Why is the White House painted white?

It's constructed of Aquia sandstone, which is a material that easily is damaged by sun light, and fire damage... white was chosen for it's asthetic qualities, as well as it's reflective qualities... not for racial issues, as implied... also, at the time, white was very popular for structures, usually as a wash, not a topical "paint".  more

Because white is a neutral color. I would welcome any color president.  more

Because Barack doesn't get inagurated until the 20th. Once that happens, he will be hiring a pack of illegals to paint the white house black. Or at the very least, half white and half black. It will go nice with his new presidential limo.  more

Cos then they'd have to call it a different name like 'Yellow House" and it doesn't have the same authority about it then.  more

Our capital takes its look from Roman and Greek structure. They were made out of white Granite. Hence the white colors in our capital.  more

I wouldnt even have my house painted black, blue, green, pink, yellow or purple.. "It was originally painted with white wash to protect the stone from water and ice damage." <a href="http://www.whitehousehistory.org/06/subs/06_a01.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.whitehousehistory.org/06/subs...  more

That's easy. The President's residence was burned by the British in the War of 1812. Although the house did not burn down, the smoke damage left the bricks smudged. The only thing at the time they had that would cover was white paint or whitewash. So, they covered it with the white paint, and, therefore, we have a White House.  more

Cause it wouldn't be the White House if it was another color.  more

Brainz is right. During the War of 1812, the British burned it. During reconstruction, it was painted white to cover the fire damage and has, henceforth, been called the White House.  more