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.
Can you give me the names of your dealers in the Portland OR area (ZIP 97214)? I’m looking for semi-transparent deck stain. Thanks!
[quote name=”DarkCanuck”]I cleaned and brightened my cedar fence (850sq’) yesterday using RAD, and plan to stain it this week.
This is a new fence last year (never been stained). How many gallons/coats would you recommend? I have 1 5gal pail of semi-trans cedar that I bought already.[/quote]
Apply 2 coats wet on wet application. You will need 7-10 gallons.
I cleaned and brightened my cedar fence (850sq’) yesterday using RAD, and plan to stain it this week.
This is a new fence last year (never been stained). How many gallons/coats would you recommend? I have 1 5gal pail of semi-trans cedar that I bought already.
[quote name=”Boulder”]Do you have a recommended spray tip size and pressure for applying a semi-solid with an airless sprayer? Does it matter whether we back brush with a brush or with a roller?[/quote]
Any tip will work but a wider fan is better. Back brush with a brush or stain pad. Do not use a roller.
Do you have a recommended spray tip size and pressure for applying a semi-solid with an airless sprayer? Does it matter whether we back brush with a brush or with a roller?
[quote name=”Gary Alan”]My Ipe deck is 2 months old. Do you still recommend using cleaner?
Do you recommend sanding? If yes, before or after cleaning?[/quote]
Yes on the cleaner. No need to sand.
My Ipe deck is 2 months old. Do you still recommend using cleaner?
Do you recommend sanding? If yes, before or after cleaning?
[quote name=”Rick McGinniss”]The deck was built in January, I waited until June. I’ll do another light coat in September or October. Thanks![/quote]
That will work.
The deck was built in January, I waited until June. I’ll do another light coat in September or October. Thanks!
[quote name=”Rick McGinniss”]I recently stained my PTP deck. It was put in last December/January. Prepwise, I washed, brightened and then buffed/lightly sanded. I checked it with a moisture meter before staining – it was at %14.
Overall it looks great but as you can see in the pictures, it looks splotchy. Some parts of each board are fully covered, others seem a bit bare. Is this normal?[/quote]
Did you let the wood weather for 2-4 months before prepping? It does look good to us but you will require a light coat of stain on the flooring in the Fall.
I recently stained my PTP deck. It was put in last December/January. Prepwise, I washed, brightened and then buffed/lightly sanded. I checked it with a moisture meter before staining – it was at %14.
Overall it looks great but as you can see in the pictures, it looks splotchy. Some parts of each board are fully covered, others seem a bit bare. Is this normal?
[quote name=”Matthew Svirida”]I live in western MA (lots of snow, ice, rain, sun, you name it) and have a 30 year old deck that is low to the ground and has poor ventilation. It’s dry and has a lot of cracks but is structurally in very good condition with no rot. I just bought the house and the deck has a solid stain that has peeled quite a bit. I’m having a pro sand the whole deck but am torn about what to use as far as a semi trans vs. semi solid. I would rather deal with cleaning and restaining more often than deal with peeling. Seems like semi trans is the way to go?[/quote]
Either is fine as both semi-solid and the semi-transparents in the AC are penetrating.
I live in western MA (lots of snow, ice, rain, sun, you name it) and have a 30 year old deck that is low to the ground and has poor ventilation. It’s dry and has a lot of cracks but is structurally in very good condition with no rot. I just bought the house and the deck has a solid stain that has peeled quite a bit. I’m having a pro sand the whole deck but am torn about what to use as far as a semi trans vs. semi solid. I would rather deal with cleaning and restaining more often than deal with peeling. Seems like semi trans is the way to go?
[quote name=”Billymo”]Hi, unfortunately the rain did take some stain off. Can I simply give it a second coa?[/quote]
A very light coat.
Hi, unfortunately the rain did take some stain off. Can I simply give it a second coa?
[quote name=”Billymo”]I stained my mahogany deck with your mahogany stain this past weekend and it looks great. Half was done on Saturday which is fine. The other half was done on Sunday. It was completed about 4 to 5 hours before the rains came. It is now Monday morning and it poured overnight and is still raining. The entire deck looks rather normal this morning, just wet from the rain. There are obviously wet boards but I did not notice any oils in any of the puddles going on. Should I be concerned about anything? Once it stops raining, should I just let it naturally dry or should I go on it and sweep the water off?[/quote]
Just let it dry and see how it looks. If it looks okay then all is good.
