Ever wonder what house painting used to be like? Check out our list of painting facts straight from the history books.

#1. Sherwin-Williams became the first paint manufacturer to create ready-to-use paint in 1866.

Formed in Cleveland, Ohio, by Harry Sherwin, Alanson Osborn and Edward Williams, the company was also the first company to develop a resealable tin can. 

#2. Lead-based paint wasn’t banned until 1978.

Despite the fact that paint manufacturers have realized the negative side effects of using lead-based house paint since well into the 18th century, it wasn’t until the late 90’s that the U.S. finally decided to prohibit its sale or use.

#3. American painter John Goffe Rand invented the paint tube in 1841.

Perhaps even more interesting is what paint used to be stored in prior to this invention. Believe it or not, animal bladders were once standard containers for oil-based paints. 

#4. The ancient Egyptians used animal blood as a primary ingredient in their paint colors. 

At the time, paint colors were limited to a few basic colors. Semiprecious stones, tree sap and clay were other ingredients mixed to create paint colors. 

#5. Paint colors are strong enough to not only protect your walls from weathering and general wear, but they also affect your very mood. 

Cool tones promote feelings of relaxation and happiness while warmer shades create boosts of energy or incite anger. Read more about the effects of color here.

Ready for more? Check out Part Two of our series here.