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 just powerwashed my 6 year old IPE deck. I did nothing to it these past 6 years. It silvered. I now would like to “bring it back” per se to the original look, or look when it’s wet. I power washed it the other day with just 1800psi water, no cleaner. Some slight “overlapping”, but it is now clean. Think I want to use the AC Mahogany stain. Will this hide or highlight the overlapping marks I see now in the raw deck? Hope it will hide somewhat. thank you
[quote name=”Richard Bresky”]I have an area of 875 Sq Ft to cover. It has been a previous coating which I will remove as much as possible bu power washing. How many gallons of stain would this project require? Should I apply one heavy coat or 2 light coats?[/quote]
2 light coats. You will 6-9 gallons depending on how dried out the wood is.
I have an area of 875 Sq Ft to cover. It has been a previous coating which I will remove as much as possible bu power washing. How many gallons of stain would this project require? Should I apply one heavy coat or 2 light coats?
[quote name=”Bob M”]Hello,
I have a 16’X16′ cabin with T1-11 siding that has not been treated and is about 8 months old. I want to use a solid stain.
I know I will need to clean prior to staining, but would like to know if I will need any primer and/or how many coats to expect to use.
Thanks[/quote]
We do not sell a solid stain. You cannot use a primer with our products.
Hello,
I have a 16’X16′ cabin with T1-11 siding that has not been treated and is about 8 months old. I want to use a solid stain.
I know I will need to clean prior to staining, but would like to know if I will need any primer and/or how many coats to expect to use.
Thanks
[quote name=”patrick.sanseverr”]Should I seal my deck after using Armstrong clar mohagany stain and if so what do you recommend?[/quote]
No you cannot put a sealer on top of the AC. No need.
Should I seal my deck after using Armstrong clar mohagany stain and if so what do you recommend?
[quote name=”David”]Hello – I used AC on my western red cedar deck 2 years ago and a maintenance coat is needed. If I am using the same AC stain, can I wash with soapy water, let dry and just reapply over what residual old AC stain there is left? Thanks![/quote]
Yes as long as the wood is clean.
Hello – I used AC on my western red cedar deck 2 years ago and a maintenance coat is needed. If I am using the same AC stain, can I wash with soapy water, let dry and just reapply over what residual old AC stain there is left? Thanks!
[quote name=”Wanda”]My deck was stained professionally using Armstrong Clark Sierra Redwood stain. It has been 5 days and the oils are still seeping from the wood making it impossible to walk on the deck in the midday sun. The wood had been treated in previous years with other products but the new application initially looked like a puddle of mud. Is there a product I can use to inhibit this seepage. The stain was rolled on by the contractor and not wiped up afterward.[/quote]
Did they remove the previous products first? AC is a penetrating oil based stain that needs to soak into the wood. If it cannot due to improper prep or extreme over application, then it will have problems and will need to be removed and started over.
My deck was stained professionally using Armstrong Clark Sierra Redwood stain. It has been 5 days and the oils are still seeping from the wood making it impossible to walk on the deck in the midday sun. The wood had been treated in previous years with other products but the new application initially looked like a puddle of mud. Is there a product I can use to inhibit this seepage. The stain was rolled on by the contractor and not wiped up afterward.
[quote name=”Jesse”]I applied transparent red to western red cedar fence and pergola. Looks amazing. I applied in Oct (5 months ago) , and i did not use nearly as much as I had calculated. Infact only half. The fence still looks great. When should I reapply? What do I need to do before I reapply? Simple wash or rad again? There was no way to apply more and I know my calculation was right. Why would I have only used half? Poor absorption.[/quote]
Glad it looks great! Absorption rate into the wood is dependent on the wood type, age of wood, and application method. Smooth new wood is much less absorbent then older/dried out wood. I would reapply as needed. Look for signs of color fading. Vertical areas will hold color much longer then a horizontal area. For prep, you can clean with soapy water or a diluted version of the RAD if the AC is still intact and has not worn.
