Of hive glue and stain

[thomashton]

This weekend I am putting together my first hives. This may be a minor question, but what is the best glue to use? I have read everything from boat glue to just plain old outdoor wood glue. Does anyone have preferences?

Also, my wife would prefer I stain the hives instead of painting them. Without regard to colour, is there a stain that is best to use? Would just a plain old wood sealer be fine or should I stain and seal it?

Thanks.

[CraigW]

I used regular outdoor wood glue. As far as paint or stain www.mannlakeltd.com has paint and stain, you can read about theirs and get it locally or order it from them.


Craig

[Chad S]

I wood  :lol:  use the waterproof/out door glue as well.  Just a pointer on glue and stain.  Try not to get the glue on the wood that is going to be stained it can affect the coloration.  Also if you are going to sand the boxes.  Don't sand the galvinization off of the nail heads the nails will rust and bleed allover your stain job.  Of course the galvinization might stain your stain job as well.  If you want a perfect job, and money is no object there is always stainless steal nails.  Have fun.

Chad

[Virginia Beekeeper]

I prefer Titebond premium out door wood glue, it is available at any building supply.
 I always like the look of a natural finish, using minwax out door polyurethane. The natural finish allows the joints to show up better, it gives the wood a nice clean look. I use 2 coats and I do sand the wood before I apply the finish. You might consider using deck screws instead of nails it is well worth the time. I have found that wax moths are some what more attracted to white, thats another reason I prefer the natural finish.

[amymcg]

I also use titebond outdoor glue. Works nicely.  It can be cement like when dry.

[Michael Bush]

I use titebond or elmers exterior wood glue also.

[Apis629]

I have to say, elmer's has worked best for me.  I'm not entirely sure what the UV rays are like where you are but, down here, if any plastic/polyurithain isn't UV resistant it bleaches and becomes brittle in just a few months.  I've always gone with paint given that won't break down like a clear coat.   Just my 2 cents...

[thomashton]

Thanks guys. I will probably use Titebond or Elmers then (outdoor of course). I appreciate all of the help. I usually just lurk here, but originally joined a year-and-a-half ago while I was in Iraq on deployment. While I was there, this community really took me under it's wing and made me feel welcome. I finally will be living that dream I had out in the hot Baghdad sun and my two packages of Italians arrive on April 22nd!

[Virginia Beekeeper]

Glad you are home safe Thanks For Your Servive. Best of luck with your bees I know you will love beekeeping, it gets in your blood.

                                       Bill

The best teachers are the bees themselves. Watch your bees!

[mountain mike]

i dont paint mine.
bees like wood, not chemicals. hive boxes are basic carpentry. you dont even have to dovetail your joints(unless your anal or just like to do it) mine last a long time without painting and i like the natural look.

                                          mm.