Armstrong Clark Wood Stains comes in 16 different color choices. Armstrong Clark penetrates into the wood grain while “enhancing” the natural color tones of your wood.
Very Important: We do not guarantee final colors due to age and species of the wood, and how wood is prepared, affects the final color of an applied stain. Please use an Armstrong Clark Sample can to test for color and absorption on your wood before beginning application. Please wait 48 to 72 hours after applying the sample before viewing for the final color.
Final Armstrong Clark color will vary based on:
Type of Wood
Age of Wood
Prepping of Wood
Application method
Any Questions on Armstrong Clark Colors? Ask in the Comments below.
Armstrong Clark Stain Photo Gallery
Armstrong Clark Transparent Natural Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Natural Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Natural Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Natural Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Natural Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Natural Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Cedar Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Cedar Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Cedar Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Cedar Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Cedar Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Cedar Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Cedar Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Cedar Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Cedar Tone
Armstrong Clark Redwood Tone Lake House
Armstrong Clark Redwood Tone Garage Door
Armstrong Clark Redwood Tone Deck
Armstrong Clark Redwood Tone
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar Deck on Clear Redwood
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Home
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Home
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Home
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Home
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Home
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Home
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Fence
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Fence
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Dock
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Fence and Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Deck
Armstrong Clark Natural Oak
Armstrong Clark Natural Oak on Fence
Armstrong Clark Natural Oak on Deck
Armstrong Clark Natural Oak on Deck
Armstrong Clark Natural Oak on Deck
Armstrong Clark Natural Oak on Deck
Armstrong Clark Rustic Brown
Armstrong Clark Rustic Brown on House
Armstrong Clark Rustic Brown
Armstrong Clark Rustic Brown
Armstrong Clark Rustic Brown on Fence
Armstrong Clark Rustic Brown on Deck
Armstrong Clark Rustic Brown on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Driftwood on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Driftwood on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Driftwood on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Chestnut
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Chestnut on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Chestnut on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Chestnut on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Chestnut on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Chestnut on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Chestnut on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Sierra Redwood
Armstrong Clark Sierra Redwood
Armstrong Clark Sierra Redwood
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Amber on Hardwood
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Amber on Hardwood
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Amber on Hardwood
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Amber
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Amber
Armstrong Clark Mahogany on Hard Wood
Armstrong Clark Mahogany on IPE Wood
Armstrong Clark Mahogany on IPE Wood
Armstrong Clark Mahogany on IPE Wood
Armstrong Clark Mahogany on IPE Wood
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Black Walnut
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Black Walnut
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Black Walnut
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Black Walnut
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Woodland Brown
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Woodland Brown
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Woodland Brown
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Woodland Brown
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Sequoia
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Sequoia
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Sequoia
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Sequoia
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Sequoia
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Sequoia
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Sequoia
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Sequoia
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Oxford Brown
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Oxford Brown
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Oxford Brown
Armstrong Clark Stain Espresso
Armstrong Clark Stain Espresso
Armstrong Clark Stain Espresso
There are over 100 pictures of all Armstrong Clark stain colors. Descriptions of stain colors are below each picture.
Colors are listed in the same order as Color Chart.
If you have used the Armstrong Clark Stains, we would love to see your photos!
Please add them in the comment area below
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4 years ago
I am rebuilding a 25-year-old ipe deck, about 1,000 sq ft. All the framing is being replaced, so I will be relaying the ipe over new framing. The ipe is sound, but some is warped, cupped, etc, so will all need to be sanded once it is laid. I plan to use your Mahogany stain. Should I use either or both of your Restore-A-Deck cleaning and prep products before applying the stain, or will the sanding be enough? Thank you.
I am doing a renovation of a cedar home with pressure treated pine 6 yr old deck in front. I am trying to match using a semi transparent stain on the newly replaced cedar exterior (see top cedar)to the decking below. It does not have to be a perfect match but in the shade range. Additionally, in the exterior of house there is a new ptp deck that is 6 months old that i would like to blend. I am thinking the cedar semi transparent
Yes, I will wait until next spring to do the new cedar siding on the house. I didn’t mention that the new deck in the back connects to an older (15) yr old deck that is in good shape and was previously using a CWF product to maintain. I will be prepping per your directions in advance of the stain. My question, as you have indicated in other comments the challenges of matching new deck and older deck stain colors, and if I remember you said that new decking will always be lighter, would trying a test of a combination of two colors on the new decking allow us to potentially get closer to a match ? I know you do not do this in house but my contractor could do and we could test small area. I am thinking semi Cedar and Natural oak on new decking?
Sorry, but there is not a way to match new and older wood. Does not matter if using the same color for all or attempting to use two different colors.
4 years ago
The stripper worked very well. The stain was very consistent.
First two pictures was halfway through project.
