We have switched to linseed oil exclusively for protecting our hives. Have a large plastic container with the oil in bottom, use 4" brush to spread and soak hive body inside and out, brush off excess and stack to dry with small wood spacers between boxes. Good to go in a day or two and bees don't seem to mind the smell. We know a beekeeper that has boxes 20 years old in good shape using linseed. Jake Good-Rich Apiaries www.good-rich.com