Choosing Armstrong Clark Oil Based Wood Stains will ensure lasting beauty and protection for all your exterior wood surfaces. Backed by five generations of experience in oil-based coatings and cutting edge technology, Armstrong Clark Wood Stains will not only meet your wood protection needs but far exceed them.
Determine the square footage area of the surface you plan to stain. On decks be sure not only to measure the floor but also railings, spindles, steps and all areas that you are planning to stain. Armstrong-Clark Deck and Siding Stains will cover approximately 150-200 sq. ft. per gallon depending on age and wood porosity.
The Armstrong Clark Staining Instructions
Armstrong Clark Deck and Siding Stains come in many different colors and tones. Keep in mind that the actual color results can vary depending on the type, age, condition, and porosity of the wood. Color samples are available if needed.
Prior to using any of the Armstrong Clark Wood Stains it is important to prepare the wood surface properly so the stain will perform as expected. See the RAD Wood Cleaner or Stain Stripper products for properly cleaning the wood surface prior to staining.
Allow the wood surface to dry 1-2 days after it has been cleaned and prepped. Be sure no rain is expected on the day of staining and for 3-4 hours after application so the stain can cure properly.
To apply Armstrong Clark Deck Stain you can use a roller, brush, stain pad, or airless sprayer. Mix the stain thoroughly prior to use. Unlike other stains, Armstrong Deck Stain can be applied in direct sunlight and on hot days. If the first application of stain penetrates within 30 minutes another coat can be applied for added protection.
If applying by sprayer, use a roller or brush to go over the sprayed areas for a more even appearance. After 24 hours use a dry rag to remove any remaining puddles or glossy areas.
Armstrong Clark Wood Stain is environmentally friendly and does not contain an offensive odor. It is easy to apply and very user-friendly. Enhancing the appearance of your deck and giving it lasting protection is the best investment you can make and Armstrong Clark Oil Based Wood Stains makes it easy.
Need Help with Materials Needed? Ask Below with your sq footage.
How to Calculate Square Footage
Deck Sq. Footage
Flooring Length x width =?
Railing Length x height =?
Steps Width x Depth x #of Steps =?
Add up all 3 for the Total Sq. footage.
Fence Sq. Footage
Length x height =?
Multiply x 2 for both sides = Total Sq. Footage
Coverage Rate for AC Stains
The specified coverage rate for Armstrong Clark is 150-250 square feet per gallon for the first coat. Second will apply at 200-300 per gallon. This averages to about 100-125 sq. feet per gallon for 2 coats wet on wet. From this, and from measuring the surface you can calculate how much stain you need. For more aged wood you could easily factor in some extra stain. On newer wood that is still smooth and dense, you probably are not going to use as much.
Note: Hardwood Decking spreads about twice as far. 300-400 sq feet per gallon and only 1 coat.
For maintenance coats you are not going to use near as much stain as you did initially staining bare wood. There are just way too many variables to know the exact coverage rate. There is really no way of knowing exactly how much stain you will need. It is better to buy more than you need than to not have enough. You can always save left over stain for next time. Armstrong Clark has a shelf life of 1 year if opened and 3 years unopened as long as the can is properly resealed.
How long after installing a deck made from pressure-treated lumber is it safe to stain?
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Finished prepping cedar deck on Monday night and two days of dry weather since. Based on the 1-2 day instructions I am good to go after work once the direct sun is minimized…correct??
Also after staining how long should I wait to put furniture back on deck? 24 hours?
Been using your products for a few years (3rd application of your semi-trans) after a disaster with Arborcoat stain. Love your products!!
You can stain now. Put furniture back once fully dry. 24 hours is normal.
Ok thanks! Forgot to ask one other question.
I have some “fuzzies” on the stair of deck as I used a light pressure washer there. I feel I should sand them off quickly. What grit sand paper should I use?
60-80 grit.
thanks again!
How long after after prepping (Restore-a-deck, doing my annual deck work) is it ok to wait for IPE staining (we’re in the midst of more rain than expected). That is, if it rains for a week, then is bone dry for 2 days, can you still use the IPE/hardwood stain (mahogany) or do you have to re-prep with Restore-a-deck?
You do not have to prep again unless it has been longer than 2 weeks.
THANK YOU!
Used the semi-transparent redwood stain on a new bench build. It has been 48 hours and I can still wipe pigment off the bench. I don’t want pigment on clothes, will it stop shedding pigment or do I need to seal it?
Did you let the new wood weather and prep it after?
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
You cannot apply a sealer over the AC Stains.
I did not let it weather. Any suggestions?
