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.
I am staining my mom’s deck. It is 22 year old pressure treated decking. It was last stained with Cabot semi transparent oil stain 3 years ago. It was a high VOC stain they no longer sell in Michigan . I have power washed the deck, removing all dirt, mildew an 75%of the old stain. Can I apply A and C semi transparent stain over the remaining old stain?
No, it has to come off 100%. Post some pics for prep tips.
We recently constructed a backyard pergola built of smooth con hart redwood. The lumber was still wet when constructed. How long should we wait before staining it with your semi transparent stain?
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
I have a new installation of Batu mahogany. I purchased amber semi-transparent stain based on dome recommendations I saw online. There are some wax sealed ends that did not get cut off when laid. Should I sand the topside of those ends before staining? What grit do you recommend and follow up after sanding to open grain again?
The sealer will have to come off before staining but you cannot spot sand. That would lead to uneven stain absorption. 60-80 grit.
Got the deck stained today. Newly stained so still pretty shiny. The wood is new Batu Indonesian Mahogany. I used Amber colored semi transparent. Railings are on the way.
Looks good!
Can I use Anderson Clark oil based deck stain over Cabot water based deck stain over redwood?
No, you have to no matter what, remove the Cabot stain fully when switching stain brands.
How long between coats?
You can do it wet on wet or you can add a second coat when the first coat is fully dry.
How long until fully dry? 75° F day 54°F overnight tomorrow expected to be 78°F finished up at dusk.
How will I know if it needs another coat? Redwood
wanted to add the picture for reference
😂
Only apply a second coat if the wood can fully absorb another coat. You can test spot this. It can take 4-24 hours to dry.
What grit sandpaper to use before staining?
Sanding is not the best way to prep. We can help with prep tips but we would need to see pics posted and have some history about the current condition.
New construction green board decking has dried for 2 years.
This was installed recently or 2 years ago? It looks brand new.
2 years ago
Sorry to question again as it does not look like this has weathered outside after installation of the wood for 2 years. If so it would have grayed/oxidized. Unless it is covered with a roof? If the wood was “seasoned indoors” and then recently installed, that would not count as proper weathering. We just want to make sure you do not prematurely stain:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Feeling very discouraged with semi-transparent Chestnut stain that I just put on year old deck. Since the Chestnut stain that I put on in October 2022 didn’t last well, I cleaned and brightened the deck and railings with Restore-a-deck early this month. The cleaner actually washed away the remainder of the October staining (that I was surprise since I was using the Restore-a-deck cleaner and not the stripper).
When it was thoroughly dry (5% max on my moisture meter), I restained again using a new can of the semi transparent stain. I constantly stirred it, but there always seemed to be pigments that showed on the cedar deck boards (this happened in October, too). See photo. Is this what always happens with the Chestnut color?
Secondly, I worked hard not to over-apply the stain. It has now been 48 hours. As the heat from the sun (84 degrees today) hits the deck boards, they begin to glisten and the oil seems to be rising to the top of the surface. It’s not a ‘puddle’, but I can leave a fingerprint on the surface. Once the sun is no longer directly hitting a board, there no longer seems to be a problem. Is this a sign of over application? Should I be wiping with mineral spirits on a cloth?
The dark spots on your wood is not stain pigment but rather imperfections of your wood itself. The stain is enhancing the imperfections. It does not look over applied but it can take a few days or longer to fully cure. Also, a good rain would help wash away any oily resdue as well.
What kind of brush do I need to apply Armstrong stain to my outdoor pergola?
Stain pads are better. https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/brushes-pads-sprayers
Previous owner had used spar varnish on cedar deck. Going to sand it off, with great pains! If sanding means the cedar wont accept the Armstrong oil very well, should we do another step or only pressure wash before staining? Should we try two coats of stain?
Sand not finer than 60-80 grit. Once done, use the Restore A Deck Kit for final prep and only 1 coat of the AC stain.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
Hi…how long does the stain take to dry and when can I put the patio furniture back?
4-12 hours to dry. 24-48 hours for furntiture.
Thunderstorms last night after I applied stain. Water pooling on wood now and obvious pigment on top of wood. Should I wipe it with rags now or wait the full 24 hours?
Either way is okay.
We live in Wyoming and have a deck 20 years old. Some of the boards had to be replaced with new wood – it was cut last summer. Should we wait 1 year after installation of the new boards to stain them, or is it sufficient that they have been air dried 1 year after being cut?
