Preparing hives

[lmehaffey]

I want to use a Minwax stain & sealer to coat my hives - I like the look of natural wood. Is this a good idea? A bad idea? Most hives I see are painted (white, or some other light color), so I don't know whether I should "buck the system" or not. Advice? Pithy comment? Well-intentioned ridicule??

[Bee-Bop]

Paint, Stain, Natural, Etc.
The Bees could care less !!

Why not do things your own way !

Bee-Bop

[lmehaffey]

Paint, Stain, Natural, Etc.
The Bees could care less !!

Why not do things your own way !

Bee-Bop

I LIKE this notion!!   :-D
I suppose I am afraid that the stain, etc, might harm the bees -- being new to this, I am trying to err on the side of caution.....

[KD4MOJ]

Great avatar Bee-Bop!

...DOUG

[nella]

bushfarms.com/Wax Dipping Bee Equipment

[Bee-Bop]

bushfarms.com/Wax Dipping Bee Equipment

The Wax Dipping idea is flung out often !!!

This is a great idea HOW EVER !!
Do some research on Wax Dipping Hives; EQUIPTMENT needed, procedure, etc.
I would not recomend it to any beginner with only a few hives, it would not be cost efficent at all in my opinion !!

If you can find someone in your area that does this, they MAY work you in !

Do it your way, and enjoy, it's a hobby !

Bee-Bop

[Michael Bush]

You can always not paint at all...

http://www.bushfarms.com/beeslazy.htm#stoppainting

[Two Bees]

That's what I do.  All natural weathering of external wood!