The last two is completed. You may notice three lighter stained boards because they were brand new treated 2×6’s that replaced some rotted boards (the deck is 25+ years old). The new ones were super saturated with the traditional green wood treatment. I imagine I will have to re-stain those once those boards dry out. However, I was surprised on how well the stain still penetrated those new boards
Luci Lewandowski
3 years ago
Reply to
what color stain did you use? is it the semi-transparent? also, is it pressure treated pine or cedar? it’s beautiful and just the color of gray I was looking for. Thank you, Luci
Deck location: Paso Robles, CA
Full sun, faces NW
Wood type: con heart redwood
Mold or mildew:
Reason for previous stain failure: in 2018 Behr semi-transparent redwood stain applied to all six surfaces before deck planks installed. Then a second coat once planks were down. Stain began peeling and mildew formed within 6 months. When I complained to Home Depot, they sent me replacement deck prep and stain. I applied it again per instructions and within 6 months, the same thing happened. The vertical surfaces still look great, but I’ve sanded the peeling stain off of the deck planks.
I think I need to use a darker stain to cover the parts of the redwood stain that did not sand out.
(I tried uploading photos, but it says file size too big — even though I shrunk it to 3MB)
Author
4 years ago
Reply to
You cannot apply any other brand like AC over the Behr. It will have to fully be removed first. Please upload photos. Reduce size and it will work.
4 years ago
Reply to
Here is the deck after sanding as much off as I could — just the horizontal surfaces
Author
4 years ago
Reply to
You will need to remove all if you want to use the AC. 100%.
Jess
4 years ago
Hi! We used Rustic Brown on our new, but weathered cedar deck. I was expecting it to be more brown, but it’s more of an orange at the moment. I know it depends on the wood itself, but will it get darker or more brown when we do the maintenance coat in the spring?
Can we do a clear stain on our mahagony? Will that soak in the right way to protect the wood? Our wood is such a beautiful color naturally. Thx for the help!
I have a cumaru deck and got the amber and mahogany samples. I ended up going with the amber. I love It. Can you suggest a cleaning regime and products for future use?
Order some samples and apply a small amount in a corner. All wood is different and it will really show you what you’re looking for. The sample cost is then applied to your stain purchase up to $15. I got the 5 gallon pail since my cumaru hardwood deck and railings are massive. It came quickly in a box the size of bucket. I then poured stain into a gallon bucket to carry around and use. I’ve used a tall white tube sock on my hand over a plastic glove for the railings and a deck pad on a pole that also has a side pad attached for the cracks in between the boards from Home Depot. I’ll post photos. Today was the first time we have had rain where I am since I stained part of the deck and railings. The boards look great and water is beading like I wanted it to. I have a cumaru deck that had been neglected by the prior owner. I had it professionally cleaned since some of the products I tried just weren’t working.
4 years ago
My deck Reno of 2020. I send cedar,golden oak and black walnut
Traci
3 years ago
Reply to
What color is this on the deck is it mixed ?
Luke
4 years ago
Untreated pic.
Luke
4 years ago
Douglas fir deck. Untreated and one coat of cedar semi trans.
Ron
4 years ago
What is the best application method for a Grape Stake Cedar fence? Also, would you recommend Natural tone or Cedar tone Transparent color? It is one year old with no finish on it. Note that the posts and beams are rough sawn cedar and are lighter.
One coat is a beautiful brown with zero red tones on untreated pine. As soon as you add more than one coat, a deep red/brown tone develops. I purtchased rustic brown because I wanted to stay away from anything red. Oddly enough, I’m not disappointed. Even with the red it is beautiful.
Beautiful Utah Autumn evening on my new deck. Armstrong Clark is amazing.
Kristina
4 years ago
I recently moved to a home and had the neglected Cumaru deck totally restored and cleaned. It is now ready for oil. I love the natural color of the wood when wet. What would be the best oil to keep it as natural as possible but also with the least maintenance. I have lots of trees and shade. Thanks !!
4 years ago
Hi,
I would like to understand if I use one of the semi-transparent colors to stain my garage door, would I have to add any type of varnish after staining? Also, is Amber a semi-transparent stain? Thank you!
Author
4 years ago
Reply to
You cannot topcoat the AC will a sealer or varnish.
4 years ago
Reply to
Thank you! I am interested in Amber, but I am not very clear if it’s a semi-transparent or a semi-solid
Author
4 years ago
Reply to
Semi-transparent.
4 years ago
Reply to
Thanks!
Robert Reed
4 years ago
Hi,
I used the semi trans Cedar stain on my deck and I have to say I love it! Looks really good! But I have a question. I have these white stains or something in a couple places on my deck. I don’t know what they are or why they are there. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what it is and how to get rid of it.
Thank you so much!
