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.
Do you have any problems shipping to Canada and how much does it cost for let’s say a restore kit and ten gallons of stain?
We ship to Canada all the time without issues. As for cost, add products to cart and enter your shipping address for total price. It updates automatically.
I have a fifteen year old pressure treated wood deck that I do clean with a pressure hose to get the black Mold off of and a newer connecting deck that treated with a competitor two years ago and it is virtually gone. I was hoping that the Sierra redwood would bring the older deck and newer pressure treated woods to look new again. Am I on the right track?
Prep all correctly with this: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
And then stain with the Sierra Redwood.
best stain for cedar deck. have cedar tone now interested in changing colors.
Most use a semi-transparent color in the AC.
i do have semitransparent do you have pictures with the chestnut color
We do not but we do have samples for testing: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
I restored a redwood deck and put Natural transparent on it. Looks great with nice deep reddish brown to it. ABout to build a timber frame pergola on that deck but it will be lodgepole pine. Which of your colors do you think would match the redwood best? Customer wants that deep red-brown color.
Sierra Redwood or Chestnut.
I am going to stain a new dock. One leg of the dock may be a foot under water (fresh water) once or twice a year on average for a day or two. Should I stain the bottom of the boards as well to help seal it?
No need to do underside. See this about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Can you mix semi-solid and semi-transparent stains to get a particular color?
Yes but mix well!
I just received the Oxford Brown sample and tried it this morning. I am using it on old but cleaned pressure treated pine, and it has too much red in it for me, almost a shade of burgandy which is pretty but not what I need to match my tan/taupe colors. My roof has shades of brown which look nice and I wanted to match colors if possible, but I hate to keep ordering samples. I am looking at the natural oak, rustic brown, and the black walnut, of these 3 which stains are brown without any red or yellow tint to them, or do you suggest a different one?
Rustic Brown and Black Walnut are browns with no red undertones.
Thank you for your help, I went with the Black Walnut, and with just one application on this very old deck (over 20 years) I am thrilled with the way it looks. It was easy to apply, looks great, repels water nicely, and should last another 20 years. I am really happy with the results. Thank you AC.
Are you sure it was black walnut and not natural oak? black walnut is very dark. Im trying to order without getting samples and this pic just really messed me up. If it is black walnut, that means shades are way off if going by the samples online. Thanks. Reply back if able, appreciate it.
Sorry, one more question. Why is all the knots in the wood white vs getting darker with the stain? Did you sand them that way, or did the stain turn the knots in wood white? Ive heard of people putting something on knots to cover them, thought mayby thats it? Looks great though.
Hi! I would love suggestions for how to refurbish our deck. It was last stained in 2015 by the prior homeowners with Sherwin William’s Superdeck Solid color Flat in Almond Tree. I do not know what was on the deck before that or what prep was done prior to applying the current stain. We are in Atlanta and so have issues with constant tree debris as well as moisture (see the green algae on the deck). I would like a different color but would prefer not to have to start over with a brand new deck. Many of the balusters on the railing have been hollowed out by carpenter bees so those will have to be replaced. Our deck overlooks our pool and the woods behind our house. We would prefer a less beigey color and lean towards browns.
Hello,
Unfortunately, the AC stains cannot be applied over your current coating (solid stain). You would need to remove the old solid stain fully by sanding it off. Strippers will not remove it. If you decide to remove by sanding, make sure 100% is removed. Once down to the bare wood, you can use the AC in Rustic Brown or Chestnut for a brown color.
Hello, the AC stains will not work for you. You will need a solid color stain and the AC products do not come in solid color stains.
Our garage door was stained with olympic maximum semi transparent stain in canyon brown;
the stain provides a fair protection and the color is quite dark brown. I’d like to sand over the door and apply Armstrong Clark semi solid stain to give a longer interval between re-stain. what color would you recommend that would look similar to what is already there? The wood is rough saw cedar and for 3 doors, how much stain is needed?
thanks,
Sean, Houston
To use the AC you will need to remove the Olympic first. Best to use the Restore A Deck Stripper Kit for this. If you want to lightly sand, you can after the stripping is completed. As for the AC color, look at the Oxford Brown semi-solid. What is the sq. footage for all the doors so we can suggest the amount needed?
Thanks,
There are 3 doors and each is 64 square foot. how often does it need to be re-stained if i opt for semi solid ?
Aside semi solid color, can you tell me what stain was used for the fence on the left most of the banner?
1-2 Gallons will work. Clean and reapply every 4-6 years for these doors. The picture is Rustic Brown semi-transparent color. It will also last about 4-6 years for your doors.
HI, can you tell me what is the color stain of the lower right photo next to the center photo please? also, what kind of wood? Thanks!!
Cedar Semi on aged PTP wood.
Ok does it look darker than center because of the wood used? I love it! Thanks!
Yes. Final colors vary based on wood type, age of the wood, and application.
hi, what is the color of the deck to the bottom right next to the center photo? Thanks!!
[quote name=”Russ Bateson”]Do you have a semi-solid white?[/quote]
No we do not.
Do you have a semi-solid white?
[quote name=”Connie carter”]Would like to