Why do pencils have to be painted?

Question: Why do pencils have to be painted!?
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

They don't, you can buy unpainted pencils!. Originally they started painting them yellow to show that they had the top quality Chinese graphite in them, it's tradition now!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Colour is only used to make the item more attractive, as an aid to ownership identification and is often used to signify the hardness of the pencil lead!.
May pencils created from sustainable forests are left unpainted to reduce their carbon footprint!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Pencils do not have to be painted!. Sometimes you can get ones with just wood or others that are just graphite!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

To be more attractive!. Yellow signifies learning and interest in many students!. Nothing to lose if we painted them, lol!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

wood gets old and splinters get lodged in fingers!!!!!!!!!!Www@QuestionHome@Com