Armstrong stain offers a wide variety of color choices in an oil based semi-transparent penetrating formula. It should be noted that with any brand of wood stain, colors cannot be guaranteed. Colors and tones can vary depending on the wood type, the age of the wood, the condition of the wood, wood prep, and stain application.
Armstrong stain colors currently include Natural Tone, Cedar Tone, Redwood Tone, Cedar Semi, Sierra Redwood, Rustic Brown, Mountain Cedar, Sequoia, Woodland Brown, Oxford Brown, Mahogany, Amber, and Driftwood Gray.
Armstrong Clark Stain Color Help
As a general rule, the lighter the color, the more transparency it will have. This means that more of the wood’s natural grains will show through, which can have an influence on the final appearance. Darker colors will reflect more of the actual stain color but will still allow some of the wood grain to show through because it is a semi-transparent finish.
It is also worth mentioning that the darker the color the more resistant it is to UV fading. Darker colors have more pigment, which is what resists harmful UV rays. Lighter colors, will still provide adequate sun protection but not as much as the darker stain tones.
To be exactly sure how a certain Armstrong color will look on your wood surface, you can order a color sample. Apply the Armstrong color sample in an inconspicuous spot. Allow the stain to dry for several days to see the finished result. Order as many Armstrong color help samples as you would like. It is a good way to find the right color for your wood surface. There is nothing worse than staining a whole wood structure only to decide you do not care for the color.
With so many factors determining how a particular Armstrong color will look in its final appearance, it is wise to use the color help samples to find the tone you like. You should only need the Armstrong color help initially. Once the deck is stained you can keep it maintained with the same color unless you decide to change colors at some point.
did you discontinue the semi transparent amber stain?
We have not. Amber color is available on the order pages:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/ipe-stain-5-gallon
Will your semi transparent stains work on hardwood/red oak, or only the hardwood stains
Only use the hardwood colors for any hardwood types.
Hello, we just applied 2 coats of AC semi transparent (driftwood) over the last 2 days. Our deck was un stained, pressure treated pine that was installed 3 years ago. We did the entire Reatore A Deck prep and cleaning and some sanding (60 grit). There are some areas fo the deck floor that look like the stain didn’t take evenly or maybe from uneven application (brush used for application)? Would it hurt to do a 3rd light coat on those boards that seem to not have has much color to try and get a bit more evenness in color across the deck? Thanks!
If too much stain is applied, that can lead to improper curing and drying. We typically do not suggest it.
Thank you for the reply!
We stained the deck with cedar tone yesterday. I see the imperfections in the wood more clearly now. Can we apply a second coat but use one of the semi-transparent stains instead?
Sorry but no, it would have to be the same color and transparency. Also you would need to make sure you do not over apply.
There also appears to be almost a white film after drying. Can you tell me what that would be?
That is oxidation or furring from the cleaning that was not fully removed. Typically does not show when stained.
That picture is actually 1 day after staining with the cedar tone. Please let me know if there is something I can coat over it with. It appears to need a second coat but I am not sure if the transparent is going to help.
Try a test board with one more coat to see how it looks.