Last year, on an observation hive, I used wood stain, and fiberglass resin to seal it. I found fiberglass resin too difficult to work with, and I’m not entirely certain it did the job. See my old hive (which ultimately failed for other reasons) below.
This is my first year with a flow hive 2+. I want it to last a LONG time. I’ve done minimal research, and have chosen: Water-Based Acrylic Paint, intended for outdoor garage doors. Please see link below:
I have not purchased it yet. I like that it looks a bit like wood, but is actually paint.
Will this do the job? Or should I purchase something else? How many coats should I apply?
Also, do I need to initially apply an undercoat or a primer?
Thank you for any assistance this community can provide.
There are a couple of issues with both Tung Oil and Deck Varnish, the former can result in the timber becoming a bit grey and washed out looking over time, while the latter can create condensation, as it doesn’t have a great deal of breathability.
Tung oil remains one of the most popular choices among our customers with Western Red Cedar Hives, it’s just good to be aware of the pros and cons
The roof should be painted with a couple of coats of decent outdoor paint regardless of what you use for the rest of your hive, as it will receive the most exposure to the weather.