How To Paint a Beehive
Painting your beehive is about more than just good looks. It is an important step in protecting your investment. A well-painted hive protects the wooden surfaces from weather extremes and prolong its life. At the same time, choosing suitable hive colors can aid your bees in controlling hive temperatures. This guide will help you understand how to paint a beehive effectively and safely.
While you can buy ready to use hives, most new beekeepers are faced with a hive that needs paint. I know that I had the fun or choosing colors for my hives many years ago. Hives are an essential part of your beekeeping equipment and they can last for years.
Why Painting a Hive is Important
Unless you purchase cypress wooden-ware (or plastic hives), your hive bee boxes will likely be made of pine.
I love the way pine wood smells-but it does not hold up long term when exposed to the weather. These boxes will be sitting outside in the rain, snow, ice and heat 24/7.
On the coldest days and the hottest day, your hive protects the colony inside. A coat of paint is a small price to pay to extend the life of your equipment. The costs of beekeeping equipment can be substantial-make it last.
Does it matter to the bees? Are painted hives better? Honey bees do not seem to care about hive color or painted vs unpainted. That said, we do want to be careful to not cause undue stress or harm to the colony.
Choosing the Right Paint
What is the best beehive paint to use? Stains, varnish and various dipping materials are used by large scale beekeepers with hundreds of hives.
For beginner beekeepers, it is easiest to use regular latex (water-based) paint for your hives. This type of paint is easy to find and work with.
Look for water-based exterior (outdoor) latex with low VOCs (volatile organic compounds – below 100) and allow time for off gassing to occur before installing bees.
(This is the type of paint recommended by the major bee supply stores who have been involved in beekeeping for over a hundred years.
If you don’t like regular latex – don’t use it. You can buy special paint that is supposedly safer for bees if you are concerned.)
Many beekeepers chose to visit the “oops” section of the paint department. We beekeepers are often frugal by nature. You may see some weird color combinations in the bee yards of “oops” painters.
Time to Cure and Air-out
With latex, water clean up is easy and the paint smell goes away sooner. This is an important consideration.
Honey bees are very sensitive to odor. You don’t want the bees to abscond or abandon their hive in search of better “less stinky” accommodations.
Time is required for it to air out and any paint fumes to dissipate. At least two weeks before bees arrive is a good choice.
Best Colors for Beehives
Most bee boxes are painted with light colors (white, pastels, etc). However, you really can choose any color that you wish. I have seen some amazing painted hive designs with special decorations.
Detailed scenes with vibrant colors transform your apiary into a work of art. From simple shapes to detailed landscapes, the possibilities are endless. We humans enjoy having fun with it (the bees really don’t care).
Why Are Beehives Often Painted White?
Do beehives have to be painted white? Heck , no. Though, a beekeeper may choose to stick with a traditional color like white. Or, maybe you would like a row of pastel hives like my “rainbow row” .
Hives painted in light colors are easier for the bees to cool the hive during hot July days. If you live in a region without hot Summers, you may consider a slightly darker shade.
Also, beekeepers living in neighborhoods often use tan or green colors for their hives. This helps them blend into the landscape rather than stand out. They are less noticeable.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.
Preparing the Beehive
The best paint job in the world is not worth much if the equipment assembly and preparation is shoddy. This is true whether you build your own beehive or purchase one ready to paint.
When you are assembling the parts of your hive, be sure to nail the wooden boxes together tightly. You also used good wood glue on all the connecting parts – didn’t you? Yes I’m sure you did.
Any quality wood glue will help make your frame and box joints sturdy. Yes, you really do need to nail and glue them both.
Fail to do so, and chances are that you will one day regret it. Good wood glue is easily available at all home improvement stores. Titebond is my favorite. .
Check to make sure that your box is square and in the proper form. Because Langstroth hive boxes are stacked, we want each one to be sturdy and square to give good support.
And… well I don’t know how to say this but – make sure the handles (and the frame rests -where the frames will sit) are not upside down. Yes, it happens.
If you have wooden beehive cleats on your boxes – make sure they are firmly attached.
Clean Surfaces
For those of you with used beekeeping equipment-that needs sprucing up, a new coat of paint often makes a big difference.
Be sure to scrape off any peeling paint, beeswax, propolis, etc before adding the first coat of paint. Also, allow it to cure a few days before moving it around much.
Equipment
If you have many beehives to paint, you might invest in a power sprayer to paint several at once.
But, most beekeepers rely on a simple paint brush or roller. I think the brush gives you a bit more control – I like a medium width.
For those of you who worry about making a mess, a drop cloth is beneficial, perhaps some disposable gloves too. Even though latex paint is not as strong smelling – it is always best to paint in a ventilated area.
Step by Step Guide to Painting a Beehive
As you begin, keep our major goal in mind. Paint only the outside parts of your hive – those areas that will be exposed to rain and moisture.
The bees will take care of polishing the interior with their own bee propolis. This substance helps sanitize the interior and seals cracks too.
1. First, paint the outside of the bottom board (around the edges where the base box will sit). This area takes a lot of wear and tear over the years.
Paint the landing board or entryway too-it is exposed to rain, holds snow and is constantly feeling the trampling of thousands of tiny bee feet.
If you want to paint the underneath “bottom” area too, that’s okay. I do, I feel it helps prevent the wood from absorbing moisture.
