Cedar Woodenware... paint or polyurethane

[Astrocycler]

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

[contactme_11]

You can finish it however you like. I don't find different finishes to make much difference in temps.

[Astrocycler]

Scott we have to stop meeting like this :-D

Thanks. 

[wfuavenger]

sent you a pm

[AR Beekeeper]

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.