Best way to preserve woodware

[WayneW]

I'm going to build some hives and frames over the winter, and i was wondering what the best means of preserving the wood is.

I know NO PAINT on the inside of the supers.

Im wondering if a marine ureathane is a good idea, i'd kind of like the outsides of the hive(s) a more natural color, but i dont want to leave them
bare wood that will likely rot out soon.

Is wax dipping a good idea also?

Any tips, tricks, or links to informative sites would be great

Thx in advance

[annette]

A friend of mine who built me a hive stand, accidentally painted the hive stand with the marine urethane. Well it smelled so toxic that I could not use the hive stand for about 1 month until the smell came out of it. I actually got dizzy putting my nose to it.  Never again would I ever use that stuff anywhere near the bees, but that is just me.

Annette

[WayneW]

Well, since my equipment wouldnt be in use until next year, it wouldnt matter to me if it smelled for a month or two. Wont be used for 6-9 months.

My concern is if it's effective and/or harmful to the ladies :)

[randydrivesabus]

if the wood is in contact with the ground using that stuff might be a good idea. but for vertical wood surfaces the big enemy is the sun and any kind of exterior paint would be suitable. i look for the mismatched stuff they sell at bargain prices at lowes. if the gallon can says $10 I ask the paint guy to make it $5. haven't had a problem with that yet.

[dpence]

I agree, my wife paints our hives with two coats of Kilz (water based primer) and two coats of ColorPlace latex enamel.  Wild colors  :roll: are optional, we tend to get daring on the tints... :-D

David

[WayneW]

"paint would pretty much ruin the natural color i was hoping for.

I live in an urban area, and would like my hives to be as "nonintrusive" to the landscape as possible.
I figure if i keep them looking attractive, neighbors wont run for their lives when they see them.

maybe i sould rephrase my question.......

Is there a good sealant that will keep the natural wood look, but be safe(non-toxic) for the bees as well?

[steveb]

I have not found a good Marine/UV resistant Urathane that will last over about 2 years without peeling.  I wanted the natural look as I place my hives along a cedar fence and wanted them to blend into the fence.  Although I have not tried it (but have thought about it) I would dip the hives for a natural look as I think it should hold longer.  I just use good high quality exterior house paint and it holds the best. 
Steve

[randydrivesabus]

paint a camouflage pattern on them.

[Michael Bush]

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesdipping.htm
http://www.bushfarms.com/beeslazy.htm#stoppainting

[EasternShore]

Not sure how toxic it is but I've used " CETOL" Marine varnish on my sailboat with great sucess. West Marine sells it as do better boat yards.

Be advised I would ask an expert FIRST!