I stained my mahogany deck with your mahogany stain this past weekend and it looks great. Half was done on Saturday which is fine. The other half was done on Sunday. It was completed about 4 to 5 hours before the rains came. It is now Monday morning and it poured overnight and is still raining. The entire deck looks rather normal this morning, just wet from the rain. There are obviously wet boards but I did not notice any oils in any of the puddles going on. Should I be concerned about anything? Once it stops raining, should I just let it naturally dry or should I go on it and sweep the water off?
[quote name=”Omar”]Hi, we just stained our new Doug Fir porch yesterday with rustic brown. We love the results and color. I did have a question. I poured some of the stain in a bucket and my friend went directly out of the can. We both used brushes to apply. My areas appear to be a little darker (out of the bucket) and you can notice where we met up. I had the stain shaken about two weeks before and stirred well before use. Do you think this shade difference will last or will it fade to be less noticeable over time. I’m thinking I had more tint in the bucket. Thanks.[/quote]
It will most likely even out some but it probably be somewhat noticeable.
Hi, we just stained our new Doug Fir porch yesterday with rustic brown. We love the results and color. I did have a question. I poured some of the stain in a bucket and my friend went directly out of the can. We both used brushes to apply. My areas appear to be a little darker (out of the bucket) and you can notice where we met up. I had the stain shaken about two weeks before and stirred well before use. Do you think this shade difference will last or will it fade to be less noticeable over time. I’m thinking I had more tint in the bucket. Thanks.
[quote name=”Ron Janke”]Hello,
My deck was stained with your semi transparent rustic brown wood stain last year. It looks great and still beads water. It was recommended that I apply a second coat to the flat surfaces this year.
From your website it appears that all that I need to do is pressure wash, wait two days and apply another coat. Do I need to use a cleaner? If yes what do you suggest?
Regards,
Ron Janke[/quote]
Yes lightly wash with the RAD or similar deck cleaner to remove the dirt and prep for reapplying a light coat. Use the RAD and a light 2-4 oz concentration.
Hello,
My deck was stained with your semi transparent rustic brown wood stain last year. It looks great and still beads water. It was recommended that I apply a second coat to the flat surfaces this year.
From your website it appears that all that I need to do is pressure wash, wait two days and apply another coat. Do I need to use a cleaner? If yes what do you suggest?
Regards,
Ron Janke
[quote name=”Terri Kaercher”]I applied 2 coats of AC stain on a 30 yr old redwood deck. Prior to staining, I sanded, stripped and brightened the deck. My question: Should I put a 3rd coat of stain on it? The 2 coats absorbed shortly after applying. If I shoud, how long can I go between coats? Thanks and the deck looks much improved![/quote]
No. More is not better.
I applied 2 coats of AC stain on a 30 yr old redwood deck. Prior to staining, I sanded, stripped and brightened the deck. My question: Should I put a 3rd coat of stain on it? The 2 coats absorbed shortly after applying. If I shoud, how long can I go between coats? Thanks and the deck looks much improved!
[quote name=”Daphne”]Hi,
I didn’t realize until too late that I was supposed to wait 2-3 months before staining new wood with AC. On the advice of the lumberyard, I waited only 1 week before staining the Easter white cedar I’m using to build a fence. Now I’m worried – what is going to happen? Should I re-stain in a few months? Next year? Naturally, the wood only took a single coat of stain. Please advise.
BTW, I live in Canada and so the fence
will be exposed to freezing temperatures and lots of snow for 4 months over the winter.
Thanks![/quote]
Is the wood rough sawn or smooth on the fence. If rough you will be fine. Smooth and you will need to clean and reapply in about a year or so.
Hi,
I didn’t realize until too late that I was supposed to wait 2-3 months before staining new wood with AC. On the advice of the lumberyard, I waited only 1 week before staining the Easter white cedar I’m using to build a fence. Now I’m worried – what is going to happen? Should I re-stain in a few months? Next year? Naturally, the wood only took a single coat of stain. Please advise.
BTW, I live in Canada and so the fence
will be exposed to freezing temperatures and lots of snow for 4 months over the winter.
