The AOC has identified areas throughout the Capitol that contain historic paint colors or decoration that need restoration. In many of these areas the plaster has cracked under the stress and weight of multiple paint layers, a result of decades of repainting wall and ceiling surfaces. These areas have been marked for paint analysis; a process that allows the AOC to record what finishes were used in the past before repairing the wall. This allows the area to be restored to its original appearance. Once an area has been documented, the walls must be stripped down to a stable surface that has not been compromised by cracks. Then, the plaster will be patched and repaired.

May 2014: Plaster repair work is currently underway near stairwell to Small House Rotunda and the 3rd floor’s north hallway of the House side.