[markmaster]

I picked up several new hive bodies yesterday and wanted to start painting them this week. Should I use a primer - like KILZ - before I paint (wood is poplar)? Or just apply a latex paint directly?

 

[Grid]

If you're going to paint, then you should prime or use a paint that does not require primer, the "self-priming" exterior paints.

Grid.

 

[Kingfisher Apiaries]

YES!!! Paint AND primer!!
Kingfisher

 

[alpha6]

We stain dip the whole box then paint the outsides. Seems to work really well and is no mucho time involved.

 

[markmaster]

Thanks for the advice, folks....I'm headed to the hardware store this morning for supplies!

 

[Blackwater Bee]

I have settled on a one paint that does all approach. I use Univar's Duramax Exterior Paint available from Lowe's ( no primer required ), it has high solids in the formulation that fills cracks in the woodenware easily, about $30. per gallon inch:

The cheapy way to go is check with Friends and Neighbors if they have leftover paints laying around, most everyone does these days. :lookout:

 

[alpha6]

Heck...get Lowes mis-tints. 5 gallon bucket is only $20 (gallon is $5) for premium Latex exterior.

 

[My-smokepole]

If you want it to last I would be priming them. Zinner 123 is one of the better ones. I like one better from Glidden but I can't think of the name at the moment. The all for one paints I have never found one that work well. Kinda like the old Shop Smith they all most do a job well, but leave you very short in the long run. Just the views of a painting contractor

 

[Blackwater Bee]

Heck...get Lowes mis-tints. 5 gallon bucket is only $20 (gallon is $5) for premium Latex exterior.

Every time I check with the " Paint Chic ",all of the mis-tints are those pastel colored interior paints :doh:

 

[bigevilgrape]

Heck...get Lowes mis-tints. 5 gallon bucket is only $20 (gallon is $5) for premium Latex exterior.

Home depot is priced the same... and $1 or $2 for a quart. WHere I am it's all interrior paint right now :-/ I have till mid april for oops to start showing up. MY dad has more or less convinced me to go with a stain anyway. (which also shows up on the oops rack, but not as frequently)

 

[NasalSponge]

I do what Alpha6 does, go get lowes ooops paint for 5 bucks a gallon and forget the primer.

 

[eba1225]

For my hive I did both a primer and a paint, both latex and both for external. Went with a 'Golden Sunrise' color.

 

[Budster]

Heck...get Lowes mis-tints. 5 gallon bucket is only $20 (gallon is $5) for premium Latex exterior.

Thats what I do, but I go to the Sherwin Williams, Porter Paints, etc. You can get some darn rightous outdoor paint for a buck or two a gallon. For colors, white usually isn't available often so I keep my eyes peeled for green.. My hive color of choice.

When I originally started, I used to buy cheap paint, the cheapest I could find. It didn't last and took 2 - 3 coats. Some of that high dollar mis-tint stuff will put an awesome layer on the first coat..