I Don't Paint My Hive Boxes. Here's Why...

I get asked quite often what I use to preserve my hive boxes. Allow me to explain... I don't think latex paint is a good idea on beehive woodenware and I think I have found a better solution. If you want to protect your beehive from the weather, here are some things to think about.
Vermont Natural Coatings Exterior Penetrating Wood Stain:
vermontnaturalcoatings.com/pr...
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[@robinj.9329]

Grandpa used to paint on a thin layer of perafin. He said it extended the life of his "Woodware"!

[@MaryMillerSpoolhardyGirl]

I started out assembling my own boxes and coating them with tung oil, but I don't really have a good set up and it quickly became a pain in the butt. There is a guy here locally who assembles hive boxes and dips them in paraffin. It is really great equipment that is impervious to all the weather conditions Ohio can throw at it. It does cost me some $$ but I think it will be worth it in the long run. I decided pretty early on, I could be a beekeeper or a carpenter/furniture maker, but I couldn't be both! :)

[@vinofarm]

Mary Miller The wax dip method is great. I’ve heard of people just using beeswax too, but that’s quite an investment!

[@ipvr15xify]

I used 2 coats of a stain/sealer, then i bought some crystal clear epoxy and covered it. uv and waterproof, always looks wet and shiny

[@vinofarm]

That sounds cool, I hope the epoxy doesn't get all cracked once the wood expands and contracts.

[@ipvr15xify]

@@vinofarm hopefully it holds up the epoxy is super tough, you can see a little of what it looks like here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYG4n5Vtnsx2nJY

[@jackbquick123]

Just to let you know I'm going to try this stain. I looked everywhere in my area and no one sells it. I looked on Amazon and it doesn't have a good selection. I went ahead and contacted the manufacturer and ordered it directly from them,, it was cheaper and they processed it very quickly and said it will be here in 2 days. Thanks for the info. I'm going to try this and see how it goes.

[@kthearcher3357]

Cool! I like the idea of the Vermont whey stain :) Another reason hives are painted is to help your bees find their way home and help those virgin Queens return to the hive they left for their mating flight 🐝 maybe the kiddo would be into painting or wood burning some small images on the fronts of them. Anyhoo just and idea with my 1.5 cents ;) Glad you did this video!

[@MegaMackproductions]

i Can see it now "Polywhey, the first choice for new england beekeepers"

[@ginomorris4873]

Thank you for this important information living is Massachusetts myself I was having a hard time deciding on how best to protect my new hives and I feel your method is by far the most effective....

[@emmymade]

Great! I was looking for an alternative to tung oil - thanks!

[@vinofarm]

emmymadeinjapan Thanks for watching, Emmy!

[@commonsensegaming1756]

Oh hey its Emmy. Hiiiii

[@commonsensegaming1756]

@Jermaine Johan so what are we searching?

[@commonsensegaming1756]

@Jermaine Johan more info please what are we looking for. I dont understand what this is supposed to mean

[@commonsensegaming1756]

@Boden Jakob so what is happening?

[@Sean-yr2rl]

i used to live in MA and now i have family i visit there. i really like learning about how you raise bees. You seem to be doing it how i'd like to do it someday so i'm soaking in everything you share.

[@cavemaneca]

I've done Tung oil for my supers, and it seems to work just fine for summer boxes. However the 2 brood boxes I did it with were wrecked after just 1 winter. The wood was moved so much bees could crawl into the gaps! For the rest I've just gone with the exterior paint that matches my fence color, and it was only $30/gal which has triple coated half a dozen 10 frame deeps without making much of a dent in the can. I'd like to try a more natural look again sometime, and that product you've had experience with looks like it might actually work pretty well. It'll be interesting to see how long it holds up especially with how much protection your boxes get.

[@simopr09]

advice, when it's cold, doesn't mean there isn't any activity. They will soon resume their activity and you will have to add supers and check for swarm cells. If you fall behind one or two weeks you may miss some warms.