I applied transparent red to western red cedar fence and pergola. Looks amazing. I applied in Oct (5 months ago) , and i did not use nearly as much as I had calculated. Infact only half. The fence still looks great. When should I reapply? What do I need to do before I reapply? Simple wash or rad again? There was no way to apply more and I know my calculation was right. Why would I have only used half? Poor absorption.
[quote name=”BJ”]1) for 5 gallon can: should I get it shaken in a paint store, or should i be able to mix well enuf at home with just a stir stick
2)i read you can’t store oil-based in plastic. But is it ok to pour stain into a plastic bucket while I’m applying it?
3)how soon can it rain after I apply stain? Above it says “several days” but somewhere else I read 12 hrs.[/quote]
1. Use a 5 gallon paint stirrer that fits on a drill. You can get these for about $5.
2. Yes that is fine.
3. AC can take a rain after 12 hours.
1) for 5 gallon can: should I get it shaken in a paint store, or should i be able to mix well enuf at home with just a stir stick
2)i read you can’t store oil-based in plastic. But is it ok to pour stain into a plastic bucket while I’m applying it?
3)how soon can it rain after I apply stain? Above it says “several days” but somewhere else I read 12 hrs.
[quote name=”Nathan”]I just bought both RAD kit and semi trans Sierra redwood for my new PT deck. Based on the instructions I read here, my understanding is that the deck needs to be cleaned and prepped first using RAD, then it can be stained a couple of days later with semi trans stain. However, the contractor I am hiring for this job told me since this is a new deck, there is no need for any prep work before staining and RAD should not be used for new decks. He is not familiar with AC and feels reluctant to use RAD to clean and prep first and then stain. Is there a number he can call to talk with some one so that he can be convinced to follow the AC staining instructions? Thanks![/quote]
All new wood needs to be prepped before using a stain. This opens the wood grain by removing the mill glaze and allowing the stain to absorb deeper. Phone number is at top.
I just bought both RAD kit and semi trans Sierra redwood for my new PT deck. Based on the instructions I read here, my understanding is that the deck needs to be cleaned and prepped first using RAD, then it can be stained a couple of days later with semi trans stain. However, the contractor I am hiring for this job told me since this is a new deck, there is no need for any prep work before staining and RAD should not be used for new decks. He is not familiar with AC and feels reluctant to use RAD to clean and prep first and then stain. Is there a number he can call to talk with some one so that he can be convinced to follow the AC staining instructions? Thanks!
[quote name=”Deane Cooper”]My new hardwood deck was recently sealed with a product called Superdeck, which quickly faded. I am going to re-seal it with your hardwood mahogany stain. My question is about the prep, is sanding the existing sealer off the deck acceptable for prep in lieu of stripping it?
Thank you[/quote]
You should not sand but strip. Much easier and it will allow the AC to penetrate deeper.
My new hardwood deck was recently sealed with a product called Superdeck, which quickly faded. I am going to re-seal it with your hardwood mahogany stain. My question is about the prep, is sanding the existing sealer off the deck acceptable for prep in lieu of stripping it?
Thank you
[quote name=”Janice”]We are building a new covered and screened-in deck with pressure treated pine. Contractor wants we to stain the new deck immediately. He says if we wait a even a few months, the wood will crack. Is your product recommended for new pressure treated pine? We live in Georgia.[/quote]
For new wood you need to wait 3 months and prep first with the Restore A Deck Kit for the prep.
[quote name=”Andy Gauthier”]Will a new deck generally require two coats?[/quote]
Only one coat.
Will a new deck generally require two coats?
We are building a new covered and screened-in deck with pressure treated pine. Contractor wants we to stain the new deck immediately. He says if we wait a even a few months, the wood will crack. Is your product recommended for new pressure treated pine? We live in Georgia.
[quote name=”Carol.bent”]e are in the process of building a new home in British Columbia. There are several Douglas Fir posts and beams both inside and out. I am looking at the semi-transparent stain in rustic brown or sierra redwood. Would this be a good product for both the interior and the exterior timbers? Would the semi-solid be better? Also, can you describe how each of those colors would likely look on the fir timbers?
