In a message dated 96-12-23 19:37:04 EST,       [log in to unmask] (Vince Coppola)
says:
 
 <<  I have used rough cut to make supers, bottom boards ect. and
 recommend planning on one side. This will give you material of unuform
 thickness and make it much easier to produce parts that fit. Leave the
 rough side in and it will be easier to paint the outside (smooth). >>
 
    I have never understood why many beekeepers only paint the outside.  If
the hives are painted inside and out they will give better service (better
yet - dipped).
 
    Contrary to popular impressions paint is not impervious to water, so they
will be about the same as far as rot, but the paint on both surfaces
equalizes the movement of water vapor, so that they will never warp.  If
you've handled equipment that warps bad enough to pull nails on the joints,
you'd appreciate that a lot.
 
    Also contrary to popular impression, bees do not suffer any problems from
having a painted surface on the inside.  If a good hard enamel is used, it
will be easier to scrape the boxes clean of propolis and burr comb.
 
    Unfortuately I have very little new equipment and much of it is not worth
painting now.  But the best I have is painted both sides, and I am glad of
it.
 
    As mentioned before, the bees don't care.  But, especially if bees are
moved often, it's nice to have good equipment.
 
[log in to unmask]    Dave Green,  PO Box 1200,  Hemingway,  SC
29554        (Dave & Jan's Pollination Service,  Pot o'Gold Honey Co.)
 
Practical Pollination Home Page            Dave & Janice Green
http://users.aol.com/pollinator/polpage1.html
 
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