Bee liners,

I posted this some years back but it bears repeating given all the discussion
on dipping.  The Forest Products Lab of the U.S. Forest Service published this
recipe some years back for a NON TOXIC WATER REPELLENT/WOOD PRESERVATIVE, and I
have used it with great success.  It is a home-made version of what you U.S.
readers know as Thompson's Waterseal, made on the cheap.

Exterior grade polyurethane (oil based)         3 cups

paraffin or beeswax                             1 ounce

Mineral spirits (paint thinner)                 add to make 1 gallon

Melt the beeswax (microwave or double boiler), add to the premixed polyurethane
and mineral spirits and you have it.  I actually add 2-3 ounces of beeswax,
enough so the mixture is cloudy on cool mornings.  You can dip your woodenware
or use a garden sprayer and spray it on.  You get the benefit of wax without
the danger of melting large quantities.  Granted you do not get heavy wax
impregnation, but it really helps preserve the wood.  It also works on decks
and bare wood siding.  I highly recommend it.

Bill Lord
--
William G Lord
Area Specialized Agent, Environmental Education
E-Mail  : wglord@franklin
Internet: [log in to unmask]
Phone   : 919-496-3344
Fax     : 919-496-0222