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Ritecell Plastic Foundation - Wax-Coated | Medium or Deep | Durable & Reusable

$2.95 CAD

Ritecell Plastic Foundation - Durable, Wax-Coated Foundation Sheets

Get the best of both worlds with Ritecell plastic foundation - the durability of plastic combined with a natural wax coating that bees readily accept. These foundation sheets won't sag, break, or fall apart like traditional wax foundation, yet bees build comb on them just as readily thanks to the wax coating.

Key Features:

  • Plastic Construction: Durable plastic base that lasts for years
  • Wax-Coated: Natural wax coating encourages bee acceptance and comb building
  • Won't Sag or Break: Maintains shape even when full of honey
  • Reusable: Can be used season after season - just scrape and reuse
  • Two Sizes Available: Medium (6-1/4") or Deep (9-1/8") to match your frames
  • Standard Size: 8-1/2" x 16-3/4" fits standard Langstroth frames

Why Choose Plastic Foundation:

  • Extremely Durable: Won't break, sag, or fall apart like wax foundation
  • Reusable for Years: Scrape off old comb and reuse the foundation repeatedly
  • Extraction-Proof: Withstands centrifugal force during honey extraction without damage
  • No Wiring Needed: Plastic is strong enough without wire reinforcement
  • Consistent Quality: Every sheet is identical - no variations in thickness or quality
  • Long-Term Investment: Higher initial cost but lasts much longer than wax

Wax Coating Benefits:

  • Bees Accept Readily: Wax coating gives bees the familiar scent and texture they prefer
  • Faster Comb Building: Bees start building on wax-coated plastic almost as quickly as pure wax
  • Natural Appearance: Yellow wax coating looks like traditional foundation
  • Best of Both Worlds: Durability of plastic with bee acceptance of wax

Specifications:

  • Material: Plastic with natural wax coating
  • Dimensions: 8-1/2" x 16-3/4"
  • Sizes Available: Medium (6-1/4" depth) or Deep (9-1/8" depth)
  • Compatibility: Standard Langstroth frames
  • Color: Natural yellow (wax coating)
  • Weight: 0.25 lbs per sheet

Advantages Over Wax Foundation:

  • Never Sags: Plastic maintains its shape even in hot weather or when full of honey
  • Won't Break: Can't crack or break during handling or extraction
  • Reusable: Scrape and reuse for many years - wax foundation is single-use
  • No Wiring Required: Saves time and effort during frame assembly
  • Extraction-Safe: Won't blow out or break during honey extraction
  • Consistent Results: Same quality every time, no variations

Perfect For:

  • Beekeepers who extract honey and want durable foundation
  • Anyone tired of wax foundation breaking or sagging
  • Commercial beekeepers needing long-lasting equipment
  • Beekeepers in hot climates where wax foundation sags
  • Anyone wanting to reuse foundation year after year
  • Beekeepers who want to skip the wiring process

How to Use:

  1. Insert Ritecell foundation sheet into your assembled frame
  2. No wiring or embedding needed - plastic is self-supporting
  3. Place frame in hive
  4. Bees will build comb on the wax-coated surface
  5. After extraction, scrape off old comb and reuse the foundation

Choosing Your Size:

  • Medium Foundation: For 6-1/4" medium frames - most popular for honey supers
  • Deep Foundation: For 9-1/8" deep frames - standard for brood chambers
  • Match foundation depth to your frame size

Long-Term Value:

While plastic foundation costs more initially than wax foundation, it pays for itself over time through reusability. A single sheet of Ritecell foundation can last for many years, whereas wax foundation is typically used once and discarded. For beekeepers who extract honey regularly, plastic foundation is often the more economical choice in the long run.

Installation Tips:

  • Foundation fits into standard frame grooves
  • No special tools or techniques required
  • Can be installed in frames with or without wire
  • Some beekeepers add a small amount of melted wax to help secure edges

Maintenance & Reuse:

  • After extraction, scrape off old comb with hive tool
  • Wash with warm water if needed
  • Can be recoated with beeswax if desired
  • Store flat to prevent warping
  • Reuse for many seasons

Bee Acceptance:

Thanks to the wax coating, bees accept Ritecell plastic foundation readily. While some beekeepers report slightly slower initial acceptance compared to pure wax foundation, most find that bees build comb on wax-coated plastic without hesitation, especially in established colonies.

Invest in durable foundation! Order Ritecell Plastic Foundation today and enjoy years of reliable use with foundation that won't sag, break, or need replacement.


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