I have the exact same problem!! I cannot get in between the boards to get the red stain out. What did you decide on? Do you have pictures?
Canadian Ladybug
4 years ago
Live in Canada and have been struggling with deck product issues since we installed our new deck about 5 years ago. Decided to try Armstrong Clarke because of the good reviews. It cost a pretty penny with the exchange rates right now and shipping to Canada but it was worth every penny. So impressed by how this product went on and how great it looks.
I just had a redwood deck installed about 3 weeks ago. Moisture content at the surface is 0%-18% depending on the board and time of day. Is it safe to stain now with redwood tone, or should it wait longer? What happens if it is stained and still contains too much moisture?
Cedar semi transparent stain on clear cedar wood with no knots.
Harold Gowing
4 years ago
We have two sections of deck, one section of cedar deck that was 17 years old and has been replaced with new cedar in July 2020, the adjoining section of deck is only 10 years old which will remain in place and has been sanded (see photo) What additional type of prep work do you recommend for the new cedar and the old cedar deck?
How long should we wait before staining the new? and the old deck?
We would like the finish stain on the new and old sections of deck to match as much as possible and will order samples to to make our decision. We want some natural wood grain to show as much as possible and were planing on using your semi transparent cedar or cedar tone, natural oak, rustic brown, or your hardwoods and softwoods Amber stain, which stain would you recommend that would best achieve this?
Thank you. I did not see any pics of the espresso in the photo album. Do you happen to know what type of wood is in these photos? We have a cedar deck and I am curious how the espresso color would look
Looks like pine but it would very similar for cedar.
Jeremy
4 years ago
Staining a new pine deck with static Brown this week to find out there a 30% chance it’s going to rain. I just finished sanding the deck and will I need to resand after the rain? The deck was black and the chair said it was from metal shavings, they’ve been sanded off but don’t want to have to sand again before staining, thoughts?
Project: 254sqft new pine deck x 2
With hogwire railings.
What does this brighten and prep consist of? I have a 6 month old fence that I would like to stain rustic brown but it has a yellow color to the wood can I brighten it? Will that take away the yellow color?
I would like to use the Amber hardwood floor on 20+ year old pressure treated deck that has only had Thompson’s water sealant on it, probably 10 years ago. Decking is in pretty good shape. Do I need to do anything to prep other than clean and brighten before staining?
Does the hardwood stain have a somewhat glossy finish?
I had a new fence installed in February of this year, How long should I wait until i can stain it? The fence installer said 30 days the girl at Kelly Moore said 6 months
I have a brand new unfinished untreated cedar pergola coming tomorrow. I would like to stain it black. Your black walnut is not exactly black do you tint your stains? Can I get a semi-solid black?
Sorry, but I thought of another question that I forgot to ask in my post from a few minutes ago: If I were to want to restain the deck in say, three years, but I wanted to do a different color that was darker than the semi-transparent cedar, would I need to strip the deck again, or is there another process I would follow? Thanks!
Hello. I stained our deck a couple of weeks ago with your semi-transparent cedar. I am very happy with how it turned out, and I am attaching before and after photos. I also have a question. Something seems to have spilled on the deck and stained it a bit. No one in my family acknowledges spilling anything, so I don’t know what it is, but I am wondering if there is a way to remove this stain without negatively affecting the semi-transparent cedar stain? I have also attached a picture of the unwanted stain. Thanks!
Sorry but no, you cannot remove the spilled stain without harming the AC stain.
Robert Reed
4 years ago
I finally finished my deck and it looks really good! But the deck soaked up more of the stain than I thought it would and it definitely needs another coat. However, I ran out of stain. I ordered more last weekend. No one is using the deck till I finish it. I was wondering if I can put the 2nd coat on right away after getting more stain or if I should wait?? I want to get this finished so I can enjoy it this summer. Thanks!!
I have a 20 year old mahogany deck. It is silvered, and we had it pressure washed +replaced a few 1×6 planks on steps with high UV exposure that were cracking. Do I use a semi-transparent or semi solid color?
Trying to learn and understand difference in the transparent and semi transparent- we are just building our redwood fence. Live in Central Valley Ag belt of Ca with long HOT summers – and this is larger project – I want to protect the beautiful color as long as possible as I’m not a fan of grey – I’m looking through the gallery and think the cedar lends to yellow and I want to stay with warm tones not yellows – can you please explain transparent vs semi better and share thoughts on what you would use to prolong life of fence – we are building it ourselves and it’s a labor of love we want to preserve – thanks Jen
Thank you – as wood is your career do you have any thoughts or preference with what product You would use color wise – if this was your fence ? I understand I’m asking you a subjective question but you know your products best -I want to avoid yellow and preserve the wood from greying we looked through the gallery and are undecided on transparent or semi ? If semi has the better UV I’m not sure if I should consider chestnut to redwood to stay away from yellows – Don’t want to loose the beauty and movement of the wood
Hi Jennifer, We just put in a deck on the Central Coast that looks a lot like your fence! Could you share what color you chose and also post a photo of the finished fence color? I’m going for the same effect as you mentioned. Thank you!
