At Zook’s Look, we know a thing or two about quality residential painting. But every once in a while, we like to take a step back from the brush and rollers and have a little fun. Painting your home is serious business, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some quirky history and weird facts along the way.
Here are some of our favorite strange-but-true painting facts, from ancient tombs to modern-day color wheels. Trust us, you’ll never look at that can of paint the same way again!
1. The First House Paint Was Made with…Milk?
Yes, milk. The oldest known house paint was a mix of milk, lime, and natural pigments like berries and clay. This “milk paint” was used thousands of years ago—and even painted the walls of King Tut’s tomb! It was durable, non-toxic, and used well into the early 1900s. If it’s good enough for the Pharaohs, it’s good enough for your guest room, right?
2. Red Doors Have Serious Symbolism
A red front door has carried meaning in many cultures. In Colonial America, it meant travelers were welcome. In Feng Shui, red symbolizes “welcoming energy.” In Scotland, a red door means the mortgage is paid off. And among the Aztecs, red pigment was so valuable that it was considered more precious than gold. So go ahead, paint it bold!
3. Pilgrims Banned Painted Houses
In the 1600s, Colonial Americans saw painting your home as vain, prideful, and sinful. It was even illegal in some towns to paint your house—it was considered an act of “sacrilege.” Imagine getting fined for a fresh coat of paint!
4. Over 60 Million Gallons of Paint Go to Waste
That’s right. According to the EPA, around 10% of all paint purchased in the U.S. is eventually thrown out, most of it from residential projects. That’s more than 60 million gallons down the drain. That’s why we always encourage smart planning, accurate estimates, and eco-friendly paint disposal.
5. The First Paint Rollers Came from Canada…and War
Canadian Norman Breakey invented the modern paint roller in 1940, but he never patented it. During WWII, bristle shortages (because hog hair was being used for military needs) led Sherwin-Williams to also invent a roller as an alternative. Thank wartime innovation for speeding up your weekend painting project!
6. Isaac Newton Invented the Color Wheel
Sir Isaac Newton created the first color wheel in 1706. He used a prism to break white light into colors and connected the ends to make a circle. The next time you’re choosing the perfect accent color for your walls, thank science!
7. Green Is the Most Popular Paint Color (Sort Of)
It’s not that green is used the most, but that your eyes can detect more shades of green than any other color. That’s why paint brands offer more greens than any other color. If you’ve ever stared at 17 versions of “sage,” now you know why.
8. Split Ends on a Paintbrush Are a Good Thing
Professional-quality brushes often have split bristles, which help hold more paint and apply it evenly. Even synthetic brushes can be engineered with split ends. So when you’re rinsing your brush, no need for conditioner!
9. The White House Was Never Supposed to Be White
Originally, the White House was painted with lime-based whitewash just to protect the stone, not for appearance. The whitewash would naturally fade and weather with time. It wasn’t until 1818 that it got its first coat of white lead-based paint, and it wasn’t officially named the “White House” until Teddy Roosevelt made it official in 1910.
10. The Golden Gate Bridge Is Not Red (Technically)
It’s actually painted a color called International Orange. The same shade has been used since the bridge opened in 1937. Not only does it pop visually, but it also enhances visibility in San Francisco’s famous fog.
11. Painters Used to Grind Their Own Pigments
Before you could buy paint in a can, house painters made their own by grinding natural pigments with a mortar and pestle. Not surprisingly, only the wealthy could afford painted walls. Makes you appreciate that 5-gallon bucket at the hardware store, doesn’t it?
A Splash of Fun and a Dash of Quality
At Zook’s Look, we may enjoy some painting trivia, but our work is always serious when it comes to craftsmanship, durability, and detail. Whether you need the interior of your home refreshed or you’re taking on a full exterior painting project, we’ve been proudly serving Ames and Central Iowa since 1995.
Walls, doors, trim, cabinets, or your home’s entire facade—if it needs a fresh coat, we’re on it. Contact us today to get a free quote!