Be sure to paint seams, corners and exposed joints. Our goal is to coat the raw wood for protection from weather.
2. After finishing the bottom board, paint the outsides of your other boxes (not the insides). Try to get a good smooth coat around all the side and in the recesses of the hand-holds. Two coats with a bit of drying time in between is common.
3. How much of the telescoping top you paint, depends to a degree on which kind you have.
For the standard hive with a metal and wood top – paint all around the rim where the wood is exposed. I also paint the bottom of the rim because water drips under there.
Tips
Beehive tops and bottom boards are the first pieces of beekeeping equipment to fail. This is because they are the main protectors (top and bottom) for the colony inside.
Nothing inside the hive needs paint. Do not paint frames, inside walls of the boxes, inner cover or inside of the telescoping top.
It is best to allow at least a couple of weeks for the paint to dry and cure before adding bees. You have to think ahead – you never know when you might have an opportunity to catch a swarm of bees. No – painting the hive with bees inside it not the best idea 😉
Designs Elements
A quick internet search will reveal many bee hives that are painted in spectacular colors and designs.
If you have artistic tendencies, I envy you! I have a hard time drawing a straight line with a ruler. If you are like me, consider using stencils to embellish your painted bee hives.
Beyond having decorations that appeal to you, hives with designs on the front can help bees find their way back to the correct hive. This means less drifting bees but it is optional.
Protecting Your Investment
Placing your hive up off the ground on a hive stand will prolong the life of your wooden-ware and help with pests (such as ants getting in your hive).
If you would rather not purchase a hive stand, make one. Just be sure that it is sturdy. Mature hives can become very heavy.
Raising the hives up a bit can also help your paint last longer as the wood has some protection from the wet ground. You back will thank you as well – less bending.
FAQs
No, the bees don’t care – they live in unpainted hollow trees. But, painting will prolong the life of your equipment.
Only paint the parts of the hive that are exposed to weather such as rain, snow and drying sunlight.
Paint during mild weather with good drying conditions. For new colonies, paint at least 2 weeks before bees arrive. Do not paint a hive with bees living in it.
Hives painted with light colors do not absorb as much heat during Summer. The bees don’t have to work as hard to cool the hive.
That depends on the opinion of who you ask. Generally, choose a water-based latex paint with a VOC rating below 100, 50 or less is even better.
A Final Word
Giving your new hive or old hive a fresh coat of paint can be a lot of fun. Choose a color that you like and one that is non-toxic to bees and get the job done. It protects your hive, supports your bees’ needs, and adds a personal touch to your beekeeping setup.
Thank you for this helpful information. Your article answered all my important questions. Although a link to honeybee stencils would be great!
Thanks that’s a good idea.
I used a clear wood weatherproof sealant. Which I’m regretting now. I thought I saw someone recommend it but I think it’s pretty toxic. My bees come in April. Should I paint over it with a water based paint? I appreciate your help!
I likely would not worry about it – but change what I used in the future. As long as it is dry and has time to breathe – while not the best, it will likely be okay.
I wouldn’t stress over it but I would not paint my inner covers at all to let moisture move through. Don’t throw it away just dont do it going forward.
Charlotte, my husband painted the inside of my hive cover. You say you don’t NEED to paint it, but is it harmful? It’s been painted with latex exterior paint for several months and it’s time for my first package of bees.
Hi Charlote. Randy from Mi chigan. Thanks for taking your time to help and to adv ise us greenhorn newbies. It makes you something.
I have chosen my two gre en labeled very low VOC paint colors already( light green & light brown) to blen d in to the trees and nature. Have most of my items and supplies already( of those not delivered to the wrong address or unable to be delivered– lol). My biggest problem is BEING ABLE TO GET A RETURN PHONE CALL so I can order the 9 fr ame nuc of carni/ itallian cross bees that I am able to drive 3 hrs from where I live to pick up in may. I guess that most bee suppliers don t care,so I will plan on one or two splits next spring and a few more $$$$ for a couple deep/ med hive set ups. And maybe a couple of bred queens to begin my own hive/ nuc set ups. Which may lead to a couple more vertical hive set ups or some 5 frame nuc rearin g boxes for my own queens ( with some more research and brain absorbing). I appreciate your articles and your time taking. And all of the help and advice that you have given me so far.
Thank you!!!!!!!!
Thank you for the information..My husband and I are excited to get started with our beehive area!
What kind of sealant do you use after the paint dries?
I don’t use a sealant just good quality latex paint. I want the painted beehive to be able to breathe. If I am putting decorations on… I may spray a light coat of acrylic sealer just to that area.
What type of paint should I use to decorate my hives?
If it is just decoration, a bit of any type will be fine.
Thank you for your support,thanks.
From a brand new beekeeper, Thanks for the tips! Headed to paint my new hives right now 🙂 Good rainy day activity.
You are welcome Katie. Painting hives can be fun!
Well written & true. WOOD that cannot resist sunshine & rain over the years mudt be painted. Kudos Charlotte Anderson
Thanks Gerald, some type of paint or wood preservative will prolong them life of the wood.
Nice article, however, you should use Titebond III as it is water proof, where as Titebond II is water resistant.
Thanks for the tip Kyle. That’s a good point but I’ve always used Titebond II with not problems. But better is better right?
Thank you for this article.
Thank you for your support.