75th Anniversary Paint Job

Stripping and painting of the 82" Otto Struve Telescope dome began September 3, 2013, as part of the overall 75th Anniversary year.

The existing coating is being stripped using high-pressure water, bringing the surface of the dome to bare, galvanized metal panels.  Once the stripping and rinsing surface preparations are completed, the dome gets fresh paint.

A low-emissivity white urethane-epoxy paint is used, the first coat acting as a primer/bond coat, and the subsequent two coats providing the protective and weather top-coat.

Much of the work has been done in inclement weather, at the end of the monsoon season, including rain, humidity in excess of 98%, and moderate to high wind.