Thanks!
[quote name=”Jake”][quote name=”opwdecks”][quote name=”Jake”]Hi,
How long is the cure time after application? When can I allow traffic on the deck?[/quote]
Dries in 6-12 hours normally. Curing can take 1-3 days.[/quote]
Great, thanks!
Judging by previous answers on this page it seems to be a good idea to wash the deck after it cures to remove any oil that may be sitting on the surface.
Would that be a reasonable assumption?[/quote]
Only if needed.
[quote name=”opwdecks”][quote name=”Jake”]Hi,
How long is the cure time after application? When can I allow traffic on the deck?[/quote]
Dries in 6-12 hours normally. Curing can take 1-3 days.[/quote]
Great, thanks!
Judging by previous answers on this page it seems to be a good idea to wash the deck after it cures to remove any oil that may be sitting on the surface.
Would that be a reasonable assumption?
[quote name=”Jake”]Hi,
How long is the cure time after application? When can I allow traffic on the deck?[/quote]
Dries in 6-12 hours normally. Curing can take 1-3 days.
Hi,
How long is the cure time after application? When can I allow traffic on the deck?
[quote name=”Sara keag”]I just noticed we did our staining all wrong. It was power washed this morning and stain started this afternoon. There is rain forecasted tomorrow. Will this really mess up the curing/protection?[/quote]
Possibly. Hope for the best that is dries okay. If it does not then you will need to strip and start over.
I just noticed we did our staining all wrong. It was power washed this morning and stain started this afternoon. There is rain forecasted tomorrow. Will this really mess up the curing/protection?
[quote name=”Larry”]We are having a new red cedar deck installed in about two weeks (June 15). We are also having a major family gathering at our home the weekend of Aug 1. I would like to stain the deck in mid July. We are in the western suburbs of Chicago.
Is there really that much of a difference letting the wood “age” for 2-3 months vs 1 month? If we stain after one month, what are the risks?
Thanks.[/quote]
It may not absorb well and it may fail faster. We would not suggest this.
We are having a new red cedar deck installed in about two weeks (June 15). We are also having a major family gathering at our home the weekend of Aug 1. I would like to stain the deck in mid July. We are in the western suburbs of Chicago.
Is there really that much of a difference letting the wood “age” for 2-3 months vs 1 month? If we stain after one month, what are the risks?
Thanks.
[quote name=”David Clayton”]lst summer we used AC to stain our old cedar deck. I completely stripped the old stain, and used RAD prior to application. As a result of dragging a hose reel over the deck and using a metal snow shovel on the deck I now have a few scratches on the deck which exposed new wood. I can touch up but this got wondering just how deeply does AC penetrate into the wood?[/quote]
Varies based on the age of the wood and the wood type. Typically just below the surface.
lst summer we used AC to stain our old cedar deck. I completely stripped the old stain, and used RAD prior to application. As a result of dragging a hose reel over the deck and using a metal snow shovel on the deck I now have a few scratches on the deck which exposed new wood. I can touch up but this got wondering just how deeply does AC penetrate into the wood?
[quote name=”Anthony fossa”]I stained my ice deck over 10 days ago with your mohagany stain. Prepped with your deck restoration kit. I rolled on the stained and then brushed in by hand and had no puddles. The next day stain was still quite wet but no puddling or shiny spots. After 10 days od dry 70 degree temps with winds fairly moderate most od the time the deck is stil oily to the touch and when my dogs walk on they bring in oily paw prints to our tile floors. How can I remove the oily finish without removing the stain finish? I tried toweling it down bit that doesn’t even work. Still a greasy film.[/quote]
Saturate the deck with water and then rinse the deck well. The excess oil should float on the water and they rinse off.
I stained my ice deck over 10 days ago with your mohagany stain. Prepped with your deck restoration kit. I rolled on the stained and then brushed in by hand and had no puddles. The next day stain was still quite wet but no puddling or shiny spots. After 10 days od dry 70 degree temps with winds fairly moderate most od the time the deck is stil oily to the touch and when my dogs walk on they bring in oily paw prints to our tile floors. How can I remove the oily finish without removing the stain finish? I tried toweling it down bit that doesn’t even work. Still a greasy film.