If it does not cure and dry in a week then you will need to remove and start over.
How long new redwood should wait to be treated? Of what importance is the “water passing the beated look.?
Thanks …. Jim
Hi,
See the article we sent prior: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
This goes for all wood types.
Then, the “water beating” means nothing?
Thanks …. Jim
No, you cannot skip the steps outlined in the article by using a water beading test.
FYI … The condition of the wood is excellent, very smoth and clean.
Jim
No, see here for tips: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Our new redwood deck is one month old. We live in hot (90) Sacramento CA. Spilling water on the wood has stopped beading up. Is it now ok to stain the wood with AC semi-transparency stain with no beginning prep ,cleaning with chemicals?)
My deck is under a tree that I need to strip, brighten and stain. With the infestation of tent caterpillars, my deck is getting covered in their excrement. Will this hinder my staining project? Should I hold off until infestation is under control?
It would not hurt to wait until they stop. Should only be a few weeks.
Thank you!
Can I seal the stain with an oil base polyurethane? If so how long should I wait until I can seal it?
No. Never top coat or use a poly on exterior wood. It will ruin your wood.
I was planning on using it on an interior application?
It still will not work.
I have got semi-transparent stain and about to stain after prep. Can I use a car wash brush to stain the deck floor? or a roller followed by hand brush instead?
Car wash brush will work.
My neighbor has pine trees that drop needles on my deck often. Are they going to get stuck to my deck or cause marks when I stain? Should I stand guard with a leaf blower while it cures? If so for how long?
Needles will not stick to the deck while the stain is drying. Just blow them off after the stain dries.
I had a contractor stain my deck and he apparently did not read the instructions on the top of the can to stir well before use. As a result the last part of the deck is several shades darker than the rest. What is the best way to remediate this? Will it help auto apply another coat?
Thanks,
Bob
Adding more will probably not fix it. You will need to remove and start over to fix it properly.
I have just ordered the semi transparent stain for use on rough sawn cedar fence panels (20 years old). It was just power washed and I plan on using a brightener then the stain. I’m thinking to apply the stain with a roller and back brush. I’m not sure if I’m doing it right, never done this before. I can use specific instructions to purchase, best rollers and brushes etc. + Any information provided can be useful to a newbie for best results. I’ve washed a ton of videos, most are on decks and now I’m confused. I just hope I ordered the right stain and I feel like I’m forgetting something – When I’m finish my fence (practicing) the plan next is to do my angelim pedra deck. Really wishing I can get at least a couple of days when it’s not raining and no heat dome, like last year. Thanks very much.
Stain pads and floor brushes are better than rollers. See this article for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-stain-application-brushes-and-pads/
Good link, helped me make a decision. I guess I should try one of each – My confusion was from the fact that most information seemed to be applicable to horizontal decks of railings and I’m trying to do vertical on a really rough sawn cedar surface, sprayer sounded good to get into the uneven surfaces but messy and easily possible to use too much, pad is totally flat, same is a roller to a degree – I was trying to save a bit of time and effort but now I guess stain brush is on top of the list. Thanks much.
Finished staining on the 26th- semi transparent Amber. Luckily rain started about 4 hours later. The rain has pretty much been non-stop since then. Today, the sun came out and we are noticing these spots on our deck- looks like stain didn’t soak in or was affected by the rain. Should we do spot touch ups or just apply another coat?
That looks like sap leaching around your knots. It is not from the rain. You can try touching up to fix it.
We added redwood to our office building and the contractor stained. It’s been about 13-15 months and I the contractor said I should add another coat. It looks good but want to preserve the wood. How should we prep the wood prior to staining?
What stain brand was used prior?
Armstrong Clark rustic brown
Use this kit and light pressure washing: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
Finished staining yesterday at 8pm. Ended up raining shortly after midnight intermittently. Forecast is more rain. Would it make sense to do another coat once rain stops and wood dries out?
It’s the semi transparent amber
It should be fine with one coat.
It is not fully cured yet. Give it more time. Rain will not harm but actually help.
After applying first coat a second coat can be applied after 20 minutes wet on wet correct? You have said don’t over apply, what does that mean? How much is to muck? How long after do I need to wipe? Or do I need to wipe at all can I just leave it alone? Thank you Jeff
Only apply as much as the wood can fully take the stain to soak in. You cannot over-apply to the point it cannot fully penetrate as then it could lead to drying issues. Basically more is not better. If you back wipe, do so after an hour or two.
how long should I wait before wiping after application of AC semi-transparent stain on ipe?
60 minutes or longer.
