[Michael Bush]

The Pierco I have looks like the sprayed it on. It wasn't real consistant, but it wasn't clumped anywhere either.

Sounds like maybe your's got hot somewhere? In a warehouse? On the way to your house? I don't know but that's what your description sounds like. If it's all clumped up and the cells are not nicely formed because of clumps of wax in them, then maybe that is part of their problem. They probably have to redo all the wax first and then get frustrated when they hit the plastic?

I'm not sure what you best course of action is. If you have a pot big enough and enough wax you could dip the whole frames (that are not being used by the bees) in wax and then shake it off well. (what a mess!)

You could just use a nail or something on those lines and go around the insides of the cells to get the clumps out.

 

[Michael Bush]

It could be they just don't feel like doing anything.

If it's not clumped on the plastic then it's probably fine. You just need a film of it on the plastic. I'm afraid painting it on will clump up more, but you could try it and see what it does. My guess is that dipping it will get an even coat on it. Maybe painting will too. But probably if there is a thin layer it's good enough. Have you tried Honey Bee Healthy in syrup to spray on it? Or Lemongrass oil & honey mixed into the syrup? (same principle) Or even honey and water to make a watered down syrup?

 

[Michael Bush]

Another incentive to finish drawing it is that the queen will lay when the cells are only half way drawn and then they have to finish it for the brood.