Armstrong Clark Stains in Mahogany, Amber, and Black Walnut Colors
The key to a good wood stain is one that will protect, last long, and reduce the frequency of maintenance recoats. When it comes to IPE and other exotic hardwoods, maintenance can be more frequent than on more typical wood species. This is due to the dense nature of the hardwood. It can be tricky to get a stain to penetrate the wood and once it does, it does not want to hold for more than a year or so. This is really just the nature of exotic hardwood.
The other factor in dealing with hardwood stains, is applying one that will enhance the natural beauty of the wood. Covering up such a gorgeous species would be a shame. To get both excellent protection and an enhanced appearance, Armstrong Clark Hardwood Stain is a popular choice.
Armstrong Hardwoods comes in two semi-transparent colors that enrich the look of exotic hardwoods, Mahogany, Black Walnut, and Amber. Whether you like the richer look of the Armstrong Mahogany, the darker Black Walnut, or the lighter natural look of Armstrong Amber, you will find it outperforms all other brands of exotic wood stains.
Armstrong Mahogany, Amber, and Black Walnut colors offer a long-lasting finish like no other stain. This deep penetrating stain provides superb defense against weathering with less chance of wear. The heavily bodied oils of the Mahogany or Amber colors are specially formulated for IPE and other exotic hardwoods. They provide an oil finish that repels water, moisture, and UV rays to retain their color longer.
Armstrong Mahogany, Amber, and Black Walnut colors are best used on IPE, Mahogany, Cumaru, Tigerwood, and all other Brazilian Exotic Hardwoods. It is important to note that the exact color results can vary depending on wood condition, wood age, and application. To see how either color will look on your exotic wood surface try ordering a color sample. This will give you an exact color result so you can better choose Armstrong Mahogany or Amber colors.
Note: Colors will vary widely depending on wood species.
I plan to use Cedar color or Amber color on my new kiln-dried construction-grade redwood fence.
1) What is the UV rating for each?
2) Is the Amber (for hard & soft woods) a more heavily bodied oil than the cedar semi-transparent?
3) Would you recommend one color/product over the other for my construction grade Redwood fence?
thanks – Kerrie
1. Amber has 2 times the UV protection than the Cedar Transparent. About the same as the Cedar Semi-transparent.
2. No.
3. Either is fine.
I tried some samples today on a chair bottom and surprised the stain isn’t more opaque and some level of film building. Here is a picture on what I’m told is eucalyptus or mahogany. Does this look like the proper amount of penetration? Would 2 coats provide more protection and deeper color?
It is correct and no, more is not better. AC is a penetrating stain.
Next question is: My cedar siding was done ten years ago with an oil-based product. Do I have to remove that finish before putting on something new, and how would I remove it if necessary?
Yes, you have to remove it. We would need to see pictures and any info on the type and brand that was used.
Is cedar considered to be a soft or hard wood? Also, is larch considered a hard or soft wood?
Cedar is soft while larch is a hardwood.
where do I order
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/wood-and-decking-stains/hardwood-and-ipe-stain
Can you use hardwood colors on softer woods like cedar or pressure treated pine?
Yes, but they will not look the same as they do on hardwoods.
I have used your Armstrong Clark deck stain and really like the look and the coverage and durability seems great.Have you eliminated any color choices recently because I swear I had ordered like “rustic brown” before and dont seem to see it now?? Also I find my deck seems to pick up lots of dirt as it easily sticks to the wood just under normal day to day use…just best to hose it off and use a broom to brush it clean??
You are looking at the hardwood colors. For all colors, see here: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/wood-and-decking-stains
Just rinse if dirty with soapy water.
Can I mix colors to get different tones?
Yes.
Hello,
I have a covered wrap around porch on three sides, about 850 sq ft of Mahogany decking. Wood is about 20 years old and still nearly perfect as I have just sanded the whole thing down to get off the old spar varnishes. Everything looks ready to go for refinishing.
I ordered your Hardwood Mahogany semi-transparent stain. Do I need to put down two coats or just one? I do not want to over-apply. Decking near the house never got heavy sun and the old finishes just built up. The outer half and edges always wore down and greyed. Even though the 20 year old wood now after sanding is even colored and looks like new, will the surfaces getting full sun need a second application?
Thanks!
John S.
Just one coat is normal. Mahogany wood needs a good cleaning and reapplication with the AC once a year.
In other words, is the Amber Hardwood stain considered a transparent or semi-transparent? or neither?
Hi Armstrong Clark,
Wondering what the main difference is between your Semi-Transparent stains and the ones designed for Hardwoods & Softwoods?
I have samples of your Cedar & Natural Oak – but was about to get a sample of Amber. What’s the difference between them? And can Hardwood colors be used on any wood surface?
I’m not sure what type of wood I have. My deck is 20-years old and I just stripped and cleaned it.
Thanks,
Jason
The hardwood colors can be used on all wood types. It is closer to a semi-transparent in color.
