Wax Dipping For Beekeeping Equipment
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Are you tired of painting equipment, only to be dissatisfied with the results? Foxhound Bee Company offers a solution for preserving wooden beekeeping supplies and other wooden pieces through wax dipping. This process, which has been around for years, provides long-lasting protection for wood, ensuring its durability. By immersing the wood in a hot vat of wax, the natural moisture is replaced with a waterproof wax blend that penetrates the wood, safeguarding it from rain, moisture, and rot.
Benefits of Wax Dipping
The lifespan of properly wax-dipped wood can extend for decades, with the commonly quoted figure of 25+ years without the need for re-dipping. Notably, our equipment, made from cypress wood, is naturally more durable than pine. Wax dipping offers numerous advantages, including:
- Longevity: Wax-dipped wood can last for an extended period, ensuring lasting protection and reduced maintenance requirements.
- Moisture Resistance: The wax blend used during the dipping process protects the wood from rain, moisture, and rot, making it ideal for outdoor use.
- Preservation: By replacing the natural moisture in the wood with wax, the process effectively preserves the wood's integrity.
- Enhanced Durability: Wax-dipped wood is more resistant to wear and tear, ensuring the longevity of your beekeeping equipment and other wooden items.
Wax Dipping Process
During the wax dipping process, the wood is submerged in a hot vat of wax. This duration allows for the removal of natural moisture from the wood, which is then replaced by the waterproof wax blend. It is important to note that while the wood becomes protected throughout, the surface remains dry and non-waxy.
Our Wax Blend
Preserving wood through wax dipping is an expensive endeavor that requires a specialized stainless steel tank filled with a blend of three waxes:
- Microcrystalline Wax
- Paraffin Wax
- Beeswax
This combination of waxes ensures optimal wood protection, preventing the wax from melting in hot temperatures and avoiding surface tackiness.
Wax Dipping Services
At Foxhound Bee Company, we offer wax dipping services for beekeeping supplies and other wooden pieces. Our store, located in Birmingham, Alabama, serves as a drop-off point for beekeepers and others in need of wax dipping. Additionally, we can accommodate larger pieces or outdoor furniture up to 48" x 32" in our tank. For pricing and further information on dipping larger items, please contact us.
American Foul Brood (AFB) Spore Elimination
While our standard wax dipping temperature may not be sufficient to kill American Foul Brood (AFB) spores, we do offer the option to process your equipment at wax temperatures above 300°F, effectively eliminating AFB spores. However, it is crucial for us to be aware of this requirement to prevent contamination of other equipment. Please inform us in advance if you need AFB spore elimination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bring used equipment?
Yes, you can bring used equipment for wax dipping. However, please ensure that it is cleaned of any loose paint, wax moth debris, dirt, mold, cobwebs, loose wood, etc. A wire brush can be helpful for cleaning old boxes.
Can the equipment be already painted?
Yes, painted equipment is perfectly fine for wax dipping. Please note that the color of the paint may undergo slight changes during the process. After wax dipping, the equipment must be painted immediately while still hot, as the paint will not adhere to the wood surface once it cools.
Does the equipment have to be assembled?
No, your boxes do not need to be assembled before wax dipping. The tank can accommodate small pieces, and the wood does not change shape during the dipping process, ensuring that the joints will still fit together.
Which pieces of beekeeping equipment can't be wax dipped?
Frames are not suitable for wax dipping as they are already protected inside the box and do not require additional waterproofing. However, screened bottom boards and metal capped telescoping covers can be dipped, although a thin layer of wax may adhere to the metal.
This does not affect their functionality but may slightly alter their appearance. It is important to note that equipment made of plywood, masonite, and similar materials are not suitable candidates for hot wax dipping. The glue used in these materials can fail, leading to delamination of the wood after wax dipping.
Can pre-treated wood be dipped?
We do not accept pre-treated woods that have undergone pressure treatment or have been dipped in chemicals such as copper-naphthenate or similar wood treatments. These treatments contain harsh chemicals that are not beneficial for honeybees.
Do you offer club or bulk discounts?
We provide discounts for groups or side-liner/commercial beekeepers who have a minimum of 100 boxes or pieces of equipment. Please contact us for more details on bulk discounts.
What is the difference between our wax dipping and other processes?
Wax coating and wax dipping are two methods used to protect beekeeping equipment. Wax coating involves applying a thin layer of melted wax to the surface, offering surface-level protection. In contrast, wax dipping submerges the entire piece of equipment in hot wax, providing thorough penetration and long-lasting protection from the inside out.
Wax coating creates a water-resistant barrier that will eventually degrade and come off. At this point, the wood cannot be painted without completely removing any wax on the surface. Wax coating is most often used on the cheap beekeeping equipment found on Amazon.