[@vinofarm]

N O Oh, I know! It’s just been cold every day for about two weeks. They’re pent up and not much to forage. I need to get in there and make sure they don’t need food but it’s been too cold every time I’m free.

[@simopr09]

@@vinofarm I had the same problem. It rained everytime I was free and two of my beehives swarmed on me, a matter of 10 days. Be careful.

[@chazinhub]

@@vinofarm I guess it's been a bit warmer here on the coast(Boston) and the rain has the backyard filled with dandelions and purple and white/purple violets...we just decided to let the landscaper know to not mow in the back for a while(though the ladies seem to be ignoring those flowers).

[@krups06]

There is a Japanese technique called shou-sugi-ban where charring the wood creates a very durable, natural protective coating. I wonder if this would work well for your hive boxes.

[@vinofarm]

I've considered this! It would sure look cool. I already have the propane torch and everything.

[@LazyBeeFarm]

I think i'm going to torch a couple of my next hives and see how they look.

[@privatebubba8876]

I don't think they bees would enjoy the constant burnt wood smell. I would suspect they would abscond.

[@billb.2673]

The Japanese traditionally used Japanese cedar for this process. In order for it to be effective, the charring must have a minimum depth, which the cedar can endure during the burning, otherwise it simply eroded away in short order. Many western woods will not be able to withstand this process. The Japanese would also oil the wood after as well.

[@jamesbsa6450]

Shou-sugi-ban looks fantastic, had a friend do this to one of his bee boxes. But the effort was off the chart, and just not good for more than a few boxes unless you have nothing better to do.

[@JnJShiffler]

In SE PA we have clubs that wax dip our hive boxes. Reports from a NJ commercial beekeepers is his hives are going on 30 years. Mainly parrafin wax and/or micro crystaline parrafin wax with some resin added. 260-280*F for 10 minutes, cooks out wood moisture and replaces with wax. Our CCBA recently added 80-100# of beeswax beads to our last two was dipping sessions and it smells terrific. Down side $4 per item dipped. On my used painted gear I melt beeswax into the top and bottom edges to help preserve as those edges seem to rot first. What is the oldest hive you have with this product? Can you show how it weathers? I have been laser engraving / wood burning my new hive bodies this year to give some artistic flare. I can use the laser before (is best) and after wax dipping. Fun.

[@shannonswyatt]

My guess is wax dipping would outlast any topical finish. I wish I could get it done locally. Then I wouldnt have to paint again.

[@daveb8598]

@@shannonswyatt Agreed, I wonder if it would work to dip the hive bodies before you put them together, that way you could do it yourself in a deep sheet pan or something

[@beebob1279]

Dipping became more popular after I had already had my operation up and running twenty some years ago. I'm in Bucks County and our club has nothing like what your group does.

[@sarahs7058]

If I ever go into beekeeping, I am going to review all of your videos as my sole tutorial!

[@andrewc7369]

I have had great success with tung oil, thinned with natural gum turpentine 3:1. Agree its too thick to put on neat.

[@dzdffxddvbaiden225]

Omg Vermont coatings is the best! Used it on all our new bathroom cabinets and it has held up with 3 kids. Regular polyurethane would never hold up!! Love that stuff

[@pcdubya]

I have a couple I put a water based red barn stain on just because I had some at the farm. It seems to be holding up and is super easy to apply compared to painting, 10 bucks a gallon. The others I put kilz 2 primer and then top coat with 9.00 a gallon mismatched paint. I make most of my stuff and try to keep it cheap because nothing is lasting too long in the baking sun and weather of the south. Nice video

[@f.demascio1857]

Thanks for the product review, sounds like a great product. I did Boiled Linseed Oil and bees wax in, mixed a crock-pot, brushed on. Worked well, but laborious and best applied on hot days.

[@Jerfish1]

My Layens hive has aluminum corner protectors just for the reason you mentioned about the end piece vulnerability. Horizontal Hives in general are less prone to dinging, but I wish I had seen this video before I painted my new hive yesterday!! It’d be nice to have a natural looking finish.

