Armstrong-Clark’s deck and siding wood stain makes use of conditioning oils that part from the drying oils in the formula. The nondrying oils penetrate into the wood and take the place of the wood’s diminishing natural oils. This process revives and restores wood.
The drying oils stay on the wood surface and lock in the conditioning oils to produce a barrier that is dry to the touch. Armstrong’s deck and siding wood stain contain vegetable oils in addition to transparent pigments, solvents, mildewcides and water repellents.
- Application can be done in direct sunlight and on hot days. If the first coat of stain penetrates within 30 minutes an additional coat may be applied for extra protection.
- Applies easily by roller, brush, or airless sprayer. During spraying – going back over with a brush or roller will help give a more even appearance. After 24 hours any remaining puddles or glossy spots can be removed using a dry rag.
- Older wood is reconditioned by deep penetrating nondrying oils.
- Drying oils lock in the conditioning oils while pigments and water repellents lock out moisture and UV damage.
- Armstrong wood stain is compliant with all environmental standards.
- Does not contain any offensive odors.
Coverage Area
Armstrong-Clark Deck and Siding Stain applies at 150-200 sq ft per gallon. Depending on wood porosity, actual coverage will vary.
Important
*We do not guarantee stain colors as they will vary widely depending on the wood type, age of wood, prepping of wood, and application. Small samples are available at top.
Available Colors
Transparent Cedar Tone, Transparent Natural Tone, Transparent Redwood Tone, Amber, Mahogany, Semi-Trans Black Walnut, Semi-Trans Cedar, Semi-Trans Chestnut, Semi-Trans Driftwood Gray, Semi-Trans Natural Oak, Semi-Trans Rustic Brown, Semi-Trans Sierra Redwood, Semi-Solid Espresso, Semi-Solid Mtn. Cedar, Semi-Solid Oxford, Semi-Solid Sequoia, Semi-Solid Woodland Brown
I previously painted my deck with Sherwin Williams Deckscapes advanced waterborne formula exterior deck stain. Can I use your Armstrong Clark semi solid stain over it?
No. The SW will need to come off fully first.
Hi, I am planning on applying a semi solid stain tomorrow with a pad and brush. The instructions say to wipe any puddling after 24 hours. I know many people suggest to wipe as you go without other stains manufacturers. Is this not recommended?
Do not wipe as you go with the AC. It could create issues with curing. Apply one coat. Wait 24 hours and if needed, wipe any access off then. Saturate any oily rags in water and lay flat to dry outside.
How thick is the stain? Is it thick enough to cover a rough surface without sanding.
Ac is a penetrating stain. It does not cover or dry on top of the surface.
I am planning to stain a 2 year old pressure treated deck. What stain colour do you recommend to closely match the brown pressure treated colour, thanks
We would suggest trying some samples to ensure that you receive a color that you want: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
I am planning to stain my deck using semi-transparent stain. It appears that 2 coats (wet on wet) is typically recommended. What does wet on wet really mean? as the deck is pretty large so by the time I am done the part that is started with will probably already be close to dry. Does this matter? How long is the drying time?
See this for tips: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/armstrong-clark-staining-instructions
When applying a second coat, it should be applied within 30-45 minutes of the first coat.
We have a 20 (!!) year old deck that somehow survived a bad Deckover job. I rescued it from the failed coating before it could actually rot, stripped, planed, and sanded. It is in surprisingly decent shape. Second floor deck that gets a good bit of sun, with most of it having limited cover.
What would you recommend in terms of stain? And what works best with fillers (like Dap plastic wood?) We’re replacing some of the boards but trying to minimize and restore as much as possible. Also dead set on oil so Armstrong is at the very top of our options. We like the look of the grain and re-coating/maintenance is not an issue for us. Also debating between a lighter color for temperature and a darker color for drama. Any ideas are welcome!!! (Picture does not show complete restoration – we got rid of every spec of deckover in the end.)
FYI, wood filler will not work on exterior wood. It will not “stain” to blend with the deck stain and will look terrible. It also will not survive a cold Winter. In short, never us a wood filler.
As for the stain, the AC will work well. Use a semi-transparent color.
I have a 12-year-old ipe deck that I just finished stripping and neutralizing. I used Penofin stain last time, and though I believe I may have applied it too liberally, it also darkened the ipe considerably. This time around I want to avoid darkening the wood; just want to knock out the graying, close the grain and provide some UV protection. Is the transparent Natural Tone the best bet, applied with roller then almost immediately toweled off?
You need a hardwood color for IPE: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/wood-and-decking-stains/hardwood-and-ipe-stain
Amber is the lightest.
I stripped and belt sanded a nice old mahogany porch and purchased the AC transparent natural tone wanting the wood to show its true beauty. These are pictures when I applied to a couple of the steps on my porch. I must say for natural tone, this appears rather dark. To me that was ALOT of work to see these results hoping that natural tone would allow the wood to speak. Any suggestions?
