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Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => EQUIPMENT USAGE, EXPERIMENTATION, HIVE PLANS, CONSTRUCTION TIPS AND TOOLS => Topic started by: Astrocycler on December 28, 2009, 11:11:43 PM

Title: Cedar Woodenware... paint or polyurethane
Post by: Astrocycler on December 28, 2009, 11:11:43 PM
Hi all,

I am about to take the plunge and become a beekeeper.  This being the case I have a very large number of questions.  Here's the first...

I am probably going to purchase cedar woodenware.  Seems a shame to hide the beauty of the wood with paint so was thinking of using polyurethane spar varnish.  However, I live in Central Florida where the summer sun is brutal.  Is white paint my only GOOD choice for a finish to help keep the hive cool?

All comments appreciated.

Regards,

Ed
Title: Re: Cedar Woodenware... paint or polyurethane
Post by: contactme_11 on December 28, 2009, 11:36:41 PM
You can finish it however you like. I don't find different finishes to make much difference in temps.
Title: Re: Cedar Woodenware... paint or polyurethane
Post by: Astrocycler on December 28, 2009, 11:40:00 PM
Scott we have to stop meeting like this :-D

Thanks. 
Title: Re: Cedar Woodenware... paint or polyurethane
Post by: wfuavenger on January 11, 2010, 09:01:48 PM
sent you a pm
Title: Re: Cedar Woodenware... paint or polyurethane
Post by: AR Beekeeper on January 14, 2010, 10:43:37 AM
A white painted box will be 8 to 10 degrees cooler than a box that is brown or green.  I have never tested a box that is varnished to retain the natural color.
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