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How to Paint a New Beehive

Beekeeping is an expensive hobby. The one-time investment required to set up a single hive and to purchase the basic materials can easily cost several hundred dollars. The wooden boxes that comprise the hive are left out in the weather for years at a time. Left untreated, the hive will eventually begin to deteriorate. Even hives constructed of rot-resistant wood must be protected from the elements. One of the cheapest ways to protect your investment is by applying two coats of good-quality latex or oil-based paint to all surfaces that will be exposed to the elements.

Things You'll Need

Assembled bee hive bottom board, outer cover and supers
Latex or oil-based exterior paint
Paint stick
Paint pan
Paint roller

Instructions

- 1
  Stir the paint thoroughly to make sure the color is evenly distributed.
- 2
  Pour a small amount of paint into the trough of the paint pan.
- 3
  Drag the roller through the paint and roll it to remove the excess paint.
- 4
  Set the hive component on a flat surface and paint all four sides and the top rim. Repeat for all hive parts that will be exposed to the weather. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly, then add a second coat.
- 5
  Turn the pieces over and paint the bottom rim. Touch up paint along the sides, if necessary. Allow the supers to dry before adding a second coat of paint.
- 6
  Allow the painted hive pieces to air dry overnight before assembling the hive in the apiary.

Insects & Science