How often do you paint you hive tops?

Ben Framed · December 15, 2020, 07:47:10 PM

How often do you paint you hive tops? 2-3-4- years? more often or less?

BeeMaster2 · December 15, 2020, 07:49:07 PM

Almost never. Most of mine are metal.
Jim Altmiller

Ben Framed · December 15, 2020, 07:54:25 PM

Ha good one, I should have ask how often do you paint your wood hive tops.

Acebird · December 16, 2020, 08:17:28 AM

Unless it is a wooden decorative top why would you paint it?

The15thMember · December 16, 2020, 12:28:31 PM

When I just painted mine, they only lasted a year before they started to mold, so I now paint them and apply a waterproof coating to them as well. They are holding up better so far, but time will tell how much that extra step helps.

Brian MCquilkin · December 16, 2020, 01:54:19 PM

The tops get painted every 3 years. I have spares so I just rotate them and repaint, repair, the ones I take off.

Michael Bush · December 16, 2020, 09:30:36 PM

I wax dip mine. If they start looking dry, I wax dip them again.

Acebird · December 17, 2020, 09:10:31 AM

Cover with asphalt or metal. Never replace or repair.

Skeggley · December 17, 2020, 09:56:18 AM

All the tops here are migratory lids and have galv tin coverings which I paint white to reflect the heat. I expect them to outlast the boxes.

Ben Framed · December 17, 2020, 02:30:07 PM

Quote from: Acebird on December 16, 2020, 08:17:28 AM
Unless it is a wooden decorative top why would you paint it?

Wood protection, same reason you may paint your home, attractiveness, and least important, note coverage and fresh starts. Though wood protection should not be much of a concern as I use Advantec and LP Legacy Gorilla Glue board for my tops, as Member stated, mold does tend to accumulate in my part of the humid South also.

Hops Brewster · December 18, 2020, 11:15:11 AM

only as needed. So far, repaint ain't needed.

Oldbeavo · December 21, 2020, 06:54:34 AM

Tin lids that are used as note book, so get a recoat of white each winter to start the new season. some relevant notes are added.
White reflects heat during summer, gal tin is so hot in the sun.

Acebird · December 22, 2020, 09:07:15 AM

Quote from: Skeggley on December 17, 2020, 09:56:18 AM
All the tops here are migratory lids and have galv tin coverings which I paint white to reflect the heat. I expect them to outlast the boxes.

Here we have the option for white aluminum that is used to wrap window trim. It is also used for bill board signage. Bends easy and you never have to paint it. Does not peal.