I have found that fingernail polish is the longest lasting paint to use on queens. In spite of its very strong odor I have not had a problem with balling or any other reasons not to use it. It is cheap, at the dollor stores and you can get just about any color you or the Misses would like. What ever you do don't, I repeat DO NOT use your wife's or you may find yourself in the honey house long after the honey is extracted. Dean M. Breaux Executive Vice President Hybri-Bees "Breeding Better Bees"