New here from PA

[Rachel]

Just introducing myself.  I'm Rachel from Montgomery County PA...I am just starting and very uneducated about beekeeping!  I'm also VERY excited! 
I got my supplies the other day and besides not getting directions on how to put the frames together, I'm wondering if we need to use a special paint for the boxes.  I had the impression that we can use anything, but then my husband made a point that since they are used for years, i might need a "good" paint.   

Anyway, I've been lurking but I'm excited to get started!!
Rachel

[Cindi]

Rachel, welcome to our forum.  You have found the best place that will be your guide to assist you with learning to keep bees well, and become a great beekeeper one day.  Ask your questions, glad that you have stopped lurking, hee, hee, and joined in.  Tell us of yourself, your experiences and stories, as they come.   You are excited, well, girl, you ain't seen nothin' yet, wait until you get your bees, you will not believe the joy that they will bring to your soul.  Have the most wonderful and greatest of days, love our life we live.  Cindi

[indypartridge]

Hello and Welcome!

This is a great forum for learning about bees. I also highly recommend getting involved in a local beekeeping club: nothing beats having a few mentors nearby who can help you out, plus it's great fun hanging out with other beeks.
It looks like there are several beekeeping clubs right in your area, there's a Montico club, a Chester Co. club and a Lehigh Valley club:
http://www.pastatebeekeepers.org/Reports/Map/2007%20Contacts%20and%20Inspectors.html
http://www.chescobees.org/

As for paint, you'll get a wide range of opinions. Some suggest getting both a good primer and a top notch exterior paint. Many just pick up whatever is on the clearance/mis-tint rack at their local hardware store. Some don't bother to paint at all. I've seen pictures of hives that are practically works of art: bright colors and designs. It's up to you.
http://www.myoldtools.com/Bees/hives2.jpg
http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j37/Maine_Beekeeper/
http://www.brendansbees.com/images/Yard1_060508.jpg

[Kev]

but then my husband made a point that since they are used for years, i might need a "good" paint.   

Welcome to the group. You'll find a lot of help from good folks on this forum. They'll give you encouragement and comfort both.

I just used whatever paint is lying around and is still good. So my hives are yellow, orange, green, and brick red. The bees don't seem to mind. 

Down south they tend to paint in light colors, but I couldn't bring myself to spend any more $$ on my setup.

kev

[buzzbee]

Hi Rachel,
I am from Clinton county in central Pa. We have 5 hives in the yard(Had six but lost one). We  are looking forward to getting a season with a little more frequent rain over summer.We gathered a lot of honey from one hive but struggled with the others due to a dearth.Hope you have a great year!!

[poka-bee]

Hi Rachel

I am new too, waiting on pins & needles for my woodenware to arrive.  I went to the paint store & bought exterior acrylic latex "oops" paint. for $4 a gallon.  Got a slate blue & light green (was hoping for pink & purple but oh well!)I'll keep stopping by & putting the word out to my local small store for some of the pretty ones!  I know over the years I will need more to paint more stuff..I am already wondering if I should have gotten the equipment for 3 insead of 2 hives...it's started & I don't even get get my bees till 4/12!  *sigh* Welcome, this is going to be a fun adventure!

[Bigeddie]

Hi Rachel

I am new too, waiting on pins & needles for my woodenware to arrive.  I went to the paint store & bought exterior acrylic latex "oops" paint. for $4 a gallon.  Got a slate blue & light green (was hoping for pink & purple but oh well!)I'll keep stopping by & putting the word out to my local small store for some of the pretty ones!  I know over the years I will need more to paint more stuff..I am already wondering if I should have gotten the equipment for 3 insead of 2 hives...it's started & I don't even get get my bees till 4/12!  *sigh* Welcome, this is going to be a fun adventure!

You got the right paint, now you need some ext. primer then you won't have to do it again any time soon. I'm a painting contractor.