Lampwick Posted June 22, 2014 Report Share Posted June 22, 2014 I've just bought two Bee Hives in need of a little TLC to say the least. They are painted white which I will remove. I would love some answers to the following; What type of paint can I use and do I need undercoat? Can I use coloured paint? My wife wants them to look like posh "Wells" beach houses! I've noticed some evidence of woodworm!!! Can I treat it? If not what can I do? Cheers Enjoy the sun!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbiep Posted June 22, 2014 Report Share Posted June 22, 2014 You intending using them for bees, or decorative only ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lampwick Posted June 22, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 22, 2014 You intending using them for bees, or decorative only ? Yes using them for bees! Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bk Posted June 22, 2014 Report Share Posted June 22, 2014 Paint is a no no as it will make them sweat a little There are some waxes that can be used that are bee friendly or just use cedar or poly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul223 Posted July 12, 2014 Report Share Posted July 12, 2014 I was on holiday in kefalonia a couple of weeks back, driving around I seen lots of hives painted all different colours!, one place that caught my eye must have had 30-40 hives, all nice n bright! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdsallpl Posted July 12, 2014 Report Share Posted July 12, 2014 Most hives are ceder. Strip them and give them a good coat of cuprinol. Definitely not paint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdsallpl Posted July 12, 2014 Report Share Posted July 12, 2014 I was on holiday in kefalonia a couple of weeks back, driving around I seen lots of hives painted all different colours!, one place that caught my eye must have had 30-40 hives, all nice n bright!Maybe on the outside but I would avoid. In all the apiarys I have visited never seen a painted one.If you are seriously starting bees join the nearest association. It is a fantastic pastime but a lot more complicated than first appears. Good luck with your venture Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ireland71 Posted July 12, 2014 Report Share Posted July 12, 2014 Hi mate been a bee keeper for many years paint them what ever colour you want mine are from pink to green and purple in 10 years not had a problem cheers vince Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratsmasher Posted July 13, 2014 Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 I they are cedar they wont need anything (check though cos they could be cheapos made from ply) the reason beehives are made from cedar is that it doesn't need any preservative and so there's no risk of harming the bees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FatFreddysCat Posted July 13, 2014 Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 Use a blow torch to strip off old paint. This will also kill woodworm and any disease in the hive. I've had no problem painting mine. Undercoat then I use Dulux weathershield. Hi Vince, Didn't know you were a beekeeper. Fred Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ireland71 Posted July 13, 2014 Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 Hi Vince, Didn't know you were a beekeeper. Fredyes mate doing it quite a few years now But sadly this will be my last year due to new work commitments aslo I collect a lot of swarms and give them to up and coming keepers I have also done bee demonstration days at my local schools and was suppose to do a lecture at hadlow collage but was canceled at the last minute,but I will always bee involved with bee's cheers vince Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old farrier Posted July 13, 2014 Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 Hi The old WBC hives wer always painted as they were a shell for the frame boxes inside The newer hives shouldn't require it do you know what type you bought Hope you enjoy your new hobby All the best Of Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lampwick Posted July 29, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 Hi The old WBC hives wer always painted as they were a shell for the frame boxes inside The newer hives shouldn't require it do you know what type you bought Hope you enjoy your new hobby All the best Of Thanks got all the replies. They are WBC but have been painted already and look tatty. I've at rated stripping them and replacing broken/rotten bits. Will post a before and after shot once done! Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stubby Posted July 29, 2014 Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 be careful, Im on my 3rd year as a beekeeper, it tends to take over lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lampwick Posted July 29, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 be careful, Im on my 3rd year as a beekeeper, it tends to take over lol Yes I've heard that! I love being busy though. Shooting Metal detecting Fishing, mostly match! Allotment A wife and six year old!! New job, self employed If the bees don't finish me off I think the wife may! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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