Painting Polyhives

[marcros]

Good Morning,

I am sure that this has been answered, but I cannot find the thread.

What type of paint should I use to paint polyhives with? I assume that it is just the exterior and the inside of the floor?

Thanks
Mark

 

[Poly Hive]

Any bits the sun shines on need a coat. Gloss is fine as is emulsion.

PH

 

[RoofTops]

The best I have found is Dulux water based masonry paint. Woodland Pearl 1# is a nice matt green. Alternatively, Cuprinol Garden Shades works. It is water based and quick drying but does not seem as hard wearing as the masonry paint. It is available in smaller sizes than the masonry paint so is cheaper for only one or two hives.

Alternatively, you can use more or less any gloss paint. They take longer to dry and you will need white spirit to clean the brush but they will work fine.

As you say, paint the outsides and the floor all over. If you have a poly feeder give it 4 coats inside and roughen the surface the bees walk down with fine sandpaper. You can also paint the inside of the roof. Not essential but it looks better.