I have sieera redwood down now but after a few months not as vivid in color when put down redish I would like to put down a semi solid close to the sieera redwood or something that looks wet glossy in color all the time any recommendations and can you stain over stain without striping if you don’t care to color
You cannot have a “wet glossy” look to a deck stain. That means it will be like a varnish and that would lead to major peeling on a deck. You cannot apply a semi-solid over the sierra redwood without stripping it first.
I have a tiger wood deck that need to stain. I really like the red color it has when it is wet, but when dry the color browns significantly. Will the Amber or Mahogany be better to highlight the reddish color after it dries?
Amber will highlight similar to a wet look. Mahogany will be a richer red color.
We live in north FL (lots of sun and humidity) and have built a pergola out of milled cypress. The wood is drying to a beautiful bluish gray. What is the best stain to apply for maximum UV protection and still preserve some of the natural tones?
If you want the best UV protection then you must have a rich color tone and that will enhance the natural wood tones. Ay of the semi-trans or semi-solid colors will work.
i have also decking of basaralocus or red locus do you have a stain sothe wood remains its natural color? e.g. a nartural stain instead of ipe amd mahogany?
The stain must be tinted for UV protection. Look at one of these colors for hardwoods: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/wood-and-decking-stains/hardwood-and-ipe-stain
Amber is the lightest tint.
great. thanks!
Is there a phone number I should call to order ?
You can order directly on this website or over the phone.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/wood-and-decking-stains/hardwood-and-ipe-stain
I have about 400 square feet of Mahogany facing. I would like to apply two coats. How much would I need of the Amber
Only 1 coat should be applied to Mahogany wood. 2 Gallons should cover this.
Is the amber oil and highlight the Mahogany wood. Also, will it take because the wood is so hard.
Thank you
The Amber is tinted and will enhance the wood grain similar to as if wet with water. It is designed for exotic hardwoods. Just one coat.
I have mahogany siding on the exterior. Your Mahogany stain appears pretty red. If I like the natural look of the sanded Mahogany, will your Amber stain work Is it a clear oil?
Bob Teer
Amber is tinted golden, not red. The look will appear similar to as if wet with water.
Is this a picture of AC’s Amber stain on sanded mahogany? Like the original poster Robert, I like the natural look of sanded mahogany.
Yes, it is.
I have a large 8 ft front door with 2 side lights that is about 12 years old that gets direct morning sun. I am stripping it to bare wood and wonder if your product would work on it. If so which product would you recommend.
Thanks Bob
Sorry but the AC is not designed for front doors.
Will the black walnut work on a pressure treated deck
Yes it will.
do you recommend your stain for pressure treated pine decking?
Yes the Ac is great for PTP decks.
Can I use the Stain for hardwood (Black Walnut) on our power washed deck outside? Is this particular stain design for inside wood only?
Thank you
The AC stains are only for exterior use such as decks. They cannot be used indoors.
[quote name=”Mark Roach”]I Have used the Mahogany ipe wood stain on an IPE deck with very good results. Can I use this stain for a Mahogany door that faces south? it gets afternoon sum and SPAR varnishes just do not hold up. I’ve found even in full afternoon sun this stain works well on IPE decking. any thoughts are appreciated thanks![/quote]
It is not designed for doors. Could be potential issues with the door seals.
I Have used the Mahogany ipe wood stain on an IPE deck with very good results. Can I use this stain for a Mahogany door that faces south? it gets afternoon sum and SPAR varnishes just do not hold up. I’ve found even in full afternoon sun this stain works well on IPE decking. any thoughts are appreciated thanks!
[quote name=”CZ”]Hi,
we installed our cedar deck 2 month ago and it ready to be stained. are there pictures online showing hardwood stain on cedar? Thx[/quote]
See this about new wood:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
As for colors, best to try samples on your wood:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
Hi,
we installed our cedar deck 2 month ago and it ready to be stained. are there pictures online showing hardwood stain on cedar? Thx
[quote name=”Craig Dinger”]is there any way i can get a color print out with pictures? I know that they are not the same ect, ect[/quote]
Hello, we offer samples to test the colors.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
is there any way i can get a color print out with pictures? I know that they are not the same ect, ect
[quote name=”Moose Morin”]Where can I get your colors of stain? Do you have a Canadian distributor??
Thanks.
Moose[/quote]
There are not any dealers in Canada. We can ship the products direct to you. We also have samples to test on our website.
Where can I get your colors of stain? Do you have a Canadian distributor??
Thanks.
Moose
Armstrong Clark in Rustic Brown.
[quote name=”Kristincoquyt”]How does mahogany look or work with Cedar? I like the color but only exotic woods are mentioned with application.[/quote]
it will not look the same on Cedar wood. It will be more of an orange/red as cedar is a much lighter wood.
How does mahogany look or work with Cedar? I like the color but only exotic woods are mentioned with application.
[quote name=”Reese Buchman”]Where can I buy[/quote]
We sell direct from our website to Canada and USA.