I am siding a camp using 1×6 eastern white pine novelty siding. Kiln dried and surfaced.
Do I need to wait 1 year before using your semi solid or should I just confirm the moisture content is low enough? What is the recommended value?
Staining an older deck..like the natural oak pic but will it be darker? Using 2 coats. I wd like the coverage of semi solid but woodland brown and sequoia seem to have reddish tints looking through gallery. The deck is abt 12 yr old treated pine
Yes, you can brighten this but the stain will revive the color as well.
Shannon
4 years ago
Reply to
Oh it will? Tears of happiness here! Seriously! No one in Ohio has heard of brightener! Not one painter we have talked to. We are paying close to 2 grand to have it stained and he doesnt seem to know crap. Ok one more ques..will 2 coats of natural oak cover close to one coat of semi solid?
This is the after prep and dry 48 hours for some reason the photo didn’t post with the others.
4 years ago
I used the rustic brown on my deck 3 years ago it is mixed lumber of cedar and treated pine. I just completed the tests in. I used the RAD cleaner and brightener kit and the same semi rustic brown color. The one picture is 2 days after the clean and brighten (wood drying) 48 hours. And the other pictures are finished product, this deck is used quite a bit and the stairs are 3/4 of the day full sun. I live in Northwest Arkansas. The stain performed very well. I did not restrain under the deck due to it still looks very well and is full shade all day everyday.
Bobby Reed
4 years ago
Reply to
That looks good! I like the color! I live about 90 mins outside of Philadelphia in the middle of the woods. The deck gets exposed to everything, including my wife’s dogs so it sees alot of action. I had heavy mold and algae on it, but using the RAD cleaned it all up. I’m hoping the mold and algae stay away now that I’ve stained it. I’m gonna wash the deck once a month to help keep it looking good. I might need to apply another coat of the stain too. Seems like it could use another.
Deborah
4 years ago
We hired a painter to stain the deck, steps and handrails a few years ago. It took forever to Dry and some spots still rub off The handrails. Plus the odor was very strong when applied. What went wrong?
Sounds like he over applied. Strip it off and then brighten the wood. Just one coat of the stain.
Bobby Reed
4 years ago
Hi,
I just used your semi trans Cesar stain. It looks awesome, but I have a question. I the deck and railing with the stripper/ brightener combo from RAD. Waited 2 days for it to dry. Than on the 4th day I tried to do the whole thing. I spent 12 hrs just doing the handrails and balusters but couldn’t get to the deck. It’s supposed to rain tonight and the next couple of days so the deck will have to wait till it clears up again. My question is, Do I have to clean the deck again with the RAD before I stain it?? No one is walking/using the deck till it’s stained. Or should I wait another 2 days for it to dry from the the storms??
Be sure to wait 48 hours after it stops racing so the wood is dried out completely
Bobby Rees
4 years ago
Reply to
Thank you!! This is such a pain to plan all of this. One day in says no rain, than the next its a downpour haha. Very frustrating
4 years ago
Hello.
We used AC Transparent Natural Tone Stain on an extensive treated pine deck, stairway and railing system in 2017 after waiting about six months following the deck installation in 2016. It hasn’t lasted quite as long as we expected, particularly when exposed to lots of direct sunlight.
This time we will use either the semi-transparent stain in Cedar or the Hardwood/IPE stain. In looking at the website, there appears to be at least one comment suggesting that the Hardwood/IPE stains in Amber and Mahogany are actually the same stain color. Is this the case, or are they – in fact – two different stain colors?
Thank you for your assistance.
Author
4 years ago
Reply to
Amber and Mahogany are two different colors.
Lauriel Sandstrom
4 years ago
I would like a soft blue semi-transparent stain for the rough siding trim around my home. The Driftwood is close but I would like it a little bluer can I add some pigment to Driftwood?
My deck is being stained today. Almost finished and a rain came out of nowhere. Will it be OK? If I have more left to stain, do I need to wait 48 hrs again?
Just lightly wash with water 48 hours prior tor remove any dirt.
CCA
4 years ago
I have just completed a retaining wall using 6×6 ground contact rated pressure treated timbers.
1. Would the A-C semi-transparent driftwood stain be an appropriate choice to protect the wall?
2. Would September (3 months after completion) be a good time to apply the stain?
I am rebuilding a 25-year-old ipe deck, about 1,000 sq ft. All the framing is being replaced, so I will be relaying the ipe over new framing. The ipe is sound, but some is warped, cupped, etc, so will all need to be sanded once it is laid. I plan to use your Mahogany stain. Should I use either or both of your Restore-A-Deck cleaning and prep products before applying the stain, or will the sanding be enough?