[@vickihawse3769]

Thanks! My mentor taught me to melt beeswax and linseed oil. We melt it together in an old coffee can and paint that onto the raw wooden hives. It does not create a seal. But with repeated applications the wax does create a nice build up. It smells great and the bees seem to like it. Just a suggestion.

[@billb.2673]

Hey Jim.....so here it is 4 years later and the outdoor furniture (two benches, two Adirondack chairs, 4 side tables) we treated with the Vermont Natural Coatings goop is holding up great! This was brand new, unstained virgin wood and it soaked up this stuff like a sponge. As you mentioned, it's important to put it on quickly and get that second coat on immediately before it dries. Just thought I'd follow up with a "real world" long term review. Thanks again. Bill

[@timlewis9873]

I put that on some of my bee boxes. 3 yrs. later the wood is bear. I would never use this product again. This is not a how to comment, it's just the truth.

[@buildingwithtrees2258]

As a former long time log home coatings contractor: Find a locally available coating. It gets spendy to import coatings across state lines. Coatings will last 3-5 years. Black has the highest uv resistance, longer life. For example, permachink is my local coatings producer, available locally and cheap.

[@CWsooner]

Yes but black is the most heat absorbent in the color spectrum so it's not good for bees in the summer especially in the south.

[@buildingwithtrees2258]

@@CWsooner Bees can regulate the Temps. Boxes can also be placed in the woods.

[@CWsooner]

@@buildingwithtrees2258 yes, they regulate the temps with bearding which is what will happen when using darker colors and or you don't vent unless they're totally insulated like this video states and the Apimaye hives prove for year round use. I don't want my bees bearding and your solution doesn't help regulate the temps or the moisture which is what the video is about. Shading the hive may be a problem controlling hive beetles.

[@paparomesoutdoors711]

That was an awesome video I’m in the Catskills and just got two new double stack large hives and couldn’t find anything safe for them this is perfect. How’s it holding up still? Any changes or concerns with the product and your bees

[@nunyabeeswaxri7358]

I was able to order this at my local Ace Hardware in Rhode Island. Thank you for the tip

[@BESHYSBEES]

Cook your boxes in paraffin wax for ten minutes, when you pull them out paint with oil based(outside only). The paraffin soaks in and protects and as long as you don’t have disease problems they should last 20 years

[@vinofarm]

brent behsmann Please tell me where to acquire a paraffin wax cooker and dozens of pounds of paraffin wax for less than $65!

[@BESHYSBEES]

Vino Farm you know I can’t beat your can for $65 you can make a shallow tray and cook one side at a time with a gas ring burner, we have a commercial size deep fryer converted to a wax cooker 2 boxes at a time it’s still a slow process but 20 yrs protection. The paraffin also deters moth and other timber pests

[@vinofarm]

brent behsmann I was half joking. I would love to dip all my boxes in wax. It’s just a much more elaborate setup than I can handle right now. I’m not planning on getting much bigger than I am but I would probably look into a wax treatment if I ever do decide to grow into something commercial. I think the point of my video was that there are options besides paint. I found this one and it works for my situation. Wax dipping or box charring might be perfect for someone else. Just anything but latex paint!

[@BESHYSBEES]

Vino Farm I figured that much, our friend runs 2500+ hives his wax dipper does 1 a min with frames and requires 6+ people to operate it so I understand “elaborate” Have you heard of the bee bee tree? I really enjoy the vids and progress keep em coming

[@beru666]

@@vinofarm Have you seen that video about was dipping? kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKjNhKCQntKYorM

[@tadhoening6877]

I like this approach better than painting for all the reasons you mentioned. Glad to hear that you've had good results in your first three years. How have your hive boxes done since this video was posted? Are your six year old hives still in good shape?

