Natural Beekeeping International Forum

[exmar]

Hi Folks,
Finally getting around to finishing the TBH I built last year, it's built, just have to apply a finish or coating to the exterior. I followed the plan in the "Barefoot Beekeeper," legs are PT 2X4, Body is 1" rough sawn oak, lid is 3/4" pine and 1/2" plywood with aluminum flashing. I was going to mix melted beeswax with linseed oil and "treat" the body, however it occurred to me that the Langs I have do OK with exterior latex paint. I have the paint, picking up linseed oil wouldn't be a major issue if that's preferred. Never painted rough sawn wood though. After sitting in the barn for a year, the wood is dry enough to absorb whatever is applied.

If it makes any difference, going to set this up as a "trap hive" with "Swarm Commander" as a lure. Never used that product, however have read enough posts to try it. There are two feral colonies in the woods where I'm going to place it, as we're into swarm season, maybe I'll get lucky.

So, paint or linseed oil/beeswax?

Thanks for your time,

Ev

[R Payne]

A quality exterior paint will provide a bit more protection for the wood until it needs repainting (a few to several years).
Linseed oil and wax are likely a bit more environmentally friendly but takes many applications to reach the same level of protection and that will take several weeks to fully cure out.

For what it's worth, mine got exterior latex and the bees don't seem to be bothered by that at all.

ron

[Trip]

I think we obsess way too much about the exterior of our hives. I have hives that have latex paint, linseed oil/wax, and some with nothing. None of them seem any worse off than the others. I do have roofs that keep the water off the hives and legs that keep them up and over any water that splashes on the ground, and my roofs all have either latex or polyurethane coatings. Besides the roof panels I don't think the hive bodies really need anything and what you put on them is mostly for your ethstetic benefit.

[AugustC]

I tend to use linseed oil with or without beeswax this is as much about ease and cost as anything else. When I have had animal friendly paints (for the chicken house etc) I have used those. I think the linseed oil finish weather nicer and stands out less. This might be useful if your apiary can be seen form a public road and there is a chance of theft.

[exmar]

Thanks for the responses. I'll use the latex pain I have, would have to buy linseed oil and always like to use up paint where possible. Hate to send hardened paint off to the landfill.

R. Payne, good "heads up" on repeated applications and drying time. Every couple of years I "paint" the wooden handles of all the stick tools (hoes, rakes, shovels, etc.) with linseed oil and had forgotten how long it takes to soak in and dry.

Thanks again,

Ev

[ingo50]

Remember to use raw linseed oil and not boiled.