# Non paint Flow hive finishing **URL:** \ **Category:** Equipment\ **Created:** [January 9, 2023, 2:21am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/non-paint-flow-hive-finishing/34181 "2023-01-09T02:21:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Ianh7898](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/df788c/32.png) [@Ianh7898](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Ianh7898)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2023, 2:21am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/non-paint-flow-hive-finishing/34181/1 "2023-01-09T02:21:29Z")
Can anyone recommend an appropriate non paint exterior surface finish please. We’re wanting to retain the natural look and grain of the wood. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![chau06](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.honeyflow.com/chau06/32/25515_2.png) [@chau06](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/chau06)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2023, 3:07am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/non-paint-flow-hive-finishing/34181/2 "2023-01-09T03:07:19Z")
Hello and welcome! What type of wood is your hive? I am assuming cedar if you’re attracted to the wood’s natural appearance… I’d recommend hot wax frying/dipping! Other natural finishes you’ll see discussed are tung oil and deck stain. ---
**Author:** ![Ianh7898](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/df788c/32.png) [@Ianh7898](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Ianh7898)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2023, 3:15am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/non-paint-flow-hive-finishing/34181/3 "2023-01-09T03:15:41Z")
Thank you and yes to the Cedar, I appreciate the reply, I don’t have the capability to hot wax dip. I’ve seen tung oil locally so will take s look at that. Do you know if boiled linseed oil is safe and effective…? ---
**Author:** ![AdamMaskew](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.honeyflow.com/adammaskew/32/16818_2.png) [@AdamMaskew](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/AdamMaskew)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2023, 8:24am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/non-paint-flow-hive-finishing/34181/4 "2023-01-09T08:24:27Z")
The oils will need to be reapplied every 6-12months. Ian I see you are in the US it is likely someone will offer a service to wax dip the hive. Asking around the local bee supply and groups will likely find someone. Wax dipping would give you 15+ years before needing to redo. The only other option is to use a mat varnish. This should last 5-10ths between application. ---
**Author:** ![Ianh7898](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/df788c/32.png) [@Ianh7898](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Ianh7898)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2023, 11:27am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/non-paint-flow-hive-finishing/34181/5 "2023-01-09T11:27:42Z")
Great feedback thank you. We start a beginner beekeeping course in a few weeks, and will ask when we start. ---
**Author:** ![Ianh7898](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/df788c/32.png) [@Ianh7898](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/Ianh7898)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2023, 12:57am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/non-paint-flow-hive-finishing/34181/6 "2023-01-10T00:57:27Z")
Thank you both for the feedback, I found someone close by in Tappahannock Va who offers hot wax dipping. Great result thank you. ---
**Author:** ![AdamMaskew](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.honeyflow.com/adammaskew/32/16818_2.png) [@AdamMaskew](https://forum.honeyflow.com/u/AdamMaskew)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2023, 8:58am UTC](https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/non-paint-flow-hive-finishing/34181/7 "2023-01-10T08:58:13Z")
If you have the time it would be good to see the process and end result in some pictures