I cleaned and used the restore I purchased for AC. I stained the deck with the cedar stain. Do I need to apply two coats or is one sufficient ?
That depends on how old and dried out the wood is? You do not want to over-apply.
Can I stain in the AM if rain is expected later afternoon? It says above “make sure no rain is expected the day of staining, and for 3-4 hours after application”. Is 3-4 hours enough dry time?
3-4 hours is pushing it. We would not suggest it.
I applied one coat of semi solid woodland brown on the 15th. There are some dark spots will they dry and blend in. Also there are some light spots can I add a second coat.
Do not add more at this time. Wait 6-12 months, lightly clean and then you can recoat. In the meantime, it should even out.
Thank you
Lightly clean does that mean RAD step one
Correct
I will be re-applying your semitransparent stain on the deck two years after it’s first application. Should I use the bleach water and detergent mixture mentioned on this site to clean? And after that I want to confirm I can put a second coat of stain on if the first has soaked in before 1 hour. How quickly do I need to do the second coat?
Use this for prep: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
If you doing two coats then do it wet on wet. 20-60 minutes after the first coat. Do make sure to not over apply.
I applied 1 coat of transparent cedar tone to my sanded cedar deck. The stain was fully absorbed, but some do the areas look lighter than most. Can I apply a second coat of stain to darken/even out the rest of the color? I stained the deck 1 week ago
Yes but make sure it is not overapplied.
I put your semi solid woodland brown on a railing it is light on color in some areas is it ok to put a second coat on the entire railing. 10 year old deck freshly sanded
It may not take a 2nd coat and properly soak in and dry since you sanded. Do a test spot first and make sure it fully dries and cures.
Ok thanks here is a picture did not have it available on the first post
Sanded wood will only take one coat. Adding too much stain and you may have an issue with curing.
Great thank you
Moso bamboo decking. Here are the photos. I don’t think that they went through in my original post.
I applied the natural on my MOSO composite bamboo deck yesterday. We had a heavy fog last night and I woke this morning to find the deck covered in beaded water. I dried with rags. it is still quite slippery oily feeling and the color is very dark, almost black. The moso decking is quite dense. I am hoping that the finish will dry further in the next 24 to 48 hours. Will it lighten over time? I applied quite sparingly with a sponge applicator. I still have the other half of the deck to finish and am thinking to apply even less product by rubbing in with a cloth instead of the sponge applicator. Photos show cleaned unfinished planks, a leftover plank with original factory finish and finished half of deck. Any advice will be appreciated. Most of the products listed on the moso website to use are not available in the US.
Based on your wood type you should have used one of the hardwood colors: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/wood-and-decking-stains/hardwood-and-ipe-stain
It may have issues with curing with the Natural color. If it does not dry within a few days then you may need to remove and start over.
Will what I used lighten with time? Do the colored hardwood stains cure differently?
It should lighten a little. The Hardwood stain colors protect better for your wood type.
What is the application temperature range?
Bob
50-90.
cloudy today with a 15% chance of showers tonight. Can I safely stain the deck today? The railings dried pretty fast yesterday when it was sunnier.
Should be okay.
Adding to my question – Can I use 30 Second Cleaner over Armstrong semi-transparent stained deck?
The 30 second would destroy the coating and never should be used.
It is not possible to just clean the algae and not have some adverse effect on the stain. You will have to recoat after since it has been a couple of years or more. Use the RAd Cleaner/Brightener kit for the prep and then recoat.
I just tested dilute vinegar 1 cup to gallon on a few boards. Seemed to work well on the algae. Will something that mild also ruin the stain?
Possibly. Hard to say for certain.
Should we use any other product before applying Dark Walnut stain to a fully sanded Ipe deck & stairs? How long after 1st coat should we wait if we feel it needs a 2nd coat to have an even looking appearance?
Do not apply a 2nd coat to sanded IPE, it will not take.
We sanded a 10 year old IPE deck today, April 2. Rain is expected tomorrow. Can we still apply Black Walnut Stain on Monday, April 4th. What should we do to prepare before application? How long will it need to dry before next rain or walking on deck? Also we should apply with a roller and not wipe afterwards I understand. Thank you.
Apply with a stain pad or brush. One coat, you do not have to back wipe but if you do, make sure it is at least 1-2 hours after applying. You will need 48 hours after the rain to stain.
What is the correct procedure involved to stain over Armstrong Clark stain on our Tigerwood deck It was stained 2 years ago…
Use this for prep first: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
Can I mix some semitransparent black walnut stain ( for hardwood and softwood) with semitransparent chestnut stain (for softwood)?
Yes.
How long does this stain typically last on a deck? Does it resist mildew?