The AC Natural enhances the natural grain of the wood like a wet look and the color is based on your wood type. This is normal for all wood types. It is not possible to make it lighter and have UV protection from graying.
I’m installing a new redwood deck and fence within the next few weeks. I live in Southern California and the deck will see sun only in the AM, fence will see sun all day. Should I leave the wood untreated for a few months and then prep with RAD and then stain. I like the look of the semi-trans cedar. Just want to make sure I’m not doing anything wrong.
See this about the proper steps for new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
My cedar deck was built in Jan February March, people say to wait a year to stain it but it is already discolouring. I was planning on washing it with dish soap and bleach and staining before the winter. What are your thoughts?
See this about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
You can stain now but your prep is incorrect. See this link for what to do.
Will the semi-solid color stain do the best job of minimizing the grain in PT decking versus the semit transparent type stains?
and–
will a semi solid stain last longer / provide more protection than semi transparent type stains?
The semi-solids will give slightly better UV protection and will hide the grain a little better as well over a semi-transparent color.
thanks–do you have any photos (or know where I can go to view same) of PT decking stain effects?
Basically I have premium grade of PT decking which is knot free and I’m trying to figure out how to make it NOT look like typical PT wood. I am thinking that there are some stains/techniques to down play the heavy PT wood grain look (I’m hoping anyway)
thanks !!
We do not have any photos but we do offer samples to test: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
Is this new wood? You cannot stain this right away if so.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
I stripped, cleaned and brightened deck (Behr all in one product). What is your opinion on my next process? Do you think the deck is ready for stain? What stain would you recommend? Thank you.
It should be okay to stain the flooring. Use the AC in a sem-transparent or semi-solid color.
Thank you. What color would you recommend that would match the vertical wood?
Chestnut or Rustic Brown. It is not possible to match that exactly though.
When applying the stain with a spray gun to my deck, can we “back brush” with a pad? Do we have to back brush with a brush or roller?
Spray on your first coat and then back brush your second coat with a stain pad.
I have a few questions:
1) I have a deck that is approximately 5-6 years old. The floor is pressure treated pine. The pickets and railings appear to be redwood. I’ve pressure washed and stripped using RAD. How many coats will I need?
2) I’ve pressure washed and stripped using RAD. I haven’t had a chance to use the brightener (it’s a DIY home project) yet. The wood definitely looks better than the weathered grey look it had before. After the pressure the pine had a yellow tint (most of the stain was already gone before the pressure wash step). Then, after I applied the stripper (then washed it off with the pressure washer), the pine wood changed to a silvery color (the redwood didn’t seem to do this). Not quite the same grey that existed before pressure washing, but no longer the yellow tint. Is it normal for the stripper to change the color of the wood before applying the brightener?
We tested the two Armstrong Clark stains we were trying to pick from and found the Rustic Brown looked excellent after a day or so. We’re excited to finish the project, but wanted to know if we’re doing anything wrong before applying the stain.
Also pressure washed.
1. Two coats applied wet on wet.
2. The stripper raises the pH balance, darkening the wood. The brightener lowers it back to neutral.
I stripped sanded and cleaned/brightened deck (Behr all in one). Does this look good to go for staining? I just ordered your Rustic Brown semi. It would be stained w/n two weeks of the prep. Thanks in advance!
In the picture, there is still a good amount of old stain that has not come out of the wood grain. You might want to strip and pressure wash again. Shoot for 95% removal of old stain.
I want to order some protection for my deck, we used cedar tone pressure treated pine so there is a color, I want to enhance the color because it faded a little in the year since we built it. What color of transparent stain would you recommend?
Could you post a picture of the current state of the wood, please?
Here is a pic.
Use the Restore A Deck Kit for prep and the AC in Transparent Cedar Tone
Stained last spring, new cedar deck, using Armstrong-Clark. High traffic areas show wear to the stain. How can I combat this? I am ordering to stain again this fall. Used cedar-semi-transparent.
Hello, have you read our instructions for new wood? https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
You will need to prep and reapply.
I just cleaned my mildewy and algae loaded railings, and new (one year old unstained) deck boards. I’m almost done applying Thompson’s semi transparent natural cedar to the railings, and was going to put it on the deck until I started doing some research. I”m sold on the penetrating stains vs. the Thompson’s for ease of reapplication and other reasons mentioned on this site. I’m okay with the railing being a different color if it compliments, was thinking of doing that in the first place, looking at semitransparent cedar here. What would be recommended for the following?
Deck Location State: New Jersey
Shade in AM, Full sun afternoon into evening.
Wood Type: Pressure treated pine
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
Previous Coating? New wood, no previous coating. One year old and cleaned last week.