Thank you.
After the sanding you will need to weather and prep the wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Thank you.
I am doing a renovation of a cedar home with pressure treated pine 6 yr old deck in front. I am trying to match using a semi transparent stain on the newly replaced cedar exterior (see top cedar)to the decking below. It does not have to be a perfect match but in the shade range. Additionally, in the exterior of house there is a new ptp deck that is 6 months old that i would like to blend. I am thinking the cedar semi transparent
but would like your thoughts.
Sure the semi-cedar would work but see her about the new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Yes, I will wait until next spring to do the new cedar siding on the house. I didn’t mention that the new deck in the back connects to an older (15) yr old deck that is in good shape and was previously using a CWF product to maintain. I will be prepping per your directions in advance of the stain. My question, as you have indicated in other comments the challenges of matching new deck and older deck stain colors, and if I remember you said that new decking will always be lighter, would trying a test of a combination of two colors on the new decking allow us to potentially get closer to a match ? I know you do not do this in house but my contractor could do and we could test small area. I am thinking semi Cedar and Natural oak on new decking?
Sorry, but there is not a way to match new and older wood. Does not matter if using the same color for all or attempting to use two different colors.
The stripper worked very well. The stain was very consistent.
First two pictures was halfway through project.
The last two is completed. You may notice three lighter stained boards because they were brand new treated 2×6’s that replaced some rotted boards (the deck is 25+ years old). The new ones were super saturated with the traditional green wood treatment. I imagine I will have to re-stain those once those boards dry out. However, I was surprised on how well the stain still penetrated those new boards
what color stain did you use? is it the semi-transparent? also, is it pressure treated pine or cedar? it’s beautiful and just the color of gray I was looking for. Thank you, Luci
Armstrong Clark Driftwood Gray.
Pressure treated and driftwood gray.
What is your turn around time from ordering products to arrival at address?
Depends on where you live but 3-5 days is normal.
Deck location: Paso Robles, CA
Full sun, faces NW
Wood type: con heart redwood
Mold or mildew:
Reason for previous stain failure: in 2018 Behr semi-transparent redwood stain applied to all six surfaces before deck planks installed. Then a second coat once planks were down. Stain began peeling and mildew formed within 6 months. When I complained to Home Depot, they sent me replacement deck prep and stain. I applied it again per instructions and within 6 months, the same thing happened. The vertical surfaces still look great, but I’ve sanded the peeling stain off of the deck planks.
I think I need to use a darker stain to cover the parts of the redwood stain that did not sand out.
(I tried uploading photos, but it says file size too big — even though I shrunk it to 3MB)
You cannot apply any other brand like AC over the Behr. It will have to fully be removed first. Please upload photos. Reduce size and it will work.
Here is the deck after sanding as much off as I could — just the horizontal surfaces
You will need to remove all if you want to use the AC. 100%.
Hi! We used Rustic Brown on our new, but weathered cedar deck. I was expecting it to be more brown, but it’s more of an orange at the moment. I know it depends on the wood itself, but will it get darker or more brown when we do the maintenance coat in the spring?
It should darken up some.
We have a new mahogany deck. They are going to light sand and then apply stain. Which stain type / color would you suggest?
One of the three hardwood colors. See here: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/wood-and-decking-stains/hardwood-and-ipe-stain
Can we do a clear stain on our mahagony? Will that soak in the right way to protect the wood? Our wood is such a beautiful color naturally. Thx for the help!
Sorry, but no, it is not possible for a clear sealer to prevent UV graying. It has to be tinted.
Looking for a picture of Black Walnut on Mahogany.
We do not have any. Best to try a sample: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
I have a cumaru deck and got the amber and mahogany samples. I ended up going with the amber. I love It. Can you suggest a cleaning regime and products for future use?
When recoating use the RAD for prep: https://www.opwdecks.com/when-to-stain-a-new-deck.htm
What is RAD? Long article and I still don’t know what to do ? my cumaru deck is 12+ years old
Prep products: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
would you show us Woodland brown on a deck?
There are pictures in the photo album. https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/armstrong-clark-photo-album
Order some samples and apply a small amount in a corner. All wood is different and it will really show you what you’re looking for. The sample cost is then applied to your stain purchase up to $15. I got the 5 gallon pail since my cumaru hardwood deck and railings are massive. It came quickly in a box the size of bucket. I then poured stain into a gallon bucket to carry around and use. I’ve used a tall white tube sock on my hand over a plastic glove for the railings and a deck pad on a pole that also has a side pad attached for the cracks in between the boards from Home Depot. I’ll post photos. Today was the first time we have had rain where I am since I stained part of the deck and railings. The boards look great and water is beading like I wanted it to. I have a cumaru deck that had been neglected by the prior owner. I had it professionally cleaned since some of the products I tried just weren’t working.
