I'm going to build some hives and frames over the winter, and i was wondering what the best means of preserving the wood is.
I know NO PAINT on the inside of the supers.
Im wondering if a marine ureathane is a good idea, i'd kind of like the outsides of the hive(s) a more natural color, but i dont want to leave them
bare wood that will likely rot out soon.
Is wax dipping a good idea also?
Any tips, tricks, or links to informative sites would be great
Thx in advance
A friend of mine who built me a hive stand, accidentally painted the hive stand with the marine urethane. Well it smelled so toxic that I could not use the hive stand for about 1 month until the smell came out of it. I actually got dizzy putting my nose to it. Never again would I ever use that stuff anywhere near the bees, but that is just me.
Annette
Well, since my equipment wouldnt be in use until next year, it wouldnt matter to me if it smelled for a month or two. Wont be used for 6-9 months.
My concern is if it's effective and/or harmful to the ladies :)
if the wood is in contact with the ground using that stuff might be a good idea. but for vertical wood surfaces the big enemy is the sun and any kind of exterior paint would be suitable. i look for the mismatched stuff they sell at bargain prices at lowes. if the gallon can says $10 I ask the paint guy to make it $5. haven't had a problem with that yet.
I agree, my wife paints our hives with two coats of Kilz (water based primer) and two coats of ColorPlace latex enamel. Wild colors :roll: are optional, we tend to get daring on the tints... :-D
David
"paint would pretty much ruin the natural color i was hoping for.
I live in an urban area, and would like my hives to be as "nonintrusive" to the landscape as possible.
I figure if i keep them looking attractive, neighbors wont run for their lives when they see them.
maybe i sould rephrase my question.......
Is there a good sealant that will keep the natural wood look, but be safe(non-toxic) for the bees as well?
I have not found a good Marine/UV resistant Urathane that will last over about 2 years without peeling. I wanted the natural look as I place my hives along a cedar fence and wanted them to blend into the fence. Although I have not tried it (but have thought about it) I would dip the hives for a natural look as I think it should hold longer. I just use good high quality exterior house paint and it holds the best.
Steve
paint a camouflage pattern on them.
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesdipping.htm
http://www.bushfarms.com/beeslazy.htm#stoppainting
Not sure how toxic it is but I've used " CETOL" Marine varnish on my sailboat with great sucess. West Marine sells it as do better boat yards.
Be advised I would ask an expert FIRST!