We are looking at expanding greatly this year.
To date we have painted, with Latex paint, but its time consuming.
I've considered dipping, with Rosin/Wax, but the initial setup cost is high. The process is not exactly quick either, unless you have a vat that is huge.
Are there other options?
I've seen discussions of turpentine/wax dipping/spraying, that would be tolerable. Anyone with any experience in this?
What about just doing nothing? How long will pine boxes last with no treatment, in a temperate climate?
Any guidance would be appreciated.
Michael Bush gave up painting several years ago and reports no real difference in painted and unpainted hives. I think a lot depends on the weather. Nebraska isn't really a tropical climate. I have some boxes 3-4 years old and unpainted. I see more warping and deterioration in the corners, even with glued and nailed boxes, so I think sealing the end grain is more important than painting the flat sides.
Stack them and spray with 100% acrylic latex solid stain. Pine here rots fast if close to the ground and untreated. I paint all of mine, but I'm a painter. :-D
>Nebraska isn't really a tropical climate.
It is a fairly dry climate here (although not as dry as when I lived in Western Nebraska).
So no one has used turpentine and wax?
Years ago we used linseed oil and turpintine on raw wood siding. Works fine but turns black with time. Never used turps. and wax. Give it a try on a few boxes, might be what you are looking for.
I used to use copper naphthenate and mineral spirits. Mixed it in a barrel and then dipped all the parts before assembling. Worked well and saved having to repaint boxes when they started looking shabby.
Take a look at the material safety data sheet on that stuff, it's nasty!