Painting the antennas is important for several reasons. First, it works to control corrosion on the steel. Secondly, it aids in the ability to point the antenna accurately. When part of the antenna is in the sun and part is in shadow, it heats, and therefore expands, unevenly. The paint that is used contains a high concentration of titanium dioxide which equalizes the temperature over a large area. With less difference in temperature there is less difference in expansion and contraction.

Temporary paint crews are hired every summer. It takes nearly a month to clean an antenna, and another month to paint it, so only four or five antennas are painted each summer.