So, you just built brand new wooden hive boxes, tops and bottoms. It all sure looks nice, doesn’t it? How do you keep it from rotting, falling apart or just wearing out?

For many beekeepers using white latex paint on their equipment is the go-to. But for some, painting isn’t on the agenda this season. Painting takes time and colors can vary. Is it OK to use different colors different sized supers? Should you use oil base, or latex, or some other kind of water base material? How long will those boxes last, anyway?

What if you don’t want to use paint? What about natural materials? What works? Some find that a hot rosin dip may work, or dipped in hot bees wax or paraffin. Is that OK?  Stains work, too, so your hives don’t stand out as much as a white box out in the backyard, in town. What about painting the inside? Is it safe? Is it good protection?

Of course, there is always the choice of just doing nothing.  Is that acceptable?  

In this episode, Kim and Jim explore all things Hive Finishes!

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Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom

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