In addition to being lightweight and easy to remove, these covers allow colonies to be stacked tightly together. Tight stacking is important in securing a load on a truck. Painting the Hive Parts. All parts of the hive exposed to the weather should be protected with paint. The only purpose in painting is to preserve the wood.
Most beekeepers use aluminum paint or a good exterior white paint.
A light color is desirable since it prevents heat buildup in the hive during summer. Various combinations of colors will reduce drift between colonies. The basic parts of the hive traditionally have been made out of pine, cypress, and redwood. Today all hive components are available in plastic. Plastic components are durable, strong, lightweight, and require little maintenance.