Hive preservation (painting, dipping, etc)

[dlmarti]

We are looking at expanding greatly this year.

To date we have painted, with Latex paint, but its time consuming.

I've considered dipping, with Rosin/Wax, but the initial setup cost is high.  The process is not exactly quick either, unless you have a vat that is huge.

Are there other options?

I've seen discussions of turpentine/wax dipping/spraying, that would be tolerable.  Anyone with any experience in this?

What about just doing nothing?  How long will pine boxes last with no treatment, in a temperate climate?

Any guidance would be appreciated.

[Ross]

Michael Bush gave up painting several years ago and reports no real difference in painted and unpainted hives.  I think a lot depends on the weather.  Nebraska isn't really a tropical climate.  I have some boxes 3-4 years old and unpainted.  I see more warping and deterioration in the corners, even with glued and nailed boxes, so I think sealing the end grain is more important than painting the flat sides.

[Bigeddie]

Stack them and spray with 100% acrylic latex solid stain. Pine here rots fast if close to the ground and untreated. I paint all of mine, but I'm a painter.  :-D

[Michael Bush]

>Nebraska isn't really a tropical climate.

It is a fairly dry climate here (although not as dry as when I lived in Western Nebraska).

[dlmarti]

So no one has used turpentine and wax?

[Bigeddie]

Years ago we used linseed oil and turpintine on raw wood siding. Works fine but turns black with time. Never used turps. and wax. Give it a try on a few boxes, might be what you are looking for.

[BearCreekBees]

I used to use copper naphthenate and mineral spirits. Mixed it in a barrel and then dipped all the parts before assembling. Worked well and saved having to repaint boxes when they started looking shabby.

[Bigeddie]

Take a look at the material safety data sheet on that stuff, it's nasty!