Thanks all. What is this red iron oxide powder that you speak of? where did the old timers get it? and are you able to still get it today? I fancy the idea of mixing your own paint as I think I might be able to get a more natural, already aged look than if I used the paints of modern day as the are just too perfect looking lacking the character that we love to see in the old barn siding that people now pay a premium price for. Any else mess around with mixing their own traditional finishes or am I the only crazy guy who would waste his time doing so? Thanks again everyone. tb

Cool thread. I do not know much of paints but I think I might be able to help a little with the red iron oxide powder. I think Iron ore might be the cause. Ferric Oxide (ferrum: latin for iron) is found in hematite. hematite is red due to the oxidation of the iron in nature. i believe you can quarry it. I do not know how you could make the powder except for maybe crushing it?.

You can get red iron oxide from the ground, if you've got it, like from some forms of hematite, and from limonite, but it's easier to order it from a pottery supply:)