This mixture created a red, paint-like coating which protected the wood and helped keep the barn warmer in the winter. Therefore, covered bridges are typically painted red because it was less expensive.
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Why Paint a Bridge Red Like a Barn? Cost again - red paint is cheap. Before paints became common and affordable, farmers still needed a way to protect their barns. To solve this problem, they mixed together three things they had plenty of - skimmed milk, lime and rust (iron oxide).
The current colour scheme dates back to 1977. 'The bridge was painted blue, white and red in preparation for the Queen's Silver Jubilee' explains Baty. When it had a £4m overhaul 11 years ago the team decided to stick with the longest-standing hue.