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.
Hi there, I have a customer that needs a rough idea of what the color “driftwood grey” would look like. Do you have any pictures of the grey stain (semi-transparent) on cedar decking??
Thank you!
[quote name=”Lauren”]I am in western Pennsylvania and we are preparing to paint our brand new deck (built August 14) with a brown floor and white railings. I am planning on ordering a sample and am torn between the transparent cedar, the semi cedar or a darker color like the rustic or woodland brown. Is the transparent cedar a very light color as in not a lot different than the unpainted wood? Do you have a recommendation for a good color with the white railings for PT decks?[/quote]
Any of those colors will work but lighter colors like Cedar Tone will fade faster then darker colors. If you want a brown floor then look at the Rustic Brown. Woodland brown is red. Maybe Oxford Brown will work.
I am in western Pennsylvania and we are preparing to paint our brand new deck (built August 14) with a brown floor and white railings. I am planning on ordering a sample and am torn between the transparent cedar, the semi cedar or a darker color like the rustic or woodland brown. Is the transparent cedar a very light color as in not a lot different than the unpainted wood? Do you have a recommendation for a good color with the white railings for PT decks?
[quote name=”lynncallow”]I just stained a new clear cedar deck with Armstrong Clark Natural colored stain. I had waited one year after installation to apply and cleaned and brightened with “Restore-a Deck” before. Looks good. Still a bit oily after 3 days of drying. I will rinse with water as you suggest. After reading some entries below, I would like to change to Amber stain next year for more UV protection. After cleaning and brightening next year, can I just use the Amber color over the existing Natural? THANK YOU[/quote]
Yes you will be able to do that.
I just stained a new clear cedar deck with Armstrong Clark Natural colored stain. I had waited one year after installation to apply and cleaned and brightened with “Restore-a Deck” before. Looks good. Still a bit oily after 3 days of drying. I will rinse with water as you suggest. After reading some entries below, I would like to change to Amber stain next year for more UV protection. After cleaning and brightening next year, can I just use the Amber color over the existing Natural? THANK YOU
[quote name=”Lori McClary”][quote name=”opwdecks”][quote name=”Lori McClary”]We have a Pressure Treated Pine Deck built May 2012, waited until fall to seal. It was recommended (Lowes) to clean first, using Olympic Deck Cleaner, it ruined the deck. Raised all fibers. Waited until spring and had whole deck sanded. Used Thompson’s Honey Gold semi transparent stain/sealer spring and fall of 2013. Looked good for that year, by end of last season its a mess! Just pressure washed and fibers raised again in some places. What is next step and I hope you’re oil based semi transparent is the answer.Would like to stay in the honey gold tones. We are in Northeast Ohio, full sun. Also, this deck leads to our swimming pool.[/quote]
Remove all of the Thompsons first then stain with the AC in amber. It is a penetrating oil based stain. Semi-Trans.[/quote]
Should it be sanded down first?[/quote]
After stripping off the Thompsons you can lightly sand to remove any leftover stain and raised wood grain. Brighten the wood and rinse the deck with water when you are done.
[quote name=”opwdecks”][quote name=”Lori McClary”]We have a Pressure Treated Pine Deck built May 2012, waited until fall to seal. It was recommended (Lowes) to clean first, using Olympic Deck Cleaner, it ruined the deck. Raised all fibers. Waited until spring and had whole deck sanded. Used Thompson’s Honey Gold semi transparent stain/sealer spring and fall of 2013. Looked good for that year, by end of last season its a mess! Just pressure washed and fibers raised again in some places. What is next step and I hope you’re oil based semi transparent is the answer.Would like to stay in the honey gold tones. We are in Northeast Ohio, full sun. Also, this deck leads to our swimming pool.[/quote]
Remove all of the Thompsons first then stain with the AC in amber. It is a penetrating oil based stain. Semi-Trans.[/quote]
Should it be sanded down first?
[quote name=”Dan m”]Just installed a new cedar deck and really like the look when its wet, what stain would you suggest. How much area would a gallon cover as well. Thanks[/quote]
Please read this about new wood:
http://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Use the amber color. About 200 Sq. feet per gallon
Just installed a new cedar deck and really like the look when its wet, what stain would you suggest. How much area would a gallon cover as well. Thanks
[quote name=”barbara may”]Trying to salvage a split rail pool fence- have to replace 4 rails, but need to brighten the old ones…needs color, but not sure of color[/quote]
We have samples for you test if you would like. In top menu.
