[Kamon A. Reynolds]

For the commercial beekeepers out there.

What have you found is a better painting regime on new equipment? I have a lot of equipment I am painting at this time, and I wondered is it better to paint once and be done (maybe do the corners twice) or paint two complete coats before the equipment goes into production. (I use a commercial sprayer)

I don't want to skimp on the paint. but if it is overkill or if I am missing something that could help me conserve I am open to suggestions.



Thanks for the insight and suggestions.

 

[Vance G]

I used to stack the boxes eight high with room to walk between. I would spray all the corners first and then spray all the flats and incidentally the corners. Then I would give the corners another coat and then when the boxes were dry to the touch I would spray all the flats again paying attention to give a little extra to corners that had soaked dry. Not doing it thoroughly the first time is false economy. Buy pastel or light mistints of the best paint cheap is also key. Are you using hvlp or an electric sprayer? I have used both to good effect. Just don't soak til it runs. That is where the paint is wasted.

 

[jim lyon]

Good advice from Vance. We mostly spray but keep a roller handy to "backroll" the corners after spraying to fill any gaps and to even the paint out. We really like starting with a Zinsser primer and then finish with a good quality semi gloss. If you are painting empty boxes it works well to turn them upside down to facilitate getting paint up into the hand holds, though that is really more of a cosmetic thing as I've never seen a box ruined by rotting hand holds. Just dont finish with a cheap barn paint.

 

[burns375]

I am by no means commercial. I 2nd Jim Lyons advice. I always use a primer (kilz), raw would will suck up alot of paint, then 2 coats of good quality paint. I like valspar duramax outdoor paint (semi-gloss). In large quantities its not too expensive. I wouldn't skimp on the paint. It also may be a could idea to spray the inside corner seams.

 

[JRG13]

Anyone notices differences between flat/semigloss/etc.. as far as durability goes, especially with rain exposure?

 

[Keith Jarrett]

We like to dip the bare equipment first before we start to paint, either wax or copper 10 works well. That way you don't have to paint again.

 

[CtyAcres]

As a former painting contractor I'll second Keith Jarrett's method. I put one coat of clear Woodlife preservative
on, let dry, and finish with Cabot's stain or high quality paint of your choice.

 

[sqkcrk]

I have bought paint from Lowes which has a primer in it. When I painted boxes in SC this Spring I used two coats. When my Son painted boxes w/ the same paint after one coat they looked good. Should I have had him apply another coat anyway, regardless of looks? We used rollers.

After reading what y'all have written I'm thinking we should paint the corners, let it dry, paint the flat and the corners again, let it dry and paint everything again. If I am impatient will I regret it later? Shoulda done this during the Winter.

 

[pndwind]

How about the top and bottom edge?

 

[CtyAcres]

sqkcrk- Have your son put a second coat on those boxes or you'll regret it. Also Zinsser manufactures the product
Woodlife that I use, you can't beat that for a seal coat before you stain or when finishing with a coat of paint.
Wood Life has excellent sealing properties for soaking those corners.
PS Wood life only costs about $16/gal at Ace Hardware I believe.

 

[sqkcrk]

So that's something you apply, and let dry I assume, before painting two coats?

How much longer will all this painting extend the life of the boxes? (Asks the corner cutter. )

 

[CtyAcres]

sqkcrk- Apply once, double coating the corners as you go along. Let thoroughly dry and apply one coat of finish.
Apply two coats if you plan on living to be 80yr old, or you will probably move them thru sales before that.
Can't cut any better than that.

 

[sqkcrk]

Thanks, never really painted much before. Never really built that much equipment either. Been beekeeping a while and lots of stuff I have avoided.

 

[Vance G]

We only get 12 inches of rain a year. I double coat and use no primer with best quality mistinted housepaint and the job lasts until worn off by rubbing or scratching.

Anyone notices differences between flat/semigloss/etc.. as far as durability goes, especially with rain exposure?

 

[Jed]

ok guys I guess I will share what I do
I use an electric sprayer works great for me , I normally would put 1 coat of primer and 2 coats of paint but this year I did about half with 1 coat of primer and 1 coat of paint ,mainly cuz I need to get the boxes out of the shop and most of them are going to be used for supers (in my area that means they r in the weather for about 3 to 4 months)
for the ,most part I agree with what has been said

One thing you have to consider also is the climate you live in
warmer more moist areas are probably going to see boxes rot much faster

Also I want to note in the 9 years ive had bees I havnt had any boxes rot out on the corners ,the first place I see rot is the bottom box on a hive, on the side that faces inward (I run all 4-way pallets ) but yes in theory the corners will suck up more moisture than any other area

 

[dynemd]

By "electric" are we referring to an airless paint sprayer? Also what does everyone prefer gloss, semi-gloss or flat paint?

 

[Colino]

By "electric" are we referring to an airless paint sprayer? Also what does everyone prefer gloss, semi-gloss or flat paint?

Okay I know I'm going to get hammered for this post, but I scavenged some cans of Tremclad, Rustoleum and Cloverdale metal paints and primers. I put on a coat of primer and 1 or 2 coats of these paints. The coverage and durability of these paints are astounding. It is like putting a coat of plastic on each box. They shed water and because of the viscosity of the paint they seal holes and cracks very well. I would have left the paints in the scrap bin if a salesclerk at Rona hadn't pointed out to me one time that Tremclad is/was recommended for wood, when I was buying paint for my grandsons sleigh. I have some Nucs and queen castles that I've only given 1 top coat and they seem to be fine. The only problem I've had was I tried putting a coat of Latex over the oil paint and I have some air bubbles showing up on those boxes. I buy paint brushes and rollers from the dollar store so I don't bother cleaning them, I just toss them after I use them but by storing the wet brush/rollers in a plastic bag I can get a few days out of them before they get hard. The bees don't seem to care and don't appear to be being harmed, judging by the strength of my hives.
Colino

 

[sqkcrk]

sqkcrk- Have your son put a second coat on those boxes or you'll regret it. Also Zinsser manufactures the product
Woodlife that I use, you can't beat that for a seal coat before you stain or when finishing with a coat of paint.
Wood Life has excellent sealing properties for soaking those corners.
PS Wood life only costs about $16/gal at Ace Hardware I believe.

Just to be clear. I should have a second coat of paint applied to what is already painted. What is not yet painted should get a coat of Woodlife, allowed to dry (24 hrs?), and then painted (one coat or two?). Right? Is that my assignment?

Thanks. Something new for me.

 

[CtyAcres]

Sqkcrk- Yes. Yes, Yes, & Yes. And don't use a airless spray rig, you have to put 3 or 4 coats of spray to equal 1 or 2 coats
of paint, hand brushed. Good luck. Sorry for the extra WORK! Smile
PS The key to longevity is those jointed corners just make sure you hit them well!

 

[sqkcrk]

I don't have a sprayer. Rollers and brushes. Can I apply the Woodlife w/ a roller? What about clean up.

I like stapling and gluing more than painting. Once I am finished stapling as many boxes as I want to I can set down the gun and walk away. Not so painting. The price we pay, I guess.