Falun red

 ( Dalarna ) 

Falun red or Falu red ( ; , ) is a red iron oxide pigment obtained as a byproduct of the Falun Mine. It is traditionally used as a pigment in applied to exterior wood surfaces in Sweden, Finland, and Norway.

Falu Rödfärg is a protected trademark, which may only be used for products containing red pigment sourced from the Falun Mine. Rödfärg (Swedish language), rödmylla (Finland Swedish) or punamulta (Finnish language) can refer to any flour paint containing either natural Ochre or industrial iron oxide pigments.

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History After centuries of copper mining in Falun, large piles of tailings were deposited above ground near the mines.

By the 16th century, mineralization of the mine's tailings and slag, added by Smelting, began to produce a red-coloured sludge rich in copper, limonite, silicic acid, and zinc. When this sludge was calcination for several hours and mixed with linseed oil and rye flour, it was found to create an excellent anti-weathering paint. In the 17th century, Falun red began to be applied to wooden buildings to mimic the red-brick façades commonly used by the upper classes.

In Sweden's urban areas, wooden buildings were often painted with Falun red until the early 19th century, when authorities started opposing its use.

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Resurgence Falun red saw a resurgence in popularity in the Swedish countryside during the 19th century, when poorer and began to paint their houses. Falun red is still widely used in the countryside. The Finnish expression "punainen tupa ja perunamaa" ('a red cottage and a potato patch'), referring to idyllic home and life, is a direct allusion to a country house painted in Falun red.

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Composition of flour paint The paint consists of water, rye flour, linseed oil, silicates, iron oxides, copper compounds, and zinc. As Falun red ages the binder deteriorates, leaving the color granules loose, but restoration is easy since simply brushing the surface is sufficient before repainting.

The actual color may be different depending on the degree to which the oxide is burnt, ranging from almost black to a bright, light red. Different tones of red have been popular at different times.

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External links

• (2025). 9789151843711, Stora Kopparbergs bergslags AB. ISBN 9789151843711
• Mould resistance tests in Sweden (Falu on page 5, in Swedish)

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