Trying to salvage a split rail pool fence- have to replace 4 rails, but need to brighten the old ones…needs color, but not sure of color
[quote name=”Lori McClary”]We have a Pressure Treated Pine Deck built May 2012, waited until fall to seal. It was recommended (Lowes) to clean first, using Olympic Deck Cleaner, it ruined the deck. Raised all fibers. Waited until spring and had whole deck sanded. Used Thompson’s Honey Gold semi transparent stain/sealer spring and fall of 2013. Looked good for that year, by end of last season its a mess! Just pressure washed and fibers raised again in some places. What is next step and I hope you’re oil based semi transparent is the answer.Would like to stay in the honey gold tones. We are in Northeast Ohio, full sun. Also, this deck leads to our swimming pool.[/quote]
Remove all of the Thompsons first then stain with the AC in amber. It is a penetrating oil based stain. Semi-Trans.
[quote name=”Patrick Miller”][quote name=”Patrick Miller”]Does Armstrong stain dry completely or does it stay tacky for awhile? IPE Oil stays tacky and collects dirt as it is drying.[/quote] I forgot I have a Tigerwood deck[/quote]
[quote name=”Patrick Miller”][quote name=”Patrick Miller”]Does Armstrong stain dry completely or does it stay tacky for awhile? IPE Oil stays tacky and collects dirt as it is drying.[/quote] I forgot I have a Tigerwood deck[/quote]
It fully dries. Just one light coat in Tigerwood.
[quote name=”Patrick Miller”]Does Armstrong stain dry completely or does it stay tacky for awhile? IPE Oil stays tacky and collects dirt as it is drying.[/quote] I forgot I have a Tigerwood deck
Does Armstrong stain dry completely or does it stay tacky for awhile? IPE Oil stays tacky and collects dirt as it is drying.
We have a Pressure Treated Pine Deck built May 2012, waited until fall to seal. It was recommended (Lowes) to clean first, using Olympic Deck Cleaner, it ruined the deck. Raised all fibers. Waited until spring and had whole deck sanded. Used Thompson’s Honey Gold semi transparent stain/sealer spring and fall of 2013. Looked good for that year, by end of last season its a mess! Just pressure washed and fibers raised again in some places. What is next step and I hope you’re oil based semi transparent is the answer.Would like to stay in the honey gold tones. We are in Northeast Ohio, full sun. Also, this deck leads to our swimming pool.
[quote name=”Rick Kyle”]I am searching for a color chart. I need a sealer to match Sikkens product cetol crd 078 cedartone. Are you in a position to help me out?[/quote]
Best to get samples of the stain to test as a color chart will not show a true color since all wood will come out different.
http://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
I am searching for a color chart. I need a sealer to match Sikkens product cetol crd 078 cedartone. Are you in a position to help me out?
[quote name=”Tracey”]I live in Wisconsin and have a pressured treated pine deck. I’m looking for a semi solid stain that is a rich dark brown color with no red hue. The deck is 4 years old and hasn’t ever been stained. What stain color due you suggest for a dark rich brown results.[/quote]
Oxford Brown is a dark brown. You can order a sample from the site if you would like.
I live in Wisconsin and have a pressured treated pine deck. I’m looking for a semi solid stain that is a rich dark brown color with no red hue. The deck is 4 years old and hasn’t ever been stained. What stain color due you suggest for a dark rich brown results.
[quote name=”Patrick”]How does the mahogany stain do on regular PTP deck? I have a 8 month old deck that I need to clean and stain. Any color recommendations? We like a darker brown so maybe mahogany or rustic brown?[/quote]
Mahogany color is not dark brown on PTP but more red. Rustic Brown is more of a brown.
How does the mahogany stain do on regular PTP deck? I have a 8 month old deck that I need to clean and stain. Any color recommendations? We like a darker brown so maybe mahogany or rustic brown?
[quote name=”Kelli”]Hi,
I live on cape cod MA and have PT deck. Which would you recommend semi transparent or semi solid?[/quote]
Either would work but if in full sun, the semi-solid will work better.
Hi,
I live on cape cod MA and have PT deck. Which would you recommend semi transparent or semi solid?
[quote name=”John Boyle”]do you have a green stain for my previously green stained house? The house is in Florida on the coast? If not would a gray go over the old green if most was pressure cleaned off?[/quote]
No and no. You need to remove all of the old stain first.
do you have a green stain for my previously green stained house? The house is in Florida on the coast? If not would a gray go over the old green if most was pressure cleaned off?
[quote name=”Denise”]I live in central NC. My deck is pressure treated pine – about 3 years old. It is stained with Behr – but peeling now. I am stripping it with Behr stripper today. Do I need to use any other product before staining with Armstrong Clark stain?[/quote]
As long as the Behr is removed you can use the AC.
