Wisnewbee here with another fun and probably controversial question. LOL! :-D
I'm wondering about the finish used on hives. I've seen the video and read the information on dipping and really like that method, just can't afford it right now. :'( I saw the pictures of the hive bodies that were posted of varnished hive bodies by Shanevrr, and really liked the look of the natural wood. The hives I'm working on will be kind of a showcase hive. My girlfriend wanted something special. She wanted to do rose mulling on them. :shock: She ended up using a woodburning tool to do ivy running up the edges. It does look nice. :-D I'm planning on applying varnish today. Considering that when you dip, the wax/rosin is on every surface (inside & outside), would it be okay to varnish the inside of the hive too? A related question for those that use varnish. Does the wood change color (fade to gray) over time? When the hive bodies are done I'll post a picture so you can see them. Thanks for the input.
Bill
i like the natural look also, much more than painted. but its a little pricy compaired to paint. Varnish is a marine grade finish. so it will look good for years. ive seen to many pics of hives with paint peeling off.
you may have to put 2 to 3 coats on depending on applicater and the glosser the better but i chose satin by mistake. you dont have to do inside. as the sun is what does the damage to exterior. i think deck sealer will work to but varnish is better from what i was told. buy the cheap disposible brushes at lowes, there like a buck. i used one quart for 8 bodys 4bottoms and lids
I just put a couple coats of Watco Teak Oil finish on one of my cypress boxes this evening and am liking the look. I hit the boxes with 100 grit to knock off the worst of the edges then a few passes of 220 to slick it up and slapped it on with a rubbing down with OOOO steel wool after each coat. I may hit again in the morning if I think it needs it.
Ya'll got too much time on your hands :-D
Scott
Scott, I'm still waiting for that painting race between you and the AceBird.
All I can say is "bring it on!".
Whew, Davy Mac! Sounds like a lot of work. Rather spend my time building new deeps and mediums.