Every tourist visiting Paris is sure to take a picture of this famous structure in the background, but does it occur to any of them how much it takes to keep it in good shape? After all, Paris's icon is built with 7 million kilos of iron and is exposed to day-to-day city pollution, bird droppings, rain, and, of course, natural metal corrosion.
If not for regular repainting campaigns, the grand 300-meter tower would probably have become a nasty rusty construction, abandoned or demolished. To prevent such a travesty, the Eiffel Tower is repainted every seven years by 25 old-fashioned painters who take a brush and cm by cm cover the entire surface with a puddle of iron paint. The painters have to do all the work by hand in order not to miss anything.
The complex procedure takes up to 18 months, but the tower is still open to visitors in the meantime. Nowadays, it is puddle iron, but it hasn't been like this forever. The tower was constructed in 1889 in honor of the centennial anniversary of the French Revolution. Since then, it has changed its color several times–from original red-brown to yellow-ochre, then chestnut brown, bronze, and finally modern puddle iron. The tower's surface is 62 acres (25 ha)—the painters have not only to be patient but also resistant to vertigo.
Apart from human resources, the tower needs 60 tons of paint, 1,500 brushes, 1,500 overalls, 62 acres (25 ha) of safety nets, 30 miles (50 km) of safety lines, and so much more. The efforts and costs are worth the beauty annually, drawing millions of tourists from around the globe.
Practical info
When was the Eiffel Tower built and why?
In 1889, Gustave Eiffel constructed the Eiffel Tower to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. Eiffel also made the internal frame of the Statue of Liberty. Show more
How often is the Eiffel Tower repainted and how long does it take?
Approximately 25 painters, 1,500 brushes, and 60 tons of paint are needed to repaint the Eiffel Tower every seven years. Despite the work, tourists can still visit the tower, which takes about a year and a half to repaint. Show more
What color of painting was the Eiffel Tower originally?
The Eiffel Tower's original color was red-brown, but it has been changed several times over the years. It has been painted yellow-ochre, chestnut brown, bronze, and modern puddle iron. The present-day paint is iron oxide-based to prevent environmental and weather-based corrosion. Show more
What safety precautions are taken for the repainting process?
To keep painters safe, safety nets and cranes are set up over 62 acres (25 hectares), 30 miles (50 km) of safety lines are laid, and workers must wear overalls for protection. Additionally, the painters are medically examined regularly to ensure they are safe to work. Show more
How much paint and how many painters are required for the repainting process?
Repainting the Eiffel Tower takes approximately 25 painters, 1,500 brushes, and 60 tons of paint (the same weight as the iron structure). The tower's 62-acre (25 ha) exterior surface area requires all of this painting to be done by hand. Show more