[@johnemmenecker4859]

dude im scaling my operation and you saved me a whole lot of money....... I have a sawmill so I was planning on using some cool hardwoods and oils, but now I am glad I watched this so I didnt just paint and subsequently doom all my boxes that were gonna be made from pin oak and other scrubby wood I have.

[@LazyDogsRanch]

We have to paint down here or the boxes would disintegrate within the season. I use a primer/sealer coat and then latex on that. Works well through our rather extreme climate. But I'm always up for an experiment, so I might check out that stain (especially if it means fewer coats of stuff to do, as I just got another case of hive body parts to put out).

[@1FishinAddict]

I used clear coat / varnish and it works great too. It keeps the natural color of wood.

[@sheikfrankicechibu1827]

thank you! great vids

[@awalker7581]

Vino would you be able to have a look at the mini poly queen mating nucs this year ? Im curious about them and think youd be honest about their design/practicality :)

[@billb.2673]

Received our gallon this morning. Pretty stoked to try this stuff. One note to anyone considering this product: The manufacturer states that it has a shelf life of (1) one year from the date of manufacturing, not the sale date mind you. So if you pick up a can make sure that it hasn't been sitting around the store for an extended period of time and that you only purchase what you'll think you'll use before it expires.

[@vinofarm]

Bill Baron Hmmm... I have let a can sit for over a year and it worked fine. Didn’t seem any different. Good to know, though. Thanks!

[@robbailes9614]

I will check at ACE and try it out. I’m putting my first hive together for this spring

[@kookiboy]

I wax my boxes. Hello from Fance, love your vids.

[@bigbrickwall]

Congratulations, you made a wax moth beacon.

[@awalker7581]

Do you mean you boil dip the boxes?

[@2of238]

What do you called that kind of wax ?

[@cathyhanley8658]

@@bigbrickwall Are the moths attracted to the smell of wax?

[@djg585]

@@bigbrickwall Wax moths don't need any help. I dip my edges in beeswax.

[@drrota]

darn, I've already painted mine for the season! - next year!

[@jessiebeltran5928]

Thank you!

[@PaulDrummer1]

what do you use to wrap your hives? and how thick is your wood wall? and what wood is it?

[@theohiohousewife]

Once upon a time farmers painted their barns with a mixture of milk and iron oxide rich clay. It did need to be reapplied on occasion but even with severe neglect many of those structures still have their original siding. So a whey based sealer makes perfect sense to me.

[@bobwebber8521]

This product as far as I know is not available in New Zealand and the cost of purchase and shipping from the U.S. is astronomical so will have to keep plaguing our paint people to get their act together. Nice video by the way and have subscribed.

[@sledmaker02]

I am thinking of using the Poly-Whey for my hives when and where do you use color paint or milk paint.

[@lonoris74]

I really enjoy your videos and I honestly wish you did get the things that you use as you seem to really enjoy them! I do have one unanswered question though, instead of paint what do you use to color your different hives? (Like the resource hive) I'm not at all involved in beekeeping I'm just legitimately curious, oh and thank you!

[@vinofarm]

Lanoris That is just paint, but it’s painted OVER the sealer. It’s only there for the splash of color. Not meant to protect the wood. And it’s only on one side of the box.

[@Niko-ri4rs]

Aye I live in Hudson valley in NY we sure have had some crap weather this spring! Terrible for my bees

[@CuriousCreature]

Just ordered a gallon. Do you have a quiet box yet? I’m putting one together to move frames around.

[@bonnied72]

Could I apply the Poly Whey stain & then when it is dry paint my boxes if I'd like colorful hives? Or would that potentially make the hives retain too much heat? (I'm picking up my 1st ever hive set up next week).

[@George-nx5lo]

Hey Vino Farms, have you tried lifetime wood treatment? Wonder how the two compare, seem very similar. I totally agree with you on painting boxes.

[@vinofarm]

I have only used this Vermont Natural Coatings treatment. I have not heard of Lifetime Wood treatment. Maybe I'll try it out sometime.

