Paint/Stain What do you use/How long is it lasting?

[OneEyedRooster]

Got a bunch of new equipment (ponderosa pine from Kelleys) for the spring and want to get opinions on what you use and more important, how long it lasts.

Thanks

[jim lyon]

You will get lots of opinions on this one but as far as I am concerned this stuff is the "gold standard". It's not cheap in any way. The first time I tried it I was cured from ever buying budget barn paint again.
http://www.homedepot.com/Paint-Exter...1#.UQaFTGt5mSM

[Ranger Cody]

Eco Wood Treatment, available from Walter T. Kelley or from Home Depot. Creates a beautiful weathered look on wood, and you don't have to worry about re-applying.

[SueBeeTN]

I also recommend the Eco Wood Treatment from Walter T. Kelley. I have attached a picture of our hive. This was in July about 4 months after we applied the treatment. According to Walter T. Kelley, you never have to reapply. 007.jpg

[westernbeekeeper]

SueBeeTN, it looks great, I'll have to try some of that.

[westernbeekeeper]

Eco Wood Treatment...from Home Depot.

Is HD cheaper than Kelley?

[Jackie Burba]

I haven't tried the Eco Wood but as far as paint goes I second the Home Depot Behr paint no comparison. I've tried Lowe's top notch and it's like night and day. Behr is a little pricey but for ease of application and durability it's head and shoulders above the rest.

[SueBeeTN]

Is HD cheaper than Kelley?

Walter T. Kelley is currently $16.00 for a box that makes 1 GL, Home Depot is $16.49 for the same and Amazon is currently the highest at $19.95. Of course if you pick it up at Home Depot you would not have any shipping charge plus if you have a lot of hives, they have a 5 Gallon treatment for $74.49. Hope this helps!

[Ranger Cody]

I think Kelley is actually cheaper if you buy it by the gal. Home Depot is if you want 5 gal. I'd recommend getting 1 gal to start with. It makes plenty. I wouldn't be shocked if you could treat 40 to 50+ boxes with 1 gal. I recommend applying to the exterior of boxes before assembly. Some people dip em, I just lay them out flat on my tailgate and apply with a foam brush. You'll think you got gypped at first, because nothing happens, but after getting rained on 1 time it transitions nicely to the color SueBeeTN posted.

[Joel]

We foud semi-gloss latex was the easiest to use and the longest lasting until a few years ago someone got sent for paint and came back with 5 gallons of stain. clean up was a hassel but clearly it sunk into the wood and after 4 years afield we are using stain for all new woodwork. A couple of things to consider with paint is color. Darker colored paints were shown to increase hive temps and have a negative impact on varroa and also helped in keeping hives hidden in outyards or suburban areas where the sight of bright white beehives might bring unwanted attention.

[Mbeck]

You will get lots of opinions on this one but as far as I am concerned this stuff is the "gold standard". It's not cheap in any way. The first time I tried it I was cured from ever buying budget barn paint again.
http://www.homedepot.com/Paint-Exter...1#.UQaFTGt5mSM

There is always at least 5 cans of that on the mis-tint shelf of our local HD.
I just got 3 cans for $7.00 ea and it really is a easy to use durable paint.

[LeonardS]

Are you priming before using the Behr exterior paint or do you apply it directly to the bare wood? How many coats do you apply?

[jim lyon]

Are you priming before using the Behr exterior paint or do you apply it directly to the bare wood? How many coats do you apply?

It is self priming. You could save a little money by going to some type of dedicated primer like Zinsser or the like if you would choose. Two well applied coats will usually do the trick.

[LeonardS]

I have been putting Titebond III on all end grain, knots and nail holes. Then I apply two coats of Zinsser and then two coats of Menards exterior (don't remember the brand) white, semi-gloss latex. I don't have enough history to know how it will work. About 3 weeks ago I tried burning the grain of some hives and applied 3 coats of marine varnish. They look much nicer than the white painted ones, but we will see how they last.