Waxing Plastic Foundations: How Much Wax Is Needed?

When it comes to beekeeping, the use of plastic foundations is a common practice, and understanding how much wax is needed on these foundations is crucial for effective beehive management. While some beekeepers opt for pre-waxed plastic foundations, others prefer to apply wax themselves. The amount of wax required can vary depending on factors such as the type of foundation, the method of application, and the preferences of the bees themselves. In this discussion, we will delve into the techniques and considerations involved in waxing plastic foundations, exploring the optimal amount of wax needed to create a thriving environment for bees.

How much wax is needed on a plastic foundation?

Pre-waxed plastic foundation frames may need extra wax

While plastic foundation frames are generally recommended for beginner beekeepers, pre-waxed plastic foundation frames may need extra wax. This is because bees tend to gravitate towards the foundation with the most wax due to its scent. However, too much wax may increase the strain on bees to remove wax-filled cells and wax-thickened walls.

Beekeepers have used various methods to add extra wax to pre-waxed plastic foundation frames. Some have used a block of wax, rubbing it on the frames like grating cheese, while others have melted the wax and applied it with a brush or roller. One person described melting the wax in a crock pot and painting it on with a cheap throw-away brush, building up the wax on the cell wall ridges without filling the cell with wax. Another person used a 3" foam roller and melted the wax in a metal paint roller pan sitting in simmering water. They coated each side of the plastic foundation sheets twice and used about 3-1/2 lbs of beeswax.

It is important to use pure, unadulterated beeswax to coat plastic foundation frames. While the purest wax may seem to be the wax harvested from one's own hive, there are many variables that could negatively impact hive health and are hard to test for. By using pure, rendered capping wax, one can be confident that their hive will not be introduced to foreign toxins from the wax base.

Some beekeepers have also found that adding sugar water or syrup to the wax can help the bees draw it out. However, others have found that the bees are only interested in the plastic foundation because of the syrup and will only draw on the plastic as a last resort. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to add extra wax to pre-waxed plastic foundation frames is up to the beekeeper, as there is no universal way to keep bees.

Melting wax and painting it on with a brush

When it comes to applying wax to a plastic foundation, it is recommended to add extra wax. While bees will draw out the wax when they need more space, it is beneficial to provide a well-waxed foundation, especially for beginners. One effective method for doing this is by melting wax and painting it onto the frames with a brush.

To begin, you will need a heat-safe container, such as a metal crock pot or double boiler, to melt the wax. Place the wax in the container and heat it gently until it reaches a molten state. Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area and take the necessary precautions to avoid spills or burns.

Once the wax is melted, you can use a brush to apply it to the plastic foundation. Choose a brush that is suitable for the task; a cheap brush or a paint roller with a 4" roller can work well. Dip the brush into the melted wax and carefully apply it to the frames, ensuring you are not too heavy-handed. You can fill each cell with wax or simply coat the top of each cell, depending on your preference and the amount of wax you have available.

It is important to note that you should work carefully and avoid applying too much wax in one go. The thicker the coat of wax, the more you will use. If you have a limited amount of wax, aim for a thinner application. Additionally, you can use other methods in conjunction with painting, such as rubbing a block of wax over the frames or spraying them with sugar syrup, to enhance the coating.

Using a foam roller to apply wax

When it comes to applying wax to a plastic foundation, there are various methods and tools that can be used. One popular method is to use a foam roller, which can be very effective and provide an even coat. Here is a comprehensive guide on using a foam roller to apply wax to a plastic foundation:

Melting the Wax

Before applying wax with a foam roller, it is essential to melt the wax. This can be done in several ways, but one common method is to use a crock pot or a double boiler pot configuration. For a crock pot, you can fill it with water and place the wax inside to melt. An old crock pot from a garage sale can be perfect for this purpose. Alternatively, you can place one pot inside another, with the outer pot containing water, and heat it to melt the wax. This method is safer than using direct heat on the wax.

Preparing the Foam Roller

Once the wax is melted, it's time to prepare your foam roller. Choose a roller size that is suitable for your project. Foam rollers typically range from 3 to 4 inches in size. Dip the foam roller into the melted wax, ensuring that it is coated evenly. You can also roll the roller on a waxed surface, like an unwaxed pan, to distribute the wax evenly.

Applying Wax to the Foundation

Now, you can begin applying wax to your plastic foundation. Start by rolling the foam roller lightly over the foundation, especially if the wax on the roller is still hot. You don't need to apply much pressure, and a light swipe will do. Gradually increase the pressure as the wax on the roller cools down. Focus on coating the cell edges or the high spots of the cell walls. Avoid filling the bottom of the cells with wax unless necessary.

Techniques for Even Application

For an even application, it is recommended to make multiple light passes with the foam roller. You can roll horizontally, vertically, and diagonally across the foundation to ensure an even coat. After coating one side, flip the frame and repeat the process on the other side. Hang the frames to harden after application.

Additional Tips

When working with melted wax, always exercise caution. Do not leave heating wax unattended, and be extra careful if working in a kitchen or indoor space. Additionally, it is a good idea to buy extra foam rollers, as the heat from the wax can sometimes affect the adhesive holding the foam. Finally, if you have leftover wax, you can store it for future use or apply extra wax to your frames, which bees will draw out nicely.

Dipping the foundation in wax

To dip the foundation in wax, you will need to melt the wax in a double boiler or an old crock pot that is metal and sits on a heating element. Once the wax is melted, you can carefully dip the plastic foundation into the wax, ensuring that all sides are coated. Allow the excess wax to drip back into the pot, and then place the coated foundation on a wire rack or a sheet of wax paper to cool and harden.

Alternatively, you can use a paint roller to apply the wax to the foundation. Dip the roller into the melted wax and then roll it onto the foundation, being careful not to be too heavy-handed. This method allows you to control the thickness of the wax coating, and you can even draw out the comb if you're careful.

Another option is to use a block of wax and rub it onto the foundation. You can also try leaving the block of wax in the sun to soften it before applying it to the foundation. This method is less messy and does not require any additional tools or equipment.

It is important to note that some beekeepers prefer to use pre-waxed plastic foundations, which are coated with wax and can be purchased from suppliers. However, even with pre-waxed foundations, some beekeepers choose to add extra wax to ensure the foundation is adequately coated. This can be done by melting wax and painting it on the frames or using a brush or roller to apply it.

The amount of wax needed to coat a medium plastic foundation

When melting wax, a heat source such as a stove, crock pot, or propane burner is used to melt the wax in a container. A foam brush can then be dipped into the wax and quick strokes with minimum pressure can be used to brush the wax onto the foundation. It usually takes four to five layers of wax until a satisfactory result is achieved. Alternatively, a paint roller can be used to apply the wax. One beekeeper reported using a 1/4 inch nap roller in an electric skillet to achieve a uniform coat, with the top of the roller sitting about a 1/4 inch above the lip of the skillet. Another beekeeper reported using a 4" roller, which resulted in a thicker coat of wax.

If using solid wax, a chunk of beeswax the size of a bar of soap can be rubbed onto the plastic frames. This method can be time-consuming and may require additional wax if the bees rob the wax for use elsewhere.

One beekeeper reported using about 20 grams of wax per medium foundation, while another coated 120 medium plastic foundation sheets twice on each side (four coats total) using about 3.5 lbs of wax.

Frequently asked questions