[@longie2484]

I’m looking for a suitable protection for my hives and l came to the conclusion to use pure Tung oil. The research l’ve done says to give a 1:1 coat mixed with terps as a first coat then add a third more oil. The final coat is pure oil. Would it still turn black doing it this way?

[@nailladi1]

Too cool! Thank you. Your videos are so lite and pleasant, the music you choose is too. Good man!

[@jefmitchell7868]

I'm curious, are you making your boxes or purchasing the kits?

[@Luis-be9mi]

Is all natural tung oil a good coating for beehives?

[@dkdroid44]

How often do you have to reapply this product? Or is it a one time thing?

[@rembrandrembrand]

my friend use epoxy coating,it will last for 25 years...it is expensive but it will last longer then regular paint..

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

Gotta' watch the particular epoxy. Most of the stuff I've used (structurally) specifically says to add top coat as it is not designed with UV inhibitors.

[@rembrandrembrand]

@@cluelessbeekeeping1322 use food grade epoxy,food industrie used a lot,every epoxy coating need base coat and top coat,it is 3 layers coating..

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

@@rembrandrembrand Ooooh, you're talking epoxy paint. I get it.

[@macp721]

Can I use wood grain sealer anchor seal and would it be safe?

[@kimlangenbacher8350]

Starting beekeeping in spring of 2020.. Have equipment on order to start with 1 or possibly two hives and Italian Packaged Bees. Love watching your vids! Very informative for the NUBEE. Have you considered the Apimaye hives? Would be interested in your opinion. Kind of pricey but the features might be worth the extra $$$.

[@vinofarm]

I get asked this a lot. Apimaye hives are all proprietary components so you are locked in to that system. I like wood because I can modify, build, tweak and repair pretty much anything with a table saw and a drill. Everything with Langstroth is interchangeable and easily expandable. I like modular things. The Apimaye hives are not as flexible as wooden boxes.

[@olddave4833]

I painted mine with two coats of Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Exterior Multi-purpose Water-based Primer and two coats of different colored top coats about 25 yrs ago and they still look new.

[@vinofarm]

Glad you take such good care of your hives. Most people would put on one coat with no primer and have a peeling mess on their hands in one season.

[@fuzzy927]

We use latex paint for years and it works great. But we also do not throw the boxes around like some do.

[@markduncan9592]

I was thinking of doing bee farming in the Philippines, I wonder how surfboard wax would work out there.

[@thatguy3456]

Vino how long does it take you to paint one deep box?

[@p.markmcgonigle4568]

Can you paint on top of it once it's coated?

[@djg585]

I dip the edges and seams of the new (assembled) hive body in very hot beeswax, for about 10 seconds each dip. This year I'm thinking of simple coating the whole box in beeswax (if I have enough wax!).

[@kysaaspol1455]

Hi what type of qeen is balboa stinger or vigor?

[@acs6656]

Hey Jim, know if you can use this on Cedar wood? Also a lot of people in the UK use cedar wood boxes and the impression I had was that you wouldn't need to paint them due to the natural oils in the wood?

[@vinofarm]

Toby LeRone Have a look at their web site. I’m sure it would work on cedar. Cedar is rot and bug resistant, but not impervious to water soaking in and expanding the grain. I’d think some kind of sealer on the open end grain would be beneficial.

[@popquizzz]

Thanks for teaching, again!

[@1aliveandwell]

How does it look on wood after ages? Need something for wood fence that is less flammable (live in fire area)

[@karenl6908]

I've heard that birch wood with the bark still on it is a natural protection against bugs, fungus, and mold.

[@scottrobbins9320]

Just in time for Lunch! Thanks!

[@yoho1021]

What do you think of apimaye hives?

[@vinofarm]

fred white I don’t like the idea of buying into a proprietary system. I like being able to construct hive components out of wood with simple tools. I like my removable system of insulation and wraps. And I prefer the traditional look of my wood boxes. Basically, I’m not a fan.

[@PresidentScrooge]

Linseed Oil does a pretty good job as well and is relatively cheap.

