The Eiffel Tower is coated in 60 tons of paint to prevent rust, a weight equivalent to about ten adult elephants.

Gustave Eiffel famously stated that identifying and stopping rust was the only way to guarantee the longevity of his masterpiece. The tower is constructed from 7,300 tons of puddled iron, a material created through a refining process that removes carbon but leaves the metal susceptible to oxidation. To combat this, the 'Grand Dame' has been repainted 19 times since its completion in 1889, following a schedule recommended by Eiffel himself.The painting process is a massive undertaking that lasts approximately 18 to 24 months. A team of about 25 specialized painters uses traditional handheld brushes rather than spray guns to ensure the paint is worked deeply into the iron's texture. They apply roughly 60 metric tons of paint during each campaign to create a waterproof barrier against the elements.The specific color used today is 'Eiffel Tower Brown,' a custom pigment adopted in 1968. The three-tone shading technique is a clever use of atmospheric perspective. By painting the top sections in a lighter hue, the structure maintains a consistent silhouette and avoids looking top-heavy or distorted when viewed from the ground against the bright sky.Beyond aesthetics, the paint serves as the primary structural defense. Without this protective layer, the iron would react with oxygen and moisture to form iron oxide, eventually weakening the 18,000 individual metallic parts and 2.5 million rivets. This maintenance cycle is managed by the Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE) to ensure the landmark remains stable for future generations.