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The West Virginia State Capitol Dome: Lessons Learned from a Failing Finish

Located on the banks of the Kanawha River surrounded by the rugged Allegheny Mountains, the gilded lead-coated copper dome of Cass Gilbert’s 1932 West Virginia State Capitol has never successfully weathered the harsh climate nor withstood the test of time. Although beautifully detailed and successful at resisting water infiltration, the dome’s appearance was problematic soon after its completion and has remained so even after four significant refinishing campaigns - in 1946, 1961, 1977 and most recently in 1988.

Product Number: 41207-361-SG
Author: Elizabeth Moss
Publication Date: 2007
Industry: Coatings
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Located on the banks of the Kanawha River surrounded by the rugged Allegheny Mountains, the gilded lead-coated copper dome of Cass Gilbert’s 1932 West Virginia State Capitol has never successfully weathered the harsh climate nor withstood the test of time. Although beautifully detailed and successful at resisting water infiltration, the dome’s appearance was problematic soon after its completion and has remained so even after four significant refinishing campaigns - in 1946, 1961, 1977 and most recently in 1988. The causes for its failures are multiple but are underscored by deficient surface preparation and unsuitable coating systems. Through careful study of the past failures combined with careful analysis of present coating systems, gilding techniques and testing procedures the mistakes of the past are being used to ensure success in the future.

Located on the banks of the Kanawha River surrounded by the rugged Allegheny Mountains, the gilded lead-coated copper dome of Cass Gilbert’s 1932 West Virginia State Capitol has never successfully weathered the harsh climate nor withstood the test of time. Although beautifully detailed and successful at resisting water infiltration, the dome’s appearance was problematic soon after its completion and has remained so even after four significant refinishing campaigns - in 1946, 1961, 1977 and most recently in 1988. The causes for its failures are multiple but are underscored by deficient surface preparation and unsuitable coating systems. Through careful study of the past failures combined with careful analysis of present coating systems, gilding techniques and testing procedures the mistakes of the past are being used to ensure success in the future.

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