See here for new wood tips: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
It starts to weather after install, not cut.
My pergola is being sanded today. It was cleaned two days ago but it rained yesterday morning. How long after sanding do I need to wait before staining?
You need to clean after sanding to open up the wood pores. Wait 48 hours after to stain.
We used your mahogany wood stain on year-aged new mahogany 3 years ago. We have to recoat but the original finish is worn in places and appears to need sanding in places to even it out. Also, we would like to go with a lighter color, as the mahogany was too dark for us. What do you suggest we do? I need to order supplies soon, and not sure if sanding is the way to go.
Do not sand. Use this kit to remove:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
Stain after with the Amber color.
There are a number of items at this link. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener?
Sorry wrong link: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
The deck looked good after stripping and brightening – a little blotchy but seemed ok. When the amber was applied, some sections came out amber, some came out dark, close to the original mahogany. Can I mix some amber and mahogany together and apply over the light sections to bring the coloring closer?
No. It is not possible to mix and then spot apply and have it all blend.
I’m considering using your product on a new deck. Reading your application instructions it says it can be applied with a sprayer, roller or brush. If using a sprayer use a roller to even out the stain. Reading some of your responses to questions from others I’m confused as to whether this method is acceptable.
It cannot be pump sprayed but you can use an airless sprayer. As for a roller, it is much better to use a stain pad or brush as rollers can splatter.
Greetings. I have Western Red Cedar siding on my house that is at least 15 years old and rough side out. A contractor cleaned it with Jomax and lightly pressure washed it. I ca’t tell for sure if was ever stained. Water does not bead up but is mostly absorbed. Is there an easy test to make sure no stain is present? I plan to apply 1 coat of your semi-transparent stain. Thanks
It looks good to stain.
Looks great. Thanks
Last summer we put in a cedar deck. In late September / early October, we stained it with semi-transparent Chestnut AC wood stain. Wood was prepped as required prior to finishing (sanded, cleaned with Restore-a-deck brightener). Both daytime and night time temps were within proper range and we checked the moisture level of the wood using a moisture meter reader. Now the deck looks like the attached photos. The color is even coming off I gently scrub off the bird poop from the deck boards. Thoughts on why this happened? I worked hard to not over-apply the stain. Could I have sanded too much?
It needs to be redone. Does this mean that I need to strip the deck back down to bare wood with the Restore-a-deck stripper or can I just use the brightener?
It is okay for the rest of the year. next Spring, redo the RAD Cleaner and Brightener prep and only aopply 1 coat to ensure the AC stain fully soaks into the wood grain.
Why do your think the stain didn’t take?
Probably due to the power sanding. You do not want your wood too smooth. It needs to be porous.
Do you recommend using a coarser grade of sand paper to “rough up the wood”before restaining?
Sanding is not the proper way to prep as it can close the wood pores. Strip and brighten or Clean and Brighten.
1.Can a marine grade finish be applied over your product ?
2 since western cedar is an VERY soft wood, can I use a prestain conditioner to even out the color ?
1. No you cannot ever top coat a deck stain, it will peel.
2. No, it will repel the stain and hinder its ability to penetrate properly.
I stained my deck yesterday in Mahagony and wood(mahogany) looks dry. I walked on it and my feet turned slightly orange and very slightly oily. wanted to do a second coat to even color. Please advise.
You cannot. Only one coat for Mahogany wood. It is too dense to accept another coat.
I will be staining my deck soon with AC semi-solid stain. I’m confused about whether to use a roller, staining brush, or stain pad to apply it. I have a combination of new and old wood on my deck. New wood is pine. Not sure but I think that the old wood is pine as well.
I have read that the stain pads can come off or tear so I’m wondering if I should go with one of the other options?
No roller. Use a stain pad or brush: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/brushes-pads-sprayers
How long should I let the first coat dry before adding a second coat. I’m using your semi-solid stain. Very happy so far!
See tips here: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/armstrong-clark-staining-instructions
Ive read those instructions. So, I assume I can do a second coat anytime after the first coat is dry? Next week?
Yes but be careful of applying too much. More is not always better when it comes to deck stains.
Thanks! Our deck is looking great but we want a second coat.
Wondering if we can apply the stain if our nighttime temps are in the mid to high 40’s and daytime temps are 60-70’s? Trying to find a non rainy window of opportunity here in Oregon. Thank you.
