>
> I've just assembled my first hive, and now I'm trying to decide how to
> paint it.
> Any thoughts on what to use, or not use, to paint hives?
> Light vs dark color?
> Paint vs stain?
> Is it ok to use a wood preservative on the outside?
> etc.
 
I would paint the outsides and edges only with a good quality latex white
paint.  The bees will cover (and preserve in the process) the inside of
the hive with propolis.
 
Tom Fisher               | "The light that burns twice as bright
Purdue University        |  burns half as long....and you have
[log in to unmask] |  burned so very, very brightly, Roy."
                                                   - Eldon Tyrell