US Capitol dome to get fresh coat of paint

WASHINGTON (AP) — The dome of the Capitol building in Washington is getting a fresh coat of white paint to help protect its cast-iron surface.

Work began today to build a scaffolding and hanging platforms for the project.

The Office of the Architect of the Capitol says the project is expected to take five months. The 9-million-pound dome was last painted in 2002. It’s inspected each year for any cracks that must be sealed.

Workers will evaluate the dome for a more comprehensive restoration project. Plans call for eventually removing the old paint and repairing or replacing broken ironwork.

The dome was completed in 1866, replacing an earlier version made of copper and wood. Its last major renovation was in 1960.