Preparing to gild the dome

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The Gilder's Studio started preparation work to gild the new copper on the Capitol dome with 24-carat gold leaf. Because the copper is new, an etching solution is being applied so that the gold-leaf will adhere to the surface.

The replacement and repair work is finishing up on the dome and gilding is one of the final steps to complete the dome work. Extensive work to the dome includes replacement and repair of the existing decorative sheet metal, repainting, roof repair, and re-gilding of the dome. The repairs will extend the life expectancy of the dome by over 75 years.

A worker with the Gilder's Studio puts on the first coat of the etching solution.

Renaissance Roofing, Inc. has finished the decorative pieces on the upper sections of the Capitol dome. The pieces are made of copper and painted to match the rest of the entablature on the building. The remaining copper is being gilded with 24-carat gold leaf.

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Capitol dome gilded in gold leaf
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Decorative pieces on the dome
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Craftsmen with Renaissance Roofing, Inc. finished the decorative pieces on the lower sections of the Capitol dome. Due to extensive damage, the original pieces were removed and recreated from copper.

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Decorative elements on dome

Just below the decorative elements on the dome, the wooden parts of the drum have been replaced with steel.

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Dome scaffolding removal

The gold-leafed dome shone during this beautiful May morning as workers took down the remaining scaffolding.

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Drum restoration

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Preparing to gild the dome
Preparing to gild the dome

The Gilder's Studio started preparation work to gild the new copper on the Capitol dome with 24-carat gold leaf. Because the copper is new, an etching solution is being applied so that the gold-leaf will adhere to the surface.

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Workers with Renaissance Roofing, Inc. have finished the decorative pieces on the upper sections of the Capitol dome. The pieces were recreated from copper and painted to match the rest of the entablature on the building.

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Molding the decorative pieces on the Capitol dome

Workers with Renaissance Roofing, Inc. Renaissance Roofing, Inc. are molding the decorative pieces on the Capitol dome from copper. The entablature, cornice, and pediments at the top of the Capitol exterior are made of metal, not stone. The existing material, most of which is original to the building, is failing and is currently being repaired or replaced.

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A little snow welcomed workers early this morning at the Capitol.

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Work on the dome

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Dome covered for restoration

The Capitol dome is covered for restoration. The repairs will extend the life expectancy of the dome by over 75 years.

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