Yes, you can.
So I read that this can be applied in hot sun and any temperature. Since I live in Phoenix does that still apply? Not sure if I can get to my staining project (a very weathered previously stained pergola roof) before summer and wonder if I would be better off waiting until the fall in that case.
Yes, it is fine for AZ.
Two years ago I used the semi-solid mountain cedar on my deck railings and semi-transparent cedar on the deck flooring. I would like to treat the deck flooring again this year, but with the semi-solid, as we prefer the darker color. I have about half a gallon of the semi-transparent left over from two years ago. Can I mix that with a couple of gallons of the semi-solid to avoid throwing it away?
The shelf life of an opened container is 12 months so most likely it is not good anymore.
Thanks for your reply.
hi – how long would you guess it takes to dry one coat of the transparent stain in about 50 degree temperatures? and how can i tell when its dry enough to install (thin redwood siding for a shed)
You should not pre-stain new smooth wood. It has to weather and be prepped: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
thanks. I already stained one side, uh oh. at this point, am i better off to stain the other side, or install the stained side to face inside-facing of the shed, and let the outside-facing side of the siding weather. this is quite thin tongue and groove redwood.
It is not best to test all sides, only the exposed wood is needed. It actually can hinder the wood to stain all sides as it will not allow the wood to breathe.
I have redwood siding with 3 coats of Sikens Cetol. What prep-work should I do to stain with your product?
It has to come all off. Post pics for advice.
Thanks for the quick response. Please provide suggestions on options to remove the Sikens.
Post pics of your siding for advice on this.
It will not blend if you just stain over it. Remove the spilled areas first.
What is the lowest temperature that your stain can be applied on vertical wood siding? And what is the lowest overnight allowable temperature while drying?
50s for applying. Cannot drop below 40s at night.
Deck has been prepped and has dried for around 40hrs. Temperatures running between low 50s and upper 60s under mostly cloudy skies. Rain is expected around 12hrs after I finish staining. Am I good to go or should I wait?
You should be fine.
I know that I’ve seen the answer to this question before, but I can’t find it in the thread.
70% chance of rain tomorrow beginning at 5:00 a.m. But, today is ideal conditions for staining. Is it okay to stain today if I quit by 3:00? Or, is that too risky?
It should be fine but depends on the temps and how much sun you have after finishing.
I’m sad that this cedar table top that I made and stained was water marks on it. The water was able to penetrate the cover that I had on it. Is it possible to restore the original look? I imagine I’d have to clean and re-stain again?
You would have to sand off the coating and the water stains fully.
Thanks. Would RAD cleaner and brightener also work?
No.
Can your solid base stain be applied over semi transparent stain?
As long as it is clean and the old stain is not peeling.
stained our new redwood pergola boards before installation. Pergola has been up 2 months in dry weather (90-100 degrees some days. After light rain our concrete pavers under pergola are badly stained. Any tips on stain removal from pavers and how to keep this from happening next time it rains.
Sounds like you did not follow new wood directions: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
You will need to strip it off and brighen the wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
Let it weather properly, clean and brighten after, and then apply one coat of the AC Stains.
Try a graffiti remover for cleaning the pavers.
I’ve been using your stain for years w/o a problem. Kiln dried redwood, sanded w/80 grit to clean, stained with paint pad and wiped dry immediately. Let sit 2-3 days before install. Wood is dry to the touch and rag is clean and stain free when wood is wiped. Tried to attach a picture from iphone but site would not accept it.
You did not weather and prep as directed. Does not matter if kiln dried, still has to weather and be prepped correctly. Also, you cannot back-wipe AC stains right away as that remove the curing oils before they have a chance to separate and dry. This leaves your stain “upside down” with only the non-drying oils and this is why it ran off.
What do you suggest I do now? Light pressure wash to remove oils?
Hi. Our first response answered this. Thanks
Night time temps are beginning to dip below 50 degrees, with day time temps in the 70s. Once the morning dew has dried and we get a satisfactory reading from the moisture meter, is it still okay to apply the semi-transparent stain (assuming all prep work is complete): We’re hoping to get a protective coating on the new deck before winter.
Yes.
It appears I may exceed the two weeks by a day or two because of rain. Is that a deal breaker and if so do I need to re-apply both cleaner and brightener?
