>when you are using a paraffin dip...doesn't the paraffin get into the wax
as the bees chew and transport it?

Hi Lennard,

When woodenware is dipped at the right temperature (325F; for about a minute
for preservation; for 10min to sterilize against AFB), the wax is drawn into
the wood upon removal, as the water vapor in the wood pores condenses and
creates vacuums.

Upon cooling, the wax is absorbed into the wood, and is nearly undetectable
by sight, touch, or feel.  Very little wax is used.  I doubt that any
appreciable amount is ever mixed with beeswax.

However, if the wood is dipped into cooler wax, the boxes will indeed come
out waxy and slippery, and a great deal of wax is used.

Randy Oliver

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