My deck Reno of 2020. I send cedar,golden oak and black walnut
What color is this on the deck is it mixed ?
Untreated pic.
Douglas fir deck. Untreated and one coat of cedar semi trans.
What is the best application method for a Grape Stake Cedar fence? Also, would you recommend Natural tone or Cedar tone Transparent color? It is one year old with no finish on it. Note that the posts and beams are rough sawn cedar and are lighter.
Use a stain pad or brush. Either color would be fine, up to you.
Can someone tell me the color of this stain? I assume it is an oak!
Sorry, but we do not know what AC color this is.
Semi Trans Rustic Brown
Semi transparent Rustic Brown 2 coats on untreated Douglas Fir.
One coat is a beautiful brown with zero red tones on untreated pine. As soon as you add more than one coat, a deep red/brown tone develops. I purtchased rustic brown because I wanted to stay away from anything red. Oddly enough, I’m not disappointed. Even with the red it is beautiful.
Beautiful Utah Autumn evening on my new deck. Armstrong Clark is amazing.
I recently moved to a home and had the neglected Cumaru deck totally restored and cleaned. It is now ready for oil. I love the natural color of the wood when wet. What would be the best oil to keep it as natural as possible but also with the least maintenance. I have lots of trees and shade. Thanks !!
Hi,
I would like to understand if I use one of the semi-transparent colors to stain my garage door, would I have to add any type of varnish after staining? Also, is Amber a semi-transparent stain? Thank you!
You cannot topcoat the AC will a sealer or varnish.
Thank you! I am interested in Amber, but I am not very clear if it’s a semi-transparent or a semi-solid
Semi-transparent.
Thanks!
Hi,
I used the semi trans Cedar stain on my deck and I have to say I love it! Looks really good! But I have a question. I have these white stains or something in a couple places on my deck. I don’t know what they are or why they are there. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what it is and how to get rid of it.
Thank you so much!
Robert
That is sap leaching from the wood. Nothing will prevent it. You would have to sand to remove and then stain the board again.
I have been sanding off the Behr Deckover product. My deck is pressure treated pine.
A few spots if pigmentation remain as well as areas within cracks that I simply cannot get into. How does this affect the color that I choose?
What steps should I take for cleaning and prepping?
My apologies for the picture. I can’t take a picture now because it is raining. The tinted boards have yet to be sanded.
When done sanding you should strip and brighten with both additives to remove the rest of the Behr Stain: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper/restore-a-deck-stripper-additives
I have the exact same problem!! I cannot get in between the boards to get the red stain out. What did you decide on? Do you have pictures?
Live in Canada and have been struggling with deck product issues since we installed our new deck about 5 years ago. Decided to try Armstrong Clarke because of the good reviews. It cost a pretty penny with the exchange rates right now and shipping to Canada but it was worth every penny. So impressed by how this product went on and how great it looks.
Looks great! What stain did you put on your deck and what type of wood is it?
Natural Oak is the color.
I just had a redwood deck installed about 3 weeks ago. Moisture content at the surface is 0%-18% depending on the board and time of day. Is it safe to stain now with redwood tone, or should it wait longer? What happens if it is stained and still contains too much moisture?
No, you cannot stain yet. See here about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
You have to wait at least three months and then prep. It is not about how wet the wood is but how porous it is.
The attached picture is from your own web site, can you tell me what type of decking material it is and what stain was used.thank You
Cedar semi transparent stain on clear cedar wood with no knots.
We have two sections of deck, one section of cedar deck that was 17 years old and has been replaced with new cedar in July 2020, the adjoining section of deck is only 10 years old which will remain in place and has been sanded (see photo) What additional type of prep work do you recommend for the new cedar and the old cedar deck?
How long should we wait before staining the new? and the old deck?
We would like the finish stain on the new and old sections of deck to match as much as possible and will order samples to to make our decision. We want some natural wood grain to show as much as possible and were planing on using your semi transparent cedar or cedar tone, natural oak, rustic brown, or your hardwoods and softwoods Amber stain, which stain would you recommend that would best achieve this?
See here about me wood. https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
As for blending new and old wood, it is not going to be possible as new wood is always going to stain lighter in color as it is less absorbent.
How many square fee does 5 gallons cover
Each 1 gallon covers about 150-250 sq feet.
Thank you
Any pictures of your newer color semi solid espresso?
Espresso.
Thank you. I did not see any pics of the espresso in the photo album. Do you happen to know what type of wood is in these photos? We have a cedar deck and I am curious how the espresso color would look
Looks like pine but it would very similar for cedar.
