Armstrong Clark Oil Based Wood Deck Stains

Armstrong Stain Color Help and Tips

by Administrator

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.

Armstrong Clark Stain Colors Horizontal small

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Admin
7 years ago

[quote name=”jean gottel”]We have a walkway that has never been treated. Just power washed and replaced some worn boards. Was going to use something that would fill in the cracks but after reading about the peeling problems and researching we are leaning towards the Ac semi solid. Will it even out the color of the new and old boards or what do you recommend?[/quote]
It will help to blend the new and old wood but the new wood will still be slightly lighter in color. Make sure to prep first with a deck cleaner and a wood brightener.

jean gottel
jean gottel
7 years ago

We have a walkway that has never been treated. Just power washed and replaced some worn boards. Was going to use something that would fill in the cracks but after reading about the peeling problems and researching we are leaning towards the Ac semi solid. Will it even out the color of the new and old boards or what do you recommend?

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Admin
7 years ago

[quote name=”John Kay”]Hi,
what’s long will a transparent color normally last?[/quote]
Transaprents have less pigment and tend last about 18-24 months on a horizontal surface before another coat will be needed.

John Kay
John Kay
7 years ago

Hi,
what’s long will a transparent color normally last?

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Admin
7 years ago

[quote name=”Kathryn”]I am building a new Ipe deck which will be oiled to maintain the rich color. I have an existing cedar deck that I would like to stain a similar color as the oiled Ipe. The decks are completely separate and are 30 feet away from each other, but I would like a similar hue. Do you have a stain recommendation?[/quote]
Not easy to match cedar wood and Ipe. Look at Chestnut color for the cedar and Amber for the IPE. We do have samples for you to test colors:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples

Kathryn
Kathryn
7 years ago

I am building a new Ipe deck which will be oiled to maintain the rich color. I have an existing cedar deck that I would like to stain a similar color as the oiled Ipe. The decks are completely separate and are 30 feet away from each other, but I would like a similar hue. Do you have a stain recommendation?

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Admin
7 years ago

[quote name=”Dot”]We just power washed our deck from peeling using Sherwin Williams a couple of years ago. Reddish brown stain was used. What color would I use to try to match. It cleaned up pretty good but still patches of that color.[/quote]
Hello, you cannot apply the AC over the SW stain. Strip and pressure wash until all the SW is removed. Use the wood brightener after the neutralize.

Dot
Dot
7 years ago

We just power washed our deck from peeling using Sherwin Williams a couple of years ago. Reddish brown stain was used. What color would I use to try to match. It cleaned up pretty good but still patches of that color.

Kenneth
Kenneth
7 years ago

Three years ago I stained my deck with AC semi transparent Driftwood Grey. I am planning on doing the deck again this year and will clean Brighten and pressure wash the whole thing first. Should I do one coat or two and will two provide a better long lasting coverage

Joe Wachs
Joe Wachs
8 years ago

My plan is to apply Armstrong-Clark Amber Semi-Transparent onto an old deck I’ve had difficulty stripping 100%. Will the Semi-Transparent Amber cover these inconsistencies. I don’t want solid. I’m willing to use RAD stripper/brightener, but don’t want to over do it.

Joe Wachs
Joe Wachs
8 years ago

My plan is to apply Armstrong-Clark Amber Semi-Transparent onto an old deck I’ve had difficulty stripping 100%. Will the Semi-Transparent Amber cover these inconsistencies. I don’t want solid. Thank you. JW

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Patrick J.
Patrick J.
8 years ago

I will be staining my 3 month old cedar deck with Cedartone Transparent as after receiving the samples, I prefer the look over the semi-transparent Cedar. Given that the Transparent has less UV protection, if I am not satisfied with the longevity and look of the stain of the stain next year and wish to re-stain with the semi-transparent, would I have to use the RAD stripper or would the RAD cleaner and brighter be sufficient before re-staining with the Semi-transparent cedar? Thanks. Patrick

johny
johny
8 years ago

I have stained some extra pcs of new smooth siding with armstrong samples, it is soaking in in some spots very deep, and others spots very little, is it possible to clear prime siding to have a more consistant look? Thanks!

johny
johny
8 years ago

The siding is smooth side up. What do you recommend as for as prep during the waiting time? Thanks

johny
johny
8 years ago

I have installed new cedar siding, and planning to stain it, should I wait to stain it just like directed for a new deck? Thanks

Jimmy
Jimmy
8 years ago

If I buy 5 gallons and only use 2 gallons…… how long will the remaining 3 gallons last if stored at 50-60 degrees F ? I know that I will be restraining in a few years and it would be more cost effective.

Eleanor Sisson
Eleanor Sisson
8 years ago

I want to purchase a 5 gallon quantity of Armstrong Clark, semi-transparent, natural color, exterior wood stain.
1. How can I obtain a color sample?
2. How can I order the 5 gallon supply from my location–British Columbia, Canada?
3. What is the cost?
Regards,
Eleanor

Jim Crosbie
Jim Crosbie
8 years ago

Hi,
Do you have a cold chart available for your semi solid stains? Is it possible to get one? Thank you,
Jim Crosbie

Krishna Ramanathan
Krishna Ramanathan
8 years ago

Is it possible to send samples of Cedar semi and Cedar tone?

Thanks

Jack Ferraiolo
Jack Ferraiolo
8 years ago

Last year I used your Amber stain for my IPE deck. I started cleaning the deck this year with a power washer and realized how dark the wood became. Could I use natural stain instead?

Kat
Kat
8 years ago

Where can I see the different colors of stain offered by Armstrong?

Sam
Sam
8 years ago

Can I use the amber stain on a redwood deck or is the amber stain only for exotic wood? Does amber stain come in semi transparent or just transparent?

Mary
Mary
8 years ago

Is your product safe for the environment? Meaning if my pets get on the deck before it totally cures, is it toxic?

Dave McKinnon
Dave McKinnon
9 years ago

Hello I have a new redwood fence on the central California Coast. What do you reocommend for weather protection? Do I use a redwood stain on redwood, or go with a natural tone? I do not want it too dark. your thoughts??

Estaban
Estaban
9 years ago

I’ve read to wait for a few months before my new cedar deck is ready to stain. Is this true? Trying to maintain original raw cedar color…what’s the most transparent, penetrating natural color? I’m afraid of stain flaking (like a topcoat) after a year or so like I’ve seen on other decks.

Bunny Rab
Bunny Rab
9 years ago

Does stain color vary from lot to lot? I don’t want to purchase too much, but if I come up short and have to order more, I’d want the color to match.

Marvin Barnett
Marvin Barnett
9 years ago

We ordered from you and tried the hardwood semi transparent mahogany on our IPE decking. The product works beautifully but we are not comfortable with the colouring. I’d like to get the other sample colours to try before we apply your product on the extent of our ~2000sf of decking.

nancy
nancy
9 years ago

what color would be closest to Benjamin moore’s arborcoat translucent mahogany

robert orr
robert orr
9 years ago

How can I order color help samples? I am interested in your line of semi solid stain.

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