major time crunch prior to a big exhibition at the World Fair. After this, there was a huge boom of creativity in the art community as graffiti painting was invented. This type of painting is seen as a method of self-expression and freedom. Unfortunately, there are many areas, public and private, where graffiti painting is illegal. So, if you’re interested in spray painting or graffiti, make sure you’re practicing this art form in a legal way.

8. Why is the Golden Gate Bridge Orange Instead of Gold?

The Golden Gate Bridge is painted in the shade “Orange Vermilion” instead of gold or a more common gray or black color. The reason why the designers and architects decided this color would stand out against the thick fog of the area.

9. Paint Colors Can Affect Your Mood

Did you know that your home’s paint colors can affect your mentality and mood? Warm, bright colors can boost your energy and excitement. Greens and blues have calming, healing qualities and soothe symptoms of anxiety. Black can feel cozy, but it can also feel serious and bold. White can induce feelings of calm, hope, and comfort.

10. Paint Colors Can Increase Your Home’s Value

If you’re thinking of selling your home soon and are trying to get the biggest bang for your buck, try giving your home a fresh coat of paint. There are certain colors that have been shown to increase the curb appeal and attractiveness of your home. As a result, the equity and value of your home can also increase. Greige exteriors, periwinkle bathrooms, blue kitchens, and white interiors are a few examples of these popular paint colors.

Now that you know so much about paint, it is time to get painting yourself! Give your house a refresh and improve your mood with new paint colors from Vista Paint!