Staining a new pine deck with static Brown this week to find out there a 30% chance it’s going to rain. I just finished sanding the deck and will I need to resand after the rain? The deck was black and the chair said it was from metal shavings, they’ve been sanded off but don’t want to have to sand again before staining, thoughts?
Project: 254sqft new pine deck x 2
With hogwire railings.
No need to sand again but you do need to clean and brighten the wood for final prep after the sanding. Only one coat of the stain. Did you read this about new wood? https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Thank you, so it’s suggested that I wait 3-4 months before I even brighten and clean?
If the wood is brand new, yes.
Thank you!
What does this brighten and prep consist of? I have a 6 month old fence that I would like to stain rustic brown but it has a yellow color to the wood can I brighten it? Will that take away the yellow color?
A brightener does not take yellow away from the wood. The cleaner and brightener kit prep the new wood so the stain can properly soak in: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
I would like to use the Amber hardwood floor on 20+ year old pressure treated deck that has only had Thompson’s water sealant on it, probably 10 years ago. Decking is in pretty good shape. Do I need to do anything to prep other than clean and brighten before staining?
Does the hardwood stain have a somewhat glossy finish?
The AC stains do not have any gloss or shine. Clean and brighten for prep.
Do you make a black stain?
We do not.
For a new pressure treated deck do you recommend one or two coats? Also do you have any pictures on PT decking with Semi. Transparent cedar finish?
See here for new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
See here for pics: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/armstrong-clark-photo-album
I had a new fence installed in February of this year, How long should I wait until i can stain it? The fence installer said 30 days the girl at Kelly Moore said 6 months
You can prep and stain now: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
I have a brand new unfinished untreated cedar pergola coming tomorrow. I would like to stain it black. Your black walnut is not exactly black do you tint your stains? Can I get a semi-solid black?
Sorry but no we do not tint to custom make colors. See here about new wood as well: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Sorry, but I thought of another question that I forgot to ask in my post from a few minutes ago: If I were to want to restain the deck in say, three years, but I wanted to do a different color that was darker than the semi-transparent cedar, would I need to strip the deck again, or is there another process I would follow? Thanks!
Strip and brighten for prep.
Hello. I stained our deck a couple of weeks ago with your semi-transparent cedar. I am very happy with how it turned out, and I am attaching before and after photos. I also have a question. Something seems to have spilled on the deck and stained it a bit. No one in my family acknowledges spilling anything, so I don’t know what it is, but I am wondering if there is a way to remove this stain without negatively affecting the semi-transparent cedar stain? I have also attached a picture of the unwanted stain. Thanks!
Sorry but no, you cannot remove the spilled stain without harming the AC stain.
I finally finished my deck and it looks really good! But the deck soaked up more of the stain than I thought it would and it definitely needs another coat. However, I ran out of stain. I ordered more last weekend. No one is using the deck till I finish it. I was wondering if I can put the 2nd coat on right away after getting more stain or if I should wait?? I want to get this finished so I can enjoy it this summer. Thanks!!
Post a picture. Thanks
Just took these today. Been almost a week since I did it.
Thanks!
Looks good, leave as is.
I have a 20 year old mahogany deck. It is silvered, and we had it pressure washed +replaced a few 1×6 planks on steps with high UV exposure that were cracking. Do I use a semi-transparent or semi solid color?
You need one of the 3 hardwood colors: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/wood-and-decking-stains/hardwood-and-ipe-stain
Trying to learn and understand difference in the transparent and semi transparent- we are just building our redwood fence. Live in Central Valley Ag belt of Ca with long HOT summers – and this is larger project – I want to protect the beautiful color as long as possible as I’m not a fan of grey – I’m looking through the gallery and think the cedar lends to yellow and I want to stay with warm tones not yellows – can you please explain transparent vs semi better and share thoughts on what you would use to prolong life of fence – we are building it ourselves and it’s a labor of love we want to preserve – thanks Jen
Better UV protection with the semi-transparent colors. See here about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Thank you – as wood is your career do you have any thoughts or preference with what product You would use color wise – if this was your fence ? I understand I’m asking you a subjective question but you know your products best -I want to avoid yellow and preserve the wood from greying we looked through the gallery and are undecided on transparent or semi ? If semi has the better UV I’m not sure if I should consider chestnut to redwood to stay away from yellows – Don’t want to loose the beauty and movement of the wood
Try Natural Oak or Chestnut.
Hi Jennifer, We just put in a deck on the Central Coast that looks a lot like your fence! Could you share what color you chose and also post a photo of the finished fence color? I’m going for the same effect as you mentioned. Thank you!
Would just like my deck to be one color..
Any of the AC colors will work.
I am siding a camp using 1×6 eastern white pine novelty siding. Kiln dried and surfaced.