Where can I buy
[quote name=”Ronald W Modes”]What do you recommend for “Alaskan yellow cedar” – semi-transparent or semi-solid or either? Given the yellow color of the raw wood, what colors would you recommend?[/quote]
Look at the Amber color for this.
What do you recommend for “Alaskan yellow cedar” – semi-transparent or semi-solid or either? Given the yellow color of the raw wood, what colors would you recommend?
[quote name=”James Listman”]Hi, I have a porch floor using this wood. Since it is really not a mahogany hard wood, I do not know if I should use your hard or softwood product on it. Any advice? Thanks.[/quote]
There is no difference in products, just colors designed for exotic Hardwoods. Amber and Mahogany.
Hi, I have a porch floor using this wood. Since it is really not a mahogany hard wood, I do not know if I should use your hard or softwood product on it. Any advice? Thanks.
[quote name=”Eddie”]I recently installed an ipe floating deck system (deck tiles) on my condominium outdoor space (approx 150 sq ft) and stained the deck with an Armstrong Hardwood Amber. Prior to staining the deck I let it weather for approximately a month and a half, then cleaned it and brightened it.
The color was gorgeous upon application however it seems to be fading quickly. I applied with a China white bristle brush and followed with rag to stop puddling in spots) The deck dried for approximately 60 hours before rain hit it.
I question if I applied enough stain (should not have wiped excess with cloth) or perhaps the rain impacted it?
Have pics before and after. Any advice is appreciated.[/quote]
It is normal for it to cure to a lighter color. I would leave it alone and apply a light coat to it in the Spring.
I recently installed an ipe floating deck system (deck tiles) on my condominium outdoor space (approx 150 sq ft) and stained the deck with an Armstrong Hardwood Amber. Prior to staining the deck I let it weather for approximately a month and a half, then cleaned it and brightened it.
The color was gorgeous upon application however it seems to be fading quickly. I applied with a China white bristle brush and followed with rag to stop puddling in spots) The deck dried for approximately 60 hours before rain hit it.
I question if I applied enough stain (should not have wiped excess with cloth) or perhaps the rain impacted it?
Have pics before and after. Any advice is appreciated.
[quote name=”Anne”]I applied the hardwood stain yesterday. It looks beautiful, with one exception. Although the weather forecast was good, it unexpectedly rained last night. The finish that is under the porch roof is fine, but the uncovered steps have dark marks from the rain puddling and the stain splashed onto the surrounding painted wood and unpainted Azek pedestals. Could you tell me how to address the water marks on the wood, as well as how to remove the stain on the painted trim and Azek.? Thanks for any help! Your products have been great.[/quote]
Use mineral spirits on the paint wood. Not sure if it will come out of the Azek. As for the deck, hopefully it dries evenly after a few days and the dark marks disappear. If not, there is not an easy fix. You may need to strip and start over.
I applied the hardwood stain yesterday. It looks beautiful, with one exception. Although the weather forecast was good, it unexpectedly rained last night. The finish that is under the porch roof is fine, but the uncovered steps have dark marks from the rain puddling and the stain splashed onto the surrounding painted wood and unpainted Azek pedestals. Could you tell me how to address the water marks on the wood, as well as how to remove the stain on the painted trim and Azek.? Thanks for any help! Your products have been great.
[quote name=”Paul Cooper”]I am using red balau decking (kayu batu)and I wanted to know if you wood recommend your hardwood stain for this type of wood? Can I also use it on my cedar hand rail?[/quote]
Yes and yes.
I am using red balau decking (kayu batu)and I wanted to know if you wood recommend your hardwood stain for this type of wood? Can I also use it on my cedar hand rail?
[quote name=”kim”]Hi I was.wondering how I can ask for a.sample.of each stain; I was told this is the best company for wood.stain
thank you[/quote]
You can order samples on this link:
http://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
Hi I was.wondering how I can ask for a.sample.of each stain; I was told this is the best company for wood.stain
thank you
[quote name=”Shane”]I just purchased your Amber stain sample and was going to test on my cedar deck. I want to to find a great stain the would give me that wet cedar look. It was mentioned from deck stain review website that Armstrong Clark Stain in the amber color would be the stain I need. I understand that stains will vary but would like to know if the amber color is the recommend choice in your opinion based off what I am looking to achieve. I don’t want to cover up the natural wood grain but would like to enhance the brightness of the wood. I already tried your mountain cedar sample and didn’t like it as it covered up the natural look of the cedar color. Any feedback is appreciated![/quote]
The Amber does not cover the wood grain but enhances.
I just purchased your Amber stain sample and was going to test on my cedar deck. I want to to find a great stain the would give me that wet cedar look. It was mentioned from deck stain review website that Armstrong Clark Stain in the amber color would be the stain I need. I understand that stains will vary but would like to know if the amber color is the recommend choice in your opinion based off what I am looking to achieve. I don’t want to cover up the natural wood grain but would like to enhance the brightness of the wood. I already tried your mountain cedar sample and didn’t like it as it covered up the natural look of the cedar color. Any feedback is appreciated!