Staining a hive box

rgy · January 27, 2013, 12:41:17 PM

Is there any concern with staining the outside of the hive boxes with polyurethane vs painting?

mnevsehir · January 27, 2013, 01:37:41 PM

Silicon in them exterior paint...

tefer2 · January 27, 2013, 01:41:27 PM

Quote from: mnevsehir on January 27, 2013, 01:37:41 PM
Silicon in them exterior paint...

I don't understand. :idunno:

mnevsehir · January 27, 2013, 01:45:26 PM

Silicone Based Paint

example

http://www.bekoteks.com.tr/en/bekoteks-product/silicone-based-paint-.html

T Beek · January 27, 2013, 01:52:13 PM

Its up to individual beeks. Neither is any better per say (bees don't seem to have a preference). I've got painted and polyed hive bodies. I typically melt beeswax and use it to paint the insides of new wood, and have used combos of linseed and melted beeswax for the outsides (paint or poly is cheaper, faster and longer lasting) w/ OK results.

hardwood · January 27, 2013, 03:45:54 PM

I would imagine the poly would break down in the Texas sun...I know it would here. Maybe a spar varnish?

Scott

asprince · January 27, 2013, 05:51:20 PM

I have a friend that stains and varnishes his. They look good and seem to be holding up well. As Scott recommended, us uv resistant varnish rather than poly.

Steve

10framer · January 27, 2013, 09:23:40 PM

poly won't hold up to uv rays. try "spar urethane" it's made for exposure to sunlight.

Maryland Beekeeper · January 28, 2013, 01:32:30 AM

They have a poly w/ UV protection. Anyone heard of painting hives with high temp auto paint ?
Cheers,
Drew

10framer · January 28, 2013, 01:51:05 AM

Quote from: Maryland Beekeeper on January 28, 2013, 01:32:30 AM
They have a poly w/ UV protection. Anyone heard of painting hives with high temp auto paint ?
Cheers,
Drew

the spar urethane is a better choice for wood that's exposed to direct sunlight, water and temperature changes. it will contract and expand with the wood during rapid temperature changes without cracking.

JPBEEGETTER · January 28, 2013, 11:50:00 AM

I make all my hives from cypress and use Thompsons water seal (honey gold in color) works well. JPP

tefer2 · January 28, 2013, 11:55:12 AM

I'd go with the spar varnish, think boats and water!

divemaster1963 · January 29, 2013, 12:17:23 AM

personally. Anything I can get My hands on cheap or free. I picked up 35 gals of Thompson's gray wall stain, 3 5 gal pales of white building paint and about 30 quarts of miscellaneous paints all for free. He did not have to pay to disposal. Hey that just gave me a idea. check with your local dump and see if hey get used paint in and if you can have it. mix oils paints together and the latex paints together. should make for some wild colors. use what you can just remember to check for when they need repainting in a few years.

John

duck · January 29, 2013, 11:13:13 PM

i suggest a trip to sherwin williams or your local paint store. scoop up the mistints by the 5 gallon bucket. you can get the mistints from lowes or HD but its cheaper at the paint store.. This is a numbers game, and the more you save on something, that money can be allocated to other equipment.