[quote name=”Clint”]How long do I need to wait before I can stain a new cedar deck?[/quote]
Please read this:
http://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
How long do I need to wait before I can stain a new cedar deck?
[quote name=”kortyl”]Question. Just did the power washing..then used your 2-step process of cleaner and brightner. Deck is clean, and ready to stain (7 year old 20×20 ipe deck which has never been treated or stained before) with the AC mahogany stain. If I stain tmrw which is a tuesday, how many full days before it rains am I good for? I see rain in the forecast possibly for thursday.
2. Do I apply and wipe, or just apply stain and let dry?
thx[/quote]
AC can take a rain within 4-12 hours of application for most decks. Just stain and let dry. Do not wipe.
Question. Just did the power washing..then used your 2-step process of cleaner and brightner. Deck is clean, and ready to stain (7 year old 20×20 ipe deck which has never been treated or stained before) with the AC mahogany stain. If I stain tmrw which is a tuesday, how many full days before it rains am I good for? I see rain in the forecast possibly for thursday.
2. Do I apply and wipe, or just apply stain and let dry?
thx
[quote name=”Jason”][quote name=”opwdecks”][quote name=”Jason”]I prepped and stained my deck last year. The floor boards have lightened up a bit this year and seem to be releasing pigment. My fear is the pigment from the stain will get in the house. I am retreating my deck this year, but would like to eliminate the pigment getting on everything. Any suggestions?[/quote]
I am not sure what you mean about releasing pigment.[/quote]
The color in the stain. Mine is rustic brown, and it seems to rub off on everything.[/quote]
If it is rubbing off then it never was able to soak into the wood and cure properly. This could be related do over applying. I would prep again with the Restore A Deck products and apply just one coat. Do not over apply and do not back wipe. It will soak in and cure.
[quote name=”opwdecks”][quote name=”Jason”]I prepped and stained my deck last year. The floor boards have lightened up a bit this year and seem to be releasing pigment. My fear is the pigment from the stain will get in the house. I am retreating my deck this year, but would like to eliminate the pigment getting on everything. Any suggestions?[/quote]
I am not sure what you mean about releasing pigment.[/quote]
The color in the stain. Mine is rustic brown, and it seems to rub off on everything.
[quote name=”Jason”]I prepped and stained my deck last year. The floor boards have lightened up a bit this year and seem to be releasing pigment. My fear is the pigment from the stain will get in the house. I am retreating my deck this year, but would like to eliminate the pigment getting on everything. Any suggestions?[/quote]
I am not sure what you mean about releasing pigment.
I prepped and stained my deck last year. The floor boards have lightened up a bit this year and seem to be releasing pigment. My fear is the pigment from the stain will get in the house. I am retreating my deck this year, but would like to eliminate the pigment getting on everything. Any suggestions?
[quote name=”Gary Stinton”]I used your stain and it looks great. I did all the prep work that was recommended. The problem I have is that it dose not want to dry on the surface. It has been over a week since application and it looks dry but when the sun shines on it the stain comes to the surface. I’m afraid of tracking it into the house and I don’t think my wife would like that. What can I do. Please help.[/quote]
You may have over applied and the oil was not able to penetrate fully. Try saturating with water. The oil should rise up from the surface and then rinse off. Oil floats on water so we are trying to rinse off the excess oil.
I used your stain and it looks great. I did all the prep work that was recommended. The problem I have is that it dose not want to dry on the surface. It has been over a week since application and it looks dry but when the sun shines on it the stain comes to the surface. I’m afraid of tracking it into the house and I don’t think my wife would like that. What can I do. Please help.
[quote name=”Kevin Ortyl”]If I stain my IPE deck year because it’s already May and I would like to enjoy it (it’s a 400sf deck in MA), can I next year sand out the overlaps and re-stain? Thoughts on how to proceed?
Thank you for advice.[/quote]
You cannot spot sand over laps and then restain and have it dry evenly. You will need to strip it and lightly pressure wash next year for the prep to get it to look even.
If I stain my IPE deck year because it’s already May and I would like to enjoy it (it’s a 400sf deck in MA), can I next year sand out the overlaps and re-stain? Thoughts on how to proceed?
Thank you for advice.
[quote name=”Kevin Ortyl”]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]
You cannot hide overlaps with a stain. It will most likely enhance or stay the same.