What Color Is The White House?
The white paint has nothing to do with concealing the 1814 British arson of the mansion. In 1798, when its walls were completed, the structure was painted white with a lime-based whitewash to preserve the porous stone from freezing. Three months before the United States went to war with Great Britain, Congressman Abijah Bigelow wrote to a colleague on March 18, 1812, “There is great commotion in the White House, as we call the President’s residence” (quoted in W.B.
- Bryan, “The Name White House,” Records of the Columbia Historical Society 34-35 : 308).
- Intentionally designed to deteriorate over time, leaving gaps and crevices filled, the whitewash was never allowed to weather, but was periodically reapplied until 1818, when the edifice was finally coated with white lead paint.
By that time, it had been known as “The White House” for more than a decade. Although the name was often used, it remained a nickname until Theodore Roosevelt made it official in October 1901.
What color is the paint on the White House?
The exterior paint hue of the White House is technically referred to as “whisper white.” It is manufactured by the Duron Company, which Sherwin-Williams acquired in 2020. It takes at least 570 gallons of paint to paint the White House’s exterior walls and trim.
During the summer months, while the presidents and their families are away from the White House, a number of restoration or refurbishment projects are scheduled. Near 1927, President Calvin Coolidge relocated to the Patterson Mansion in Dupont Circle as the White House roof and top floors underwent extensive repairs and renovations.
The White House is white, yes.
The white paint has nothing to do with concealing the 1814 British arson of the mansion. In 1798, when its walls were completed, the structure was painted white with a lime-based whitewash to preserve the porous stone from freezing. Three months before the United States went to war with Great Britain, Congressman Abijah Bigelow wrote to a colleague on March 18, 1812, “There is great commotion in the White House, as we call the President’s residence” (quoted in W.B.
- Bryan, “The Name White House,” Records of the Columbia Historical Society 34-35 : 308).
- Intentionally designed to deteriorate over time, leaving gaps and crevices filled, the whitewash was never allowed to weather, but was periodically reapplied until 1818, when the edifice was finally coated with white lead paint.
By that time, it had been known as “The White House” for more than a decade. Although the name was often used, it remained a nickname until Theodore Roosevelt made it official in October 1901.