[@danielgriff2659]

Whats your opinion of Thompson's Water Seal? and not sure why you dont fill the staple divots with wood filler first.

[@vinofarm]

I've never used it. I've been using Linseed oil lately.

[@annettecornish3632]

Your “awnings”...if I went into my local Home Depot what would I ask for to buy some of these? I have been using plywood with metal roofing for my rain protection. Very heavy and cumbersome to lift on and off. Your awnings look much better and much more user friendly. Thanks!

[@paulinawimberley4930]

This is what I’ve been looking for through the comments also! :) I’d love to get the right material for these awnings

[@jeremymartin7474]

My Tung Oil experience has been great! Great looking boxes and easy to use. Nothing gummy or messy in my situation. Recoat time is a little long...about 24 hrs. Wonder what happened to you Tung oil experience? Thanks for the cool product info! I’ll try that stuff if I can find it in MN

[@vinofarm]

Jeremy Martin I’ve seen many formulations of Tung Oil and some of them have drying agents added that I try to avoid. The true tung oil is really sticky and takes forever to cure.

[@janiceseigler6317]

100% Pure Tung Oil is FDA approved for food contact and has no additives, harsh chemicals or VOCs. I use it and my hives are protected and beautiful! I place the hives out in the sun and they dry fast.

[@AllanGyllingOlsen]

What kind of tree are You using for the hives?

[@blaahster]

Pine

[@chriswright1991]

Question........would this be OK to apply this to a solid bottom board ?

[@mikeries8549]

Do this video again in 3 or 4 years. What tears up my boxes are bees chewing their way out. Ever hear them gnawing?

[@vinofarm]

Really??? I've never see or heard evidence of that. What kind of wood are you using for hive boxes? It must be tasty!

[@mikeries8549]

@@vinofarm same flavor as yours. Eventually the box gets soft at the corners from abuse. Then you'll get enough boxes and colonies where you're not as careful. There's a guy in town here that's a painter/beekeeper. His hives always look new because he's anal about visual impressions. Me? I inherited mis-matching equipment then put bees from cutouts in. Low budget big time. Can't replace boxes fast enough to look sexy. Once you get where your bees produce a ton a year or better...looking sexy don't matter. Your hives are very sexy. ;)

[@mikeries8549]

The first one I built myself got decorated with fancy folk art. Beautiful. ...then I got serious. The top bars...beautiful but a pita to keep bees in. Back to white paint. It got busy. You're going to explode next season. Or crash. I crashed pretty hard 4th season. Hang on tho.

[@privatebubba8876]

I've got screened bottom boards and they pluck it like they are playing a harp.

[@zacharysmith5947]

@@mikeries8549 Wow, I guess I am heading down that same road. It is a beautiful box. I don't think the bees care.

[@jims7131]

Dang. Already painted my hives... and I’m picking up my Nucs in 2 days. Keeps up the great work.

[@nolamcneely7857]

Hello from Tennessee! I watch all your videos and follow you on IG. Thank you for all your time and hard work! I wondered if you could give me some educated advice? I have 2 new Slovakian hives ( my first hives ever!) ready to start setting up in my hive house and I want to use poly whey on the fronts since the openings will be in the weather. Amazon shows that they...Vermont poly whey... have a juniper infused poly for interior use. Would this be good on the other outside parts of the hive that will be inside the bee house? Or just use exterior on all the outside? So excited to finally be joining the bee community.

[@vinofarm]

I'd contact customer service and tell them what you're doing. They are very friendly and will probably tell you exactly what product to use. I have not used any of their other products on my hives than the one in this video.

[@nolamcneely7857]

Thank you so very much!

[@minecraftepicbuildsbystrik6320]

Can you please make another video PLEASE I'm waiting anxiously

[@vinofarm]

Within the hour... Steady, pal.

[@cliffdonally6608]

Hi do you use metal on you outer cover

[@cultleader6977]

What about Thompson's WaterSeal Waterproofer Plus Wood Protector, Clear ????

