Painting the Rocket Booster Monument at SpaceX
After a year and a half-negotiation process, we were awarded the dangerous challenging contract to clean, prepare, and paint the iconic Falcon 9 Rocket Booster at the SpaceX Headquarters, Hawthorne, CA in July 2023. All the viewing glass, booster legs, wiring, hardware, and concrete were covered for protection.
By completely high-pressure washing with our diesel-powered 5,000 psi 5 gal per minute trailer mounted unit the rocket booster was cleaned which removed the failed existing water-based paint. It was allowing corrosion with significant loss of the aluminum skin surface. The booster is subject to condensation water run down daily. Water was getting under the water-based paint with the worst at the lower barrel the bottom of the Rocket.
We performed the extra work of complete abrasive blasting (see photo) of the lower barrel portion then applied two coats of primer followed by two finish coats of high-performance high gloss two-component polysiloxane PPG PSX 700 coating. The rocket booster was coated with PPG PSX 700 high-performance coating. This will provide superior protection for many decades. We painted the new dark blue version of the SpaceX logo on both sides of the booster giving it a new beautiful look. (see photo)
The SpaceX Painting Job
All the painting work was done in four weeks with our company owned equipment, nothing was rented, and the job was done within budget with no lost time or injuries. This iconic Falcon 9 Rocket Booster now has the high-quality paint job it so well deserves.
We undertook the additional task of performing a thorough abrasive blasting on the lower SpaceX barrel section. The SpaceX rocket booster itself was coated with the PPG PSX 700 high-performance coating, which promises superior protection for many decades to come. We also skillfully painted the new dark blue version of the SpaceX logo on both sides of the booster, bestowing upon it a completely rejuvenated and stunning appearance.
Painting Project Timeline
All of this work was carried out within a four-week timeframe, utilizing our own equipment exclusively—no rentals were necessary. We managed to stay within budget and maintained an impeccable safety record. There were no incidents or workplace injuries on this coating job. This iconic Falcon 9 Rocket Booster now boasts the top-notch paint job it truly deserves.
This was a successful project to repaint the SpaceX rocket monument within four weeks outside their Hawthorne California headquarters.
Removal of defective coatings
Cleaning seven years of dirt and smog