I live in central NC. My deck is pressure treated pine – about 3 years old. It is stained with Behr – but peeling now. I am stripping it with Behr stripper today. Do I need to use any other product before staining with Armstrong Clark stain?
[quote name=”Jeremy”]Can I get the Armstrong Clark Hardwood Formula in the Semi-Transparent Sierra Redwood Color?[/quote]
Sorry but no.
Can I get the Armstrong Clark Hardwood Formula in the Semi-Transparent Sierra Redwood Color?
[quote name=”RobertWayne”]Can two colors of stain be mixed or is it not recommended ? I was thinking about mixing some samples together to adjust the colors.[/quote]
Yes you can mix colors.
Can two colors of stain be mixed or is it not recommended ? I was thinking about mixing some samples together to adjust the colors.
[quote name=”Carol Madden”]I live 40 miles north of San Diego and inland 10 miles in a very sunny dry climate. I am building a deck with a redwood surface and railing. I would like to use a semitransparent or semisolid stain due to concerns about sun damage and dry conditions- can you recommend which one would be best and if your stain would be available in my area and where. My zip-code is 92084.
Thank you for your assistance.
Carol[/quote]
We are an online dealer for AC and can ship it there. As for new wood, let it season for 2-3 months, prep first with the RA Kit we sell, stain with 1 coat of the AC. Either semi-solid or semi-transparent.
I live 40 miles north of San Diego and inland 10 miles in a very sunny dry climate. I am building a deck with a redwood surface and railing. I would like to use a semitransparent or semisolid stain due to concerns about sun damage and dry conditions- can you recommend which one would be best and if your stain would be available in my area and where. My zip-code is 92084.
Thank you for your assistance.
Carol
[quote name=”Ruth”]I am wondering where you ship from – I live in the state of Iowa and wonder how long it would take for order to arrive.[/quote]
We are in Michigan and it takes 2-3 business days to ship to IA.
I am wondering where you ship from – I live in the state of Iowa and wonder how long it would take for order to arrive.
[quote name=”Neil S.”]How long do I have to wait to stain new pressure treated decking, assuming wood moisture levels are at the recommended point? If there is a wait involved, will a light power washing suffice as prep?
Thanks![/quote]
2-3 months and prep with the Restore A Deck Kit while prepping.
How long do I have to wait to stain new pressure treated decking, assuming wood moisture levels are at the recommended point? If there is a wait involved, will a light power washing suffice as prep?
Thanks!
[quote name=”5stardeckandfence”]Is your semi transparent stain available in black?[/quote]
Sorry but no.
Is your semi transparent stain available in black?
[quote name=”Tammy Grode”]Thanks for your prompt response…do we have to wait 2-3 months to use Armstrong Clark stain if the cedar is rough hewn?[/quote]
No you do not need to wait if rough sawn wood.
Thanks for your prompt response…do we have to wait 2-3 months to use Armstrong Clark stain if the cedar is rough hewn?
[quote name=”Tammy Grode”]how long do i wait before staining new cedar when using Armstrong Clark stain[/quote]
2-3 months and prep first with the Restore A Deck Kit. Only 1 coat on new wood.
how long do i wait before staining new cedar when using Armstrong Clark stain
[quote name=”Merrybeth”]We have a south facing cedar deck, almost two years old. Our home is a taupe color with chocolate brown accents and soft white trim.
We have black metal posts on the deck, and want to paint the top rail white, and the flooring the lightest color you have that would blend with taupe. Any suggestions? I wish you had photos with the colors, there is no way to determine which color I should even try.[/quote]
Best to order some samples to test the color first. You can get them in the menu above. Maybe Natural color.
We have a south facing cedar deck, almost two years old. Our home is a taupe color with chocolate brown accents and soft white trim.
We have black metal posts on the deck, and want to paint the top rail white, and the flooring the lightest color you have that would blend with taupe. Any suggestions? I wish you had photos with the colors, there is no way to determine which color I should even try.
Any color will work but each will enhance to grain. Best to get some samples from the site to test. Make sure to clean the wood after the sanding.
I have a three year old redwood deck. I just removed the old stain by sanding. What type of AC semi-transparent stain would you recommend to retain as natural of a look as possible? Also; Deck is located in Denver, CO and has full sun exposure.
Thanks,
[quote name=”Kathleen McCann”]I need to know if I can tint an original stain with another color to match my house.[/quote]
No, AC is not tintable.
I need to know if I can tint an original stain with another color to match my house.