[@TerryRomanko]

I got a hold of a couple of gallons of the Vermont Natural Coatings product, and am getting ready to preserve some newly built hive equipment. It has been over a year since you put this video out. Do you have any follow up comments? Are you happy with the results so far? Thanks!!

[@vinofarm]

Slap it on thick and get two coats on before the first one dries. Coat each piece twice, right in a row. It's holding up just fine a couple years later for me.

[@mikedowns7650]

Wife and i were talking about redoing our raised bed this spring and this video came to mind, do you think it would work for a raised bed?

[@vinofarm]

I would not rely on this finish for something in contact with the ground.

[@02271953me]

What is the white plastic layer you placed on top? Sorry, I didn't quite catch what you called it. TIA!!

[@vinofarm]

It's a piece of coroplast. Corrugated plastic.

[@dewaynewhitney5703]

I've been looking for something like that. Thanks for helping me remember where I seen that at. I've been researching a bunch of different things that won't be harmful to the bee's. Thanks again.

[@janiceseigler6317]

100% Pure Tung Oil is FDA approved for food contact and has no additives, harsh chemicals or VOCs. I use it and my hives are protected and beautiful!

[@adde9506]

Any insight on whether this would help prevent carpenter bees making a home out of my deck? I'd much rather they go roost somewhere else than have to trap them.

[@vinofarm]

I do not think this would stop carpenter bees.

[@gileshoney5796]

very awesome video. We are barely reaching spring hive maintenance season here in central Maine. It can't get here soon enough.

[@JamesCrouchX]

That time of the year again. Found a local supplier in Indianapolis, In, USA. Wow 5/17/2022 $37.00 a quart in stock. Indianapolis, Indiana, USA (more if I have it shipped)

[@shannonswyatt]

I like it in theory, but I'm paying less than 10 a gallon for mis-tints. I don't care if my boxes are orange, or blue or pink.

[@vinofarm]

Shannon Wyatt There are cheaper options, of course. My point was that latex paint can actually shorten the life of your boxes. It’s not about the color. Thanks for watching.

[@privatebubba8876]

@@vinofarm so you're saying latex paint is going to shorten the life of my house. Not hardly.

[@vinofarm]

private bubba You didn’t listen to what I said in the video.

[@privatebubba8876]

@@vinofarm I was responding to what you wrote.

[@vinofarm]

private bubba Did I say latex would shorten the life of her house? I specifically said latex paint was great for things like house trim and sheds and things that don’t move around and get chipped. The problem with hive boxes is that people put a coat of paint on think they’re done. But then they get all dinged up with hive tools and constant handling. The part that gets chipped first is the corner end grain. That’s right where the water goes. Then the water sits in the wood behind the paint and rots the wood from the inside. This is not an issue on a house. Unless you are banging on your siding with a hive tool and exposing end grain on your clapboards.

[@sledmaker02]

When do you apply your color paint on the fronts?

[@vinofarm]

Anytime after the first finish dries.

[@youreadmyname4001]

do I need to sand the wood first?

[@umustbbornagainActs2-38]

Will going from white hives to a natural finish confuse my bees?

[@massachusettsprepper]

I live in Northwestern Massachusetts so I understand the kind whether we are having all too well. This is also my third year as a beekeeper as well. I have been painting my hive boxes but I think I will look into this product. Thanks for the information and for sharing.

[@vinofarm]

Massachusetts Prepper This cold, damp weather is great for grass, but horrible for bees! Everything is bright green, but no flowers. Looking forward to some heat next week.

[@massachusettsprepper]

Vino Farm Let’s hope the warm weather gets here soon.

[@eureekahavoc3977]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t your double nuc boxes painted purple and Orange?

[@vinofarm]

Mercs Legion Yes! But it’s only a splash of paint OVER the sealer and it’s only on the front face. I did it to differentiate the boxes but it’s not for protection.