Thank you
Carol[/quote]
Best to order samples to test the color on your wood as it will vary. You can use this on both inside and outside but it is oil based and will have a odor indoors that will linger for a few days or so.
e are in the process of building a new home in British Columbia. There are several Douglas Fir posts and beams both inside and out. I am looking at the semi-transparent stain in rustic brown or sierra redwood. Would this be a good product for both the interior and the exterior timbers? Would the semi-solid be better? Also, can you describe how each of those colors would likely look on the fir timbers?
Thank you
Carol
[quote name=”Mike McGuire”]Is there a formula to calculate how much stain is needed for the spindle’s. 2″x2″x40″.[/quote]
For railings, just do linear feet x height.
Is there a formula to calculate how much stain is needed for the spindle’s. 2″x2″x40″.
[quote name=”Anne”]It has been 24 hours since I applied the hardwood stain. Although it looks dry, lightly wiping the surface with a rag causes an oily stain to come off. I’d like to let my cat outside as soon as possible but don’t want to ruin the finish (or harm the cat). Should I wait longer or wipe down the entire (covered) porch with a rag? Thanks for your help![/quote]
Wait a little longer and let it continue to absorb. You can wipe after another 24 hours if needed.
It has been 24 hours since I applied the hardwood stain. Although it looks dry, lightly wiping the surface with a rag causes an oily stain to come off. I’d like to let my cat outside as soon as possible but don’t want to ruin the finish (or harm the cat). Should I wait longer or wipe down the entire (covered) porch with a rag? Thanks for your help!
[quote name=”727lawrence”]I’ve never used a 5 gal container before, and want to avoid making a mess trying to pour from it. Can you provide instructions for the best way to do this? I assume that I should take the entire top off and not use that hole in the top?[/quote]
You can do it either way. You will need to stir and mix well first before suing and many find that removing the top makes this easier.
I’ve never used a 5 gal container before, and want to avoid making a mess trying to pour from it. Can you provide instructions for the best way to do this? I assume that I should take the entire top off and not use that hole in the top?
[quote name=”Larryc6″]I stained my new deck (PTP) with Amber stain. After it dried I noticed there are three or four boards with white residue looking streaks. What can I do to remove these? Should I apply more stain?
Thanks, Larry C[/quote]
Not sure what the white is so hard to say. Do a test on one board and see if that works.
I stained my new deck (PTP) with Amber stain. After it dried I noticed there are three or four boards with white residue looking streaks. What can I do to remove these? Should I apply more stain?
Thanks, Larry C
[quote name=”Paul”]I need to stain a 200 aq ft new deck with Armstrong Clark natural tone . How many gallons do I need? We want the natural wood color to be preserved. Are choosing the right one?[/quote]
One gallon should be enough.
I need to stain a 200 aq ft new deck with Armstrong Clark natural tone . How many gallons do I need? We want the natural wood color to be preserved. Are choosing the right one?
[quote name=”Anne”]How much semi-transparent hardwood stain will I need for 400 sf of mahogany porch flooring? I will be using the RAD stripper and brightener first to remove old Penofin from the 5-year-old wood.[/quote]
1-2 gallons.
How much semi-transparent hardwood stain will I need for 400 sf of mahogany porch flooring? I will be using the RAD stripper and brightener first to remove old Penofin from the 5-year-old wood.
[quote name=”Mike Chornopesky”]I ordered and received AC semi-transparent rustic brown for my new PT deck. I tested it on some pieces of scrap wood. It looks great but after 48 hours there’s still an oily residue on the surface. This is not “puddles or glossy areas”. There’s nothing that’s visible to the naked eye but if I run a finger or a rag across the wood I pick up an oily brown residue. Does this ever go away?[/quote]
Your scraps of wood probably were not weathered for a few months and prepped first with the RAD Kit as all new wood should be. In addtion a good rain will wash away the excess oil.
