>>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). >>
>>
>
>Actually, I'd prefer the rough side OUT.  That way the bees won't go
>coating up the interior with propolis, as they would if the rough surface
>faced in.
>
>I have never painted the inside of hives, but see the point as emphasized
>in the last post.
>
>If I could, I would opt for the dipping treatment, which at least one guy
>in our area was (is?) using.  The hive parts were dipped in a molten
>mixture of paraffin and rosin, and from what I was told, the super boxes,
>lids, etc. really sizzle and soak that stuff up.  Then over time, it
>weathers nicely to a natural greyish tone which is pretty good camoflage.
>After spending so much time, effort, and money on building good equipment,
>it only seems fitting to give it a good overall treatment like this.
>Anyone on Bee-L been using the dip?
>
>I have settled on a latex deck enamel or, preferably, Cuprinol stain.  The
>stain is an excellent treatment, but floors are best soaked in it for a
>while.  It still isn't as good as the hot dip.
>
>