2-3 years for a deck. Yes, it has mildewcides in the stain.
We are installing new cedar siding boards. If I’m reading the directions correctly it says to install them and then let them be for 2-3 months before staining. What is the reason for not staining them right away?
The stain will not penetrate new wood correctly. See this for tips:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Thank you
Can I use your stain on Hardie board siding planks? (Fiber cement)
Sorry but no.
Have had a 5 gallon bucket of Semi-Solid Espresso since mid-June, waiting on final weathering of new wood and the forecast to cooperate. Finally looking to get the deck stained and wondering the best way to get the 5 gallons sufficiently stirred and ready to be used. Thoughts?
Buy a 5-gallon drill paddle that attaches to your drill. Remove lid fully prior to mixing.
Mahogany deck previously stained with AC Mahogany, Used your clean and brighten kit then applied new single coat of AC Mahogany. Second coat required? Thanks.
No on the second coat.
What is the best product to remove the stain from vinyl and/or fiberglass windows?
Try a water-based graffiti remover cleaner like Goof Off or similar. Make sure to test spot first.
Sounds like you did not weather and prep the new wood and this is the cause of the stain not being able to fully soak in.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Thanks, I appreciate the info in the link, but I just tested the wood with a moisture meter and it ranges from 13-16%, which seems like it should be able to properly accept the stain. 4 days after staining, the wood looks and feels dry, but a paper towel rubbed on the wood shows pigment…is this to be expected, or should we let this deck weather even more?
It has nothing to do with moisture % but porosity. You have to weather and prep.
We put on mountain cedar, a semi solid stain a day and a half ago, and it seems to be almost as wet as when we put it on, it is not drying, the temperature is in the low 80s. We took rags and made sure there were no wet spots, how long will it take the deck to dry enough to walk on. It looks wonderful but can’t walk on it.
Sound like you over applied and or did not prep correctly. Give it a few more days to cure.
How long after stain is applied can I put outdoor furniture back on newly stained deck? I used the semi-transparent cedar stain. Thanks!
24-48 hours.
I posted around 9/21 but can’t find the post. I had previously asked about installing a tongue and groove front porch under a soffit (Yellow Alaskan Cedar) – whether to stain all sides first or not. Was advised to install raw, let weather, then sand, clean, brighten, and stain. We had kiln-dried, acclimatized wood and started the process of raw install this week. After installing 5 boards, we covered the project due to expected rain, and a few of the “not yet installed” boards got wet and swelled so much we couldn’t install them. We realize we need to let these board dry out before installation, but this got us worried that we have installed tongue and groove boards that fit together without gaps, and if the wood is raw and gets rained/snowed on, especially unevenly, won’t the boards swell with nowhere to go, and the floor buckle? This is taking us back to possibly the need to stain on all sides first, and perhaps allow a very slight (1/16″ or 1/32″ gap?). Please advise as soon as possible.
Do not stain all sides. Only the exposed side after install, prep, and weathering.
I am about to apply your semi-transparent cedar stain to a cedar fence. Do I need a sealant after staining?
No, you cannot apply a sealer over the AC stains.
I stained my deck yesterday was done by about 5:00 pm. Had some rain beginning about midnight last night (earlier than predicted!) and woke up this morning to some oily looking puddles on the last section stained. Any suggestions on minimizing any effect on the final product?
You should be fine. Just let it dry.
Cloudy but dry overnight and this am looks pretty good, thanks. Would say the last section looks a little lighter perhaps some product washed away? Can a second coat be applied after a few dry days, or better to just leave it be?
Leave as is.
Will do thanks
Must the deck be dry
Yes.
how do I buff out drips from a cedar door I made.
Sorry but no idea as to what you mean?
How do I get the can open!???
Pry off the white ring inwards.
Thank you.
I stained with AC semisolid on an old deck about 4 years ago. This spring we had deck flooring replaced with new pressure treated pine. I’m ready to stain but don’t want to wait the recommended year for semi-solid on new wood. Can I apply a semi-transparent on the new wood and also over the old semi-solid that is still on the railings? Or should I apply the semi-solid now? It will have been 5 fairly humid months since new wood was installed.
If you do the semi-transparent now and want to switch to semi-solid later, you will need to strip and brighten for prep. You cannot apply the semi-solid now.
I think we will try the semi-transparent and not plan to switch later. I don’t think the old and new woods will match perfectly no matter what. That said, which color of Semi-transparent do you think will most closely match the “Mountain Cedar” color – Cedar or Natural Oak?
Neither match. Cedar semi would be closed than Natural Oak.