[quote name=”Shawn Schofield”]I have a new 650 sq ft cedar deck. The deck is now 7 weeks old and I live in Toronto. Should I stain now, wait a bit longer or leave it until the spring. I’m worried that if I do nothing, the harsh Canadian winter will damage the wood. Also, what prep should I do before staining. I’m thinking I’ll use AC semi-trans cedar stain. Thanks![/quote]
New wood should weather for about 3 months. Prep first with the Restore A Deck Kit. Only one coat of the AC.
I have a new 650 sq ft cedar deck. The deck is now 7 weeks old and I live in Toronto. Should I stain now, wait a bit longer or leave it until the spring. I’m worried that if I do nothing, the harsh Canadian winter will damage the wood. Also, what prep should I do before staining. I’m thinking I’ll use AC semi-trans cedar stain. Thanks!
I ordered and received AC semi-transparent rustic brown for my new PT deck. I tested it on some pieces of scrap wood. It looks great but after 48 hours there’s still an oily residue on the surface. This is not “puddles or glossy areas”. There’s nothing that’s visible to the naked eye but if I run a finger or a rag across the wood I pick up an oily brown residue. Does this ever go away?
[quote name=”Lionel”]I have an old deck, do I need to apply a second coat after the first coat dried?[/quote]
If you do a second coat it is best to apply it wet on wet.
I have an old deck, do I need to apply a second coat after the first coat dried?
[quote name=”Amanda Mercier”]Hello. We used the semi solid sequoia on our large deck this past weekend. Is this product ok to use on wooden benches we are using to create railing/seating? Thanks![/quote]
Yes you can use it on benches as long as it is unfinished wood.
Hello. We used the semi solid sequoia on our large deck this past weekend. Is this product ok to use on wooden benches we are using to create railing/seating? Thanks!
[quote name=”David Clayton”][quote name=”opwdecks”][quote name=”David Clayton”]We have applied one coat of semi transparent rustic brown and it looks great. We are thinking to apply a 2nd coat but will not be able to do so for about a week. Will any prep be required other than simply brushing off the deck and making sure it is dry?[/quote]
Just make sure it is clean and apply a very light coat.[/quote]
When you say clean, do you mean generally clean, free of dirt etc or do you mean another cleaning during the RAD cleaner or brightened?
Thanks[/quote]
Rinse with water should be okay. No cleaners or RAD.
[quote name=”opwdecks”][quote name=”David Clayton”]We have applied one coat of semi transparent rustic brown and it looks great. We are thinking to apply a 2nd coat but will not be able to do so for about a week. Will any prep be required other than simply brushing off the deck and making sure it is dry?[/quote]
Just make sure it is clean and apply a very light coat.[/quote]
When you say clean, do you mean generally clean, free of dirt etc or do you mean another cleaning during the RAD cleaner or brightened?
Thanks
[quote name=”Nak”]My cedar deck was built last fall. I left it to dry till this summer then I sanded out some of the dog scratches and then used the RAD products to prep the deck. I used the Armstrong Clark Cedar Semi-Transparent stain using a brush for the first coat. The deck is 19’x33′ with wrap around stairs so I was only able to get one coat on in a day. Then we’ve had rain for the last week and a bit. Is there anything special I need to do to apply the 2nd coat? Do you recommend a 2nd coat?[/quote]
I would not do a second coat now but rather another coat next Spring.
My cedar deck was built last fall. I left it to dry till this summer then I sanded out some of the dog scratches and then used the RAD products to prep the deck. I used the Armstrong Clark Cedar Semi-Transparent stain using a brush for the first coat. The deck is 19’x33′ with wrap around stairs so I was only able to get one coat on in a day. Then we’ve had rain for the last week and a bit. Is there anything special I need to do to apply the 2nd coat? Do you recommend a 2nd coat?
[quote name=”David Clayton”]We have applied one coat of semi transparent rustic brown and it looks great. We are thinking to apply a 2nd coat but will not be able to do so for about a week. Will any prep be required other than simply brushing off the deck and making sure it is dry?[/quote]
Just make sure it is clean and apply a very light coat.