Do I need to wait 1 year before using your semi solid or should I just confirm the moisture content is low enough? What is the recommended value?
Yes, you need to wait a year and prep first.
Staining an older deck..like the natural oak pic but will it be darker? Using 2 coats. I wd like the coverage of semi solid but woodland brown and sequoia seem to have reddish tints looking through gallery. The deck is abt 12 yr old treated pine
Older wood is more absorbent so they can stain darker in color.
We bleached deck which is now too light on floor..do i brighten? Can u wait a couple days to brighten after cleaning?
Yes, you can brighten this but the stain will revive the color as well.
Oh it will? Tears of happiness here! Seriously! No one in Ohio has heard of brightener! Not one painter we have talked to. We are paying close to 2 grand to have it stained and he doesnt seem to know crap. Ok one more ques..will 2 coats of natural oak cover close to one coat of semi solid?
No, the semi-transparent colors will not achieve the opacity of the semi-solids.
We put down nat oak and rustic brown samples 3 hrs ago. They are very similar in color? Or will that change? Ordering tomorrow
Rustic is darker thenthe Natural Oak.
This is the after prep and dry 48 hours for some reason the photo didn’t post with the others.
I used the rustic brown on my deck 3 years ago it is mixed lumber of cedar and treated pine. I just completed the tests in. I used the RAD cleaner and brightener kit and the same semi rustic brown color. The one picture is 2 days after the clean and brighten (wood drying) 48 hours. And the other pictures are finished product, this deck is used quite a bit and the stairs are 3/4 of the day full sun. I live in Northwest Arkansas. The stain performed very well. I did not restrain under the deck due to it still looks very well and is full shade all day everyday.
That looks good! I like the color! I live about 90 mins outside of Philadelphia in the middle of the woods. The deck gets exposed to everything, including my wife’s dogs so it sees alot of action. I had heavy mold and algae on it, but using the RAD cleaned it all up. I’m hoping the mold and algae stay away now that I’ve stained it. I’m gonna wash the deck once a month to help keep it looking good. I might need to apply another coat of the stain too. Seems like it could use another.
We hired a painter to stain the deck, steps and handrails a few years ago. It took forever to Dry and some spots still rub off The handrails. Plus the odor was very strong when applied. What went wrong?
Sounds like he over applied. Strip it off and then brighten the wood. Just one coat of the stain.
Hi,
I just used your semi trans Cesar stain. It looks awesome, but I have a question. I the deck and railing with the stripper/ brightener combo from RAD. Waited 2 days for it to dry. Than on the 4th day I tried to do the whole thing. I spent 12 hrs just doing the handrails and balusters but couldn’t get to the deck. It’s supposed to rain tonight and the next couple of days so the deck will have to wait till it clears up again. My question is, Do I have to clean the deck again with the RAD before I stain it?? No one is walking/using the deck till it’s stained. Or should I wait another 2 days for it to dry from the the storms??
Thanks so much,
Bobby
No need to prep again.
Be sure to wait 48 hours after it stops racing so the wood is dried out completely
Thank you!! This is such a pain to plan all of this. One day in says no rain, than the next its a downpour haha. Very frustrating
Hello.
We used AC Transparent Natural Tone Stain on an extensive treated pine deck, stairway and railing system in 2017 after waiting about six months following the deck installation in 2016. It hasn’t lasted quite as long as we expected, particularly when exposed to lots of direct sunlight.
This time we will use either the semi-transparent stain in Cedar or the Hardwood/IPE stain. In looking at the website, there appears to be at least one comment suggesting that the Hardwood/IPE stains in Amber and Mahogany are actually the same stain color. Is this the case, or are they – in fact – two different stain colors?
Thank you for your assistance.
Amber and Mahogany are two different colors.
I would like a soft blue semi-transparent stain for the rough siding trim around my home. The Driftwood is close but I would like it a little bluer can I add some pigment to Driftwood?
Sorry but no, that is not possible.
My deck is being stained today. Almost finished and a rain came out of nowhere. Will it be OK? If I have more left to stain, do I need to wait 48 hrs again?
There is no way to tell until it dries and the water is off the deck. Send a picture then.
So if it rains before done, do I have to wait 48 more hours to stain rest?
Yes.
One half of my deck is great. The other 1/2 is blotchy and doesn’t seem like the stain absorbed well. What should I do? Apply another coat?
You could try this but be careful to not over apply.
Do I need to do anything first? It’s been about a month since it was stained.
Just lightly wash with water 48 hours prior tor remove any dirt.
I have just completed a retaining wall using 6×6 ground contact rated pressure treated timbers.
1. Would the A-C semi-transparent driftwood stain be an appropriate choice to protect the wall?
2. Would September (3 months after completion) be a good time to apply the stain?
1. Yes
2. See this: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain