Eiffel Tower contract sees Jotun paint rise to new heights

Photo: Jotun.com

The famous Paris landmark, the Eiffel Tower, is 120 years old this year, and is getting a new coat of paint. A paint especially developed by the Norwegian paint manufacturer Jotun.

Approximately 70 tonnes of Jotun’s Mammut urethane alkyd-based protective coating is being used as part of an on-going refurbishment scheme.

Jotun Mammut was originally specified by the Societe d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SNTE) following an extensive three year test programme against different systems from others suppliers the last time the Eiffel Tower was repainted in 2002.

A specialist team capable of working at extreme heights using roped belays and with limited access, will repair where necessary and repaint the 220,000 sq m surface area by autumn 2010.

Designed by Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1889 for the ‘Exposition Unversel’ in Paris, the Tower commemorated the centenary of the French Revolution. It is constructed using more than 18,000 wrought iron parts fastened together with over 2.5 million rivets. It stands over 312 metres high and at the time of construction was the tallest structure in the world, weighing 7,300 tonnes.

A specially prepared formula is being supplied in three shades for the Eiffel Tower work to provide the impression of the whole structure being single uniformed colour. Jean-Francois Ferrer, general manager – Jotun France SAS, says: “We are honoured that once again our coatings have been chosen for protecting this unique example of the structural engineer’s art. “We’re confident that Mammut will prove more than satisfactory in protecting the tower against the ravages of climate and pollution for many years to come,” Ferrer says.

Source: Jotun.com