You are most likley fine to stain as long as clean and dry.
hello- our contractor just finished staining our mahogany deck with AC amber and it looks flat/blotchy. any suggestions? Do we need a 2nd coat?
It may not be able to take another coat. It is not supposed to have a shine.
not worried about a shine- bit it looks like it was never done. the contractor said he’s guys ‘brush stained and wiped’ and perhaps it did not soak in enpough. He is willing to redo it- but does it need to be sanded or power washed before he re-does it or should he first just try a 2nd coat?
Clean it first and then apply a coating.
To clean it, should I sand or power wash? Then use brightener, then restrain and let it soak in for 24 hours before wiping?? Thanks So much.
Light pressure wash, not need for brightener.
I just used ac amber as well I brushed it on and left it then came back the next day,24 hours later, and wiped the whole deck down and it turned out great. I’m guessing your contractor didn’t do it correctly wiping it off right away, this stain needs time to soak in and penetrate the wood before wiping any excess off.
Our deck project was to take a neglected deck that either had a brown solid stain or paint on it and restore it and switch to a semi-transparent stain. We sanded the deck to remove the old stain/paint, replaced the rotten boards with reclaimed wood from the third tier of the deck we tore down, replaced the rotten handrails with new wooden posts/handrails and metal balusters, let the new wood age, then prepped all wood using Restore-A-Deck (RAD) Stain Stripper followed by RAD Wood Brightener following product instructions. Once the wood was dry for 2 days (confirmed wood moisture was at or below 10% using a moisture meter) we applied a single coat of Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar deck stain to the walking surfaces using a stain applicator pad (double coat on the handrails and posts). We are thrilled with the results, but for anyone out there wondering if I would switch from a solid stain/paint to semi-transparent ever again the answer is a resounding no due to how labor intensive the prep was! If only it were as easy as the RAD prep system and staining were…
Hi,
Might want to enter our contest with your comments and pics: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/articles/190-armstrong-clark-2022-contest-win-cash
I want to stain the posts & rails on my new deck a BLACK color before i install the stainless steel cables through the posts. I currently have a brown semi-trransparent stain on the deck boards. What is the best product to use?
See this about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
The darkest color we have is Black Walnut.
Can I think the semi solid with linseed oil or paint thinner for spraying
No.
Just stained deck yesterday with Semi transparent and random rain hit for 5 min. Stain had set for about 2 hrs. Some white spotting occured this am. Suggestions?
Send some pics after the rain fully dries off.
I have just installed a new deck using #1 dry pressure treated pine. Do I need to sand this prior to staining?
No, do not sand. See here about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Do I need to wait 24 hrs after washing if I live in a dry climate, use a moister meter and get a reading of 10-12 percent?
48 hours after prep to let the wood dry.
Is your amber color (listed under ‘hardwoods and softwoods’ in your brochure) a semi-transparent stain? We’re looking to stain our new western red cedar deck with it.
Yes, it is.
I have a gallon of Redwood Tone stain that is four years old but has never been opened. Can I use it to restain a deck that was was originally stained with Redwood Tone? Thanks
Shelf life is 3 years if unopened so it may have gone bad. Open it and mix thoroughly. If no clumping, gelling, or skinning, then it should be okay to use.
What Graco X5 tip should I use for semi-transparent stain?
Any fan tip should work with an airless sprayer.
I prepped my deck 4 days ago and it has just dried out after rain. Today is going to be 95 degrees with a late afternoon storm predicted and then 2 more solid days of rain. With the needed drying time it will be a full week before I have another chance. Should I take the chance to stain today in the extreme heat and only 4-5 hours of drying time or wait another week?
Wait.
I stained my deck and it could have used a second coat, but had just enough stain to do one. Had to order another gallon. Weather was not conducive to apply the second coat and it’s been two weeks. Can I still apply the second coat? Just brush off the debris and apply, I hope.
Lightly wash with water, let dry for 48 hours, and then apply a light coat of the stain.
also when can I put 2nd coat on
Apply second coat wet on wet.
i want to stain deck today but they are saying possible rain next day is it ok to stain today
Yes.
I used the semi solid Armstrong clark stain 3 years ago.. it now is time to reapply. What is the process to prep the wood to reapply the same stain ? Do I just used RAD clean & brighten prior to reapply ? I hope I dont need to strip the old paint
Yes, that is correct. Clean and brighten while pressure washing.