The problem with beekeeping is that there are so many different ways to set things up. I made all of my own gear, so i tried a number of different configurations to see what i like best and what worked easiest for me. I bought a boardman feeder, but when i saw it out of the box, i decided that i'd never use it. I also purchased a frame feeder, but was unhappy with the drowned bees. I made a few miller style hive top feeders, and they work GREAT, but it's not fun to remove a full feeder for hive inspections. For hives close to home that can be easily checked, I'm converting to 1/2 gallong mason jars to feed through migratory covers. For my hives far from home, i'll probably still use the miller feeders.
I thought i was going to be some magical bee whisperer and only use a veil, but I quickly realized that thousands of bees flying around made me a bit nervous. I cobbled togetehr a suit out of tyvex painters suits, but it was so overwhelmingly hot inside that it was not fun to wear. I bought a full suit off of of ebay for a reasonable price and I love it. it's not a fancy super vented turbo suit, but it's much better than tyvek. I'd rather slip into that than mess about with tying the darn strings on my hat/veil. I think this single item made working with bees much more enjoyable.
My suit came with leather bee gloves, but they are so bulky that I don't like to wear them. I usually wear rubber dishwashing gloves, which are affordable and last about a season or so. Sometimes I wear nitrile gloves that I have around the shop. FWIW, i have been stung through the nitrile once, but the stinger didn;t stick in me. the leather gloves have taken a number of stings, but they have not penetrated to my skin.
I bought and made a number of hive tools. I forged one that is very similar in design to the "j-hook" style tool. I use this one the most because it makes lifting the frames out so much easier. i just hooj the "J" under the frame top rail and lift it enough to get my fingers on it.
Regarding hive finishes, i have played with varnishes, urathanes, and paints. While i like the look of stained and varnished wood, its much faster to simply paint them. I like the oil based paints, but they take a long time to dry completely and cleanup is tougher than with latex. I now use only quality latex paint. I tried a gallon of the cheap stuff, but it takes twice as many coats, which is jsut more time and hassle. Good quality exterior latex is the way to go for me. I buy the "oops" paint at whatever place I happen to be.
There are lots of ways to do any one thing in beekeeping. I wouldn't get held up on the idea of doing any one thing a certain way until you get to playing with the bees for a little while. I've had a number of convictions change as I learn about my bees, and about my beekeeping ideas and beliefs.
Welcome to the hobby! I hope it brings you as much joy as it has brought me. It really is pretty fun, and as others have mentioned, somewhat addicting.