[@eureekahavoc3977]

Vino Farm ah. Thanks for the clarification.

[@bluzervic]

Nice find, I think I will look around for something like that here at my ACE hardware...great tip

[@michaelmurdock7869]

I use a product called eco wood. Seems very similar.

[@smithologist5272]

Wanted to get you and your viewers thoughts on something I have been reading recently. In regards to how important propolis is for protecting colony health. It seems that the Langstroth hive design actually prevents bees from covering the inside of the hive with propolis, which helps protect them from environmental hazards. I have seen some conflicting theories on how to help bees produce more propolis to cover the inside of the hive, and was curious if you have heard of this or do something similar with your own hives?

[@vinofarm]

smithologist The bees seem to put propolis anywhere they want. What do you mean that Langstroth hives prevent the bees from using propolis?

[@smithologist5272]

@@vinofarm Not that is prevents them completely. I guess the idea is that there is a difference between the inside of a tree and the inside a smooth wooden box. Bees evolved to spread the propolis all over the inside of a tree which has rough surfaces. I have read people roughing up the inside surface of the hive box or placing plastic with holes on the sides and top to spur them to attach propolis and cover those surfaces. But I have never seen this done in practice so was curious if you had heard about that before?

[@vinofarm]

@@smithologist5272 Bees seem to use propolis to fill gaps. They use it like caulk. It's not just smeared randomly over the surface of the walls. They don't put it on the walls because they don't need to. The walls are solid and don't need caulking.

[@reynoldsoutdoorlife3215]

Hopefully it will warm up for you soon! My box is jamming! I'm in NC. I tried splitting my hive last year (didn't go well). Hopefully they'll do better this year. Love the videos and tips!

[@truthhurts2149]

What part I'm in Marshall north of ashevillle. Getting two nucs or maybe packages this coming spring. Did you do nucs?

[@larrytornetta9764]

The hives have to look different to the bees or they may drift.

[@vinofarm]

larry tornetta I put a single coat of paint on the faces of my nucs OVER the top of this finish. So the double nuc boxes look different to returning queens, but I need to do something similar to my big hives.

[@mikeries8549]

@@vinofarm you have over thunk the mating nuc thing. Bees orient to a location in 3D. Move a hive up a foot and see. If a queen goes back to the wrong box you don't want that one anyway.

[@volleyazflake]

Where do you get your boxes from? And why do some boxes have the fronts painted?

[@vinofarm]

Mostly Betterbee because they're pretty close and shipping is reasonable. I paint the faces for the videos so they're all easier to tell apart. (Both for you and for me when looking back at previous inspections.)

[@nicky3182]

What about varnish couldn't it be a good alternative?

[@vinofarm]

Nicky Du Plessis The key is the finish needs to penetrate the grain and be flexible. I think varnish would get all crackled with all the hot/cold cycles.

[@nicky3182]

@@vinofarm cool thanks with the help and advice

[@jo-han]

@@vinofarm Would linseed oil work? I can't find any whey based coating locally...

[@mikeries8549]

@@jo-han I treated a hive body with linseed oil mixed with bees wax. After three years that box is UGLY. Mildew.

[@777Thebear]

I use i mix of raw organic food linseed oil and beeswax. Linseed penitrates deep into the wood and brings the beeswax with it 2 to 3 coats makes it waterproof. You just reapply it once a year. Its food grade no worries about chemicals or paint chips getting into your honey.

[@sheyennestowe8393]

How long should you wait before using boxes that have been stained with polywhey?

[@vinofarm]

Mine dried in about half an hour. They're ready when they're dry.

[@donaldsmith3048]

Have you tried Linseed oil? It is natural and soaks into the wood.

[@vinofarm]

Yes, I'm using it on my barn. I love it. I may try it on hives the next time I get new woodenware.

[@donaldsmith3048]

@@vinofarm Let me know how it works out. I use it on wood, rack handles, etc. Works good for that. I don't have bees now but would like to get some, and know someone that may be starting with bees soon.