How do you coat a plastic foundation with beeswax?

The process for adding wax to the plastic foundation is very simple. Melt some beeswax in a double-boiler, and then use a clean paintbrush to brush a thin coating onto the foundation. It's a messy, messy job, and it's difficult to get a perfectly even coat.

Can I put wax on plastic?

If you go with a wax, just make sure it doesn't have any polishing agents. Those will scratch soft plastics and trim. Or look into something like Turtle Wax Inside and Out Protectant, which you can use to detail plastics seamlessly inside and outside your car.

Why use beeswax foundation?

It keeps the frame intact and ready for use. The use of beeswax foundations gives your bees a head start in building comb. Bees work hard to build comb, using resources that are not easy to find and collect.

What is the best way to polish plastic?

Pour a couple of spoonfuls of baking soda into a small bowl. Add enough water to make a thick paste. Use a cotton ball, cloth, or even a clean toothbrush to apply the paste to the plastic. Rub the area with small, circular motions to remove the scratches.

Can you use ceramic wax on plastic?

A high quality nano ceramic coating can be used on pretty much any plastic surface just as long as it is not prone to flexing and bending.

How to Apply Beeswax to Plastic Foundation

Do you need to wax plastic frames?

Wax required:most plastic frames need to be treated with wax before they can be used in the hive. Frames can be purchased pre-waxed, which is often a much more cost effectivce soltujon.

Do bees like plastic foundation?

Bees are not naturally drawn to plastic. They have to be tricked into drawing comb on plastic foundation. Beekeepers who are in it for conservation and those who want to practice natural beekeeping are not suited using plastics in their beehives.

What kind of wire is used for bee frames?

This 27-gauge wire is strong and sturdy enough for all your foundation support needs. This 6,600 foot roll (5 lb.) of beehive wire is enough for 1000 frames.

How long does it take for bees to build foundation?

On average it will take between 7 days to 2 months for bees to produce comb and fill it with honey. But a strong established colony, during a strong honey flow, can draw out a full 10 frame deep box and fill it with honey in as little as 3 days. Sometimes even quicker, in less than 24 hours.

How do bees draw out foundation?

In a very strong honey flow, the bees will draw out foundation without any difficulty at all. It is the presence of nectar that enables bees to produce the large supply of wax necessary to build out foundation with honeycomb.

Do bee hive frames need foundation?

A frame without foundation allows the bees to naturally build what they need. Honeybees build different size cells for different purposes, so going foundationless allows the bees to build whatever size cells they need at the time.

What foundations are wax based?