Top 7 Questions and Answers for Painting New Hive Boxes

That feeling when you order a new hive, it arrives and you finish putting it together. Its a pretty good feeling. But you have one more thing to do before putting it outside and installing a new colony inside it. You have to paint it!

Well... you don't have to. But its highly recommended in order for the wood to last much longer. With a protected coat of paint, it will do much better against the rain, snow or whatever might happen outside from our friend mother nature. Here are the top 7 questions and answers that arise when beginning to paint a new hive box:

1. What Kind of Paint Should I Choose?

Any brand of paint is good as long as it is for outdoors. I used Behr Paint and Primer in one. Which can be found here: Behr Premium Plus

2. Can I use a Color other than White?

Yes! You can use any color, except red which bees cannot see, to them red is black. For more information on choosing a color: Color Choices

If you choose to opt out of a color, Tung oil is another alternative. You will have the wood look, but also have it protected from the weather. You can find some here:  Tung Oil

3. Where Can I buy Painting Stencils?

My favorite spot to look for anything art related is Etsy! Here are some stencils to get your creative juices flowing:  Stencils

4. What pieces should I paint and not paint?

You should only paint on the outside, the inside should remain paint free. Strong paint smells may disturb the communication between bees, which is scent based pheromones. The best way to think when painting is to ask yourself if rain may touch it, then you should paint it.

5. Can I re-Paint it if I don't like it?

Of course! However it might be tricky to paint with bees flying around. I would suggest waiting until the winter time or when it is the “off-season” to do so.

6. What brush should I use?

I suggest using a smaller brush that way you can get into painting the handles and make it easier to paint the edges. Also easier to dip into a small paint can.

7. How many layers of paint should i do?

I usually do 2-3 if you have the time. Make sure all the paint is dry before installing the bees. Some bees may get stuck on the wet paint. 

The finished product.

After placing the hives on the new bee bench I did an installation and the bees did a cleansing flight to add some details onto the paint for a final finishing touch :)