Hi Tony, the Armstrong Clark semi-transparent Cedar would very well for this. It is a full penetrating stain that can be easily maintained as needed with a clean and recoat.
If I apply transparent stain over an earlier application of transparent stain, will I still have to strip the old stain if it’s not immediately porous, or can I just let the transparent settle where it will in the gaps of the old transparent stain?
if you are using the same color and the same brand as last time, you use the Cleaner and Brightener Kit. If the new coating is a different brand and or color, you use the Stripper and Brightener Kit.
Hi, I’m working on refinishing a deck that currently has peeling paint (applied by previous owner). I’ll be stripping the paint and using RAD cleaner/brightener on the wood. For 220 sq ft, how much stain should I get?
Also, would the leftover stain be suitable for outdoor furniture application (on pine, for example)?
Thanks.
2-3 gallons. It is not suggested for furniture.
Thanks for the reply. What would be the best way to determine number of coats required (1 or 2)?
The 2-3 gallons was for two coats applied wet on wet. If older wood and very porous, this is the way to go.
Hello,
Fence:
About 900 sq/ft of aged redwood fence. Will strip, brighten then I’d like to apply the Woodland Brown via an airless sprayer and finish with a brush. Will utilize power washer to rinse the strip/brightener.
Deck:
Four year old deck with semi trans stain; will also strip, brighten then I’d like to mix the cedar and redwood tones together (transparent) and apply via a pad. Deck is estimated at 500 sq/ft with railings included. Will utilize power washer to rinse the strip/brightener.
Suggestions with gallons for fence and deck and/or method(s) is much appreciated. Cart is ready to trigger.
Cheers!
Hello,
Does the fence include both sides for 900 Sq feet? If so, you will need 5-7 gallons for the fence. Just one coat.
The deck will need 2 coats applied wet on wet. About 4-5 gallons.
Approximately how long does it take to ship to Alberta, Canada?
3-6 business days.
Just a follow up with asking the UV protection from the natural stain color, can you also add bug juice additive to this stain? thanks.
Yes you can use the Bug Juice in this.
Does the transparent natural offer any UV protection?
Yes it does but being the lightest tint, it will have the least amount of UV protection.
Hello, Just asked a question in a forum. Not sure if that was the correct place. Thought I’d try it here also. I’m refurbishing a redwood deck using cleaner, brightened, and Armstrong Clark cedar colored transparent stain. I also have some hemlock garage doors that need attention. Should I use the same process and products on the hemlock? Thank you.
Yes, that is correct.
I have purchased Armstrong-Clark semi-solid stain for my wood garage door. The temperature where I live has taken a sudden drop with highs getting only into the mid 50’s for the next week. Will I be able to apply the stain this week if the temp will dip below 50 overnight?
As long as it does not drop below freezing at night, you will be good.
My deck is cedar about 15 years and I will be replacing a few board with a cedar composite.
It has been stain most of time with TWP 101 Cedartone, being a transparent is not getting done.
I would like to maintain the cedar look if possible.
What type of stain would you recommend?
I am thinking Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar.
Thank You for your input.
Yes, that color would work. Make sure to remove the TWP first by using the Restore A Deck Stripper Kit.
[quote name=”Lisa Jaeger”]I’m staining 857 sq ft of deck with railings, pickets are metal. I have 5 gallons of Armstrong natural transparent. Some of the deck is 3 years old some new. will prep with RAD. How many more gallons do you think I will need? If I order an additional 5 gallon pail, will the partial contents store OK for later use?[/quote]
Opened stain will not last more than 12 months. You will need about 5-8 gallons total. Unopened singles gallons will last many years if stored where it cannot freeze.
I’m staining 857 sq ft of deck with railings, pickets are metal. I have 5 gallons of Armstrong natural transparent. Some of the deck is 3 years old some new. will prep with RAD. How many more gallons do you think I will need? If I order an additional 5 gallon pail, will the partial contents store OK for later use?
[quote name=”Tari Stordahl”]We are ordering your semi transparent stain for our new kiln dried cedar deck. Decking, skirting and stairs total approximately 600 sq ft. How many gallons should we order? Do we also need or order the cleaner and brightened and if si, how much? Thank you.[/quote]
Yes on the prep. One kit will do. For the deck, just one coat. 3-4 gallons.
We are ordering your semi transparent stain for our new kiln dried cedar deck. Decking, skirting and stairs total approximately 600 sq ft. How many gallons should we order? Do we also need or order the cleaner and brightened and if si, how much? Thank you.
[quote name=”Jim J. Banasiak”]I replaced all my deck floorboards 20×18 with new pressure treated pine about 2 months ago. I want to use an oil base stain to preserve most of the wood grain. I live in Illinois near Chicago so we get some pretty tough winters. Please adise.
Thank you Jim[/quote]
See this about new wood decks:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
I replaced all my deck floorboards 20×18 with new pressure treated pine about 2 months ago. I want to use an oil base stain to preserve most of the wood grain. I live in Illinois near Chicago so we get some pretty tough winters. Please adise.
Thank you Jim
[quote name=”sherlyn”]I just sanded my mahogany deck down to the bare wood. Do I still need to use a stripper and brightener now? Also, I would like to keep the stain more natural/ transparent in color. Will your transparent stain work for a hardwood mahogany deck or do I need to go with amber?[/quote]
Use the cleaner and the brightener for the final prep. Need to use the amber for hardwoods like yours.
I just sanded my mahogany deck down to the bare wood. Do I still need to use a stripper and brightener now? Also, I would like to keep the stain more natural/ transparent in color. Will your transparent stain work for a hardwood mahogany deck or do I need to go with amber?
Do you have any dealers in Alberta Canada? IF not do you sell on line and what would be the cost to ship 3 gallons to Edmonton Alberta Canada?
Thanks
[quote name=”Mike99″]Hi – how long (# months ?) should I let my new Douglas-fir deck age before I apply your rustic brown semi-transparent stain for the first time ?[/quote]
See this article about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Hi – how long (# months ?) should I let my new Douglas-fir deck age before I apply your rustic brown semi-transparent stain for the first time ?
[quote name=”Faye Kennedy”]I have done multiple color tests with your products and settled on the plain natural as I want the wood grain to show as much as possible. If I decide to change to one of your more pigmented stains so I don’t have to re- treat as often, can I use right over the natural or do I have to remove before applying. Love how it looks but am getting old and may not want to treat so frequently in the future and sounds like the pigmented stains last longer. Thanks for supplying the little free samples. Really made me able to do enough sample tests to get the perfect color (cedar and amber too orange, rustic cedar too brown) so fussy I know! thanks[/quote]
As long as you prep with the Restore A Deck Cleaning Kit, you can go from a lighter color to a darker color.
I have done multiple color tests with your products and settled on the plain natural as I want the wood grain to show as much as possible. If I decide to change to one of your more pigmented stains so I don’t have to re- treat as often, can I use right over the natural or do I have to remove before applying. Love how it looks but am getting old and may not want to treat so frequently in the future and sounds like the pigmented stains last longer. Thanks for supplying the little free samples. Really made me able to do enough sample tests to get the perfect color (cedar and amber too orange, rustic cedar too brown) so fussy I know! thanks
Hello,
I am curently refurbishing my deck and habe read nothing but great things about your deck stains.. living in NY I am very limited due to to voc regulations… my wuestion to you is whether or not you offer any sort of color matching or custom colors?
[quote name=”cody1234dog”]I have 400 sq ft of deck only. no railings. would 2 gallons be adequate. Deck in good condition, just need stain.[/quote]
3 gallons.
[quote name=”cody1234dog”]how many gallons do I need for a 10’x40′ deck?[/quote]
If you have railings, steps, etc, you will need to add that into the sq. footage. For 400 sq. feet you will need about 3-4 gallons.
I have 400 sq ft of deck only. no railings. would 2 gallons be adequate. Deck in good condition, just need stain.
[quote name=”withersa”]I’m looking for something as close to a clear as possible. I have T&G cedar paneling that will get very little sunlight if any (under a covered porch roof), and I love the natural look with the grain and color variations. However, every sample stain I’ve tried covers up the color variation and makes it uniform in color, even very light tinted stains. Will the Natural do the same?[/quote]
Final color varies by wood type. The AC does not cover color but enhances the grain.
I’m looking for something as close to a clear as possible. I have T&G cedar paneling that will get very little sunlight if any (under a covered porch roof), and I love the natural look with the grain and color variations. However, every sample stain I’ve tried covers up the color variation and makes it uniform in color, even very light tinted stains. Will the Natural do the same?
[quote name=”Jon Thompson”]I’ve just install new cedar deck and am needing answers regarding prep and staining. We ordered 4 gallons of AC stain last week but I’ve seen many different opinions about this process. Some say prep/stain new cedar right away and others say wait. I’m also questioning whether to use only sodium percarbonate or only oxalic acid as the prep.[/quote]
See this about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
I’ve just install new cedar deck and am needing answers regarding prep and staining. We ordered 4 gallons of AC stain last week but I’ve seen many different opinions about this process. Some say prep/stain new cedar right away and others say wait. I’m also questioning whether to use only sodium percarbonate or only oxalic acid as the prep.
[quote name=”Sonja Jones”]I am refinishing an older deck that has been stripped, sanded, and washed. It measures 5 x 10 and has railings on only two sides. I’d like to stain it with the Armstrong semi-transparent. Should I apply two coats? And…if so, would one gallon of the product be enough for two coat coverage? I have to mail order the product, so I want to be sure I have enough before starting.[/quote]
Just put one coat on since you sanded. 1 gallon should be enough.