Sealng Hive Bodies

[rantcliff]

I am curious if anyone has tried using a common deck sealant for hive bodies rather than paint.  I like the natural wood color, but am not sure what is the best sealant to keep out the water.

Newbee Rich



http://antclifffarms.blogspot.com/

[Cindi]

Newbee Rich.  I have seen hive bodies that were sealed with a product that allowed the rich wood colours to shine through.  They look beautiful, and I don't see why not, why not? Have a wonderful day, best of this great life.  Cindi

[Michael Bush]

I've used a variety of things.  In the end they still turn gray eventually.  I've used linseed oil, exterior paint without any tint and boiling them in beeswax and gum rosin.  I'm fond of the beeswax and rosin:
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesdipping.htm

[JP]

I use wood stains and add a mildecide (sp?) to it.

[rantcliff]

Any issues with overheating with natural color hives - do I need the white paint for heat reflection?

[Jerrymac]

I just put on clear polyurethane and have not noticed any heat problems

[buzzbee]

I've used clear poly as Jerry has and white paint. Noticed no difference.

[Michael Bush]

>do I need the white paint for heat reflection?

No.  Many beekeepers paint them whatever mistints they get cheap at the hardware store.

[Cindi]

White, pure white, pure, like the product from the hive.  My hives are painted white, beautiful, untainted, white is beautiful.  I am biased.  Beautiful day.  Cindi

[Scadsobees]

I go with any color on mistint rack, oil or latex, its all on the outside anyway. Chances are the bees won't appreciate and will crap all over them in the spring anyway....

Rick

[TwT]

I always use kilts for a primer and the 2 coats of exterior latex, I use light colors here in ga, I always buy white latex and small cans of other colors, just mix a little of another color in the whit and that how I come up with light green, light blue, tan, but I never use red and mix with white, it comes out pink  ;)

[Eshu]

I've used Behr - Waterproofing Wood Finish (clear) with good results.  It is silicone based, so it protects against UV damage as well as water.