The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) began applying a fresh coat of paint on the U.S. Capitol Dome in summer 2010, to provide a protective coating to help preserve and protect the exterior of the cast-iron Dome.

Scaffolding, hanging platforms, and other equipment is in place and workers can be seen daily suspended from safety lines on the Dome as they work to clean, seal and paint the historic structure. The project is scheduled to be completed in December 2010.

"The U.S. Capitol Dome is iconic and is the most recognized symbol of our government," said Stephen T. Ayers, AIA, LEED AP, Architect of the Capitol. "In 1793, President Washington had insisted during the original construction of the Capitol Building that it demonstrate the permanence of our federal government. We take great pride in our mission to preserve the Capitol Building to ensure that it continues to stand for generations to come."

While the work is ongoing, the AOC will be evaluating the Dome in preparation for a phased and comprehensive restoration project. Future restoration plans include removing old paint from the Dome’s exterior. Cracked and broken ironwork will be repaired or replaced, and then it will be resealed and repainted using an epoxy and urethane paint system.

The AOC last repainted the Dome in 2002, and each year an inspection of the Dome’s surfaces is conducted and any cracks that are found are repaired and resealed. The last significant exterior renovation of the Dome was done in 1959-60 when it was stripped of its paint so the ironwork could be primed with a rust inhibitor.

The Capitol Dome is comprised of nearly nine million pounds of cast iron, and was designed by architect Thomas U. Walter. It was constructed from 1855 to 1866. The final section of the Statue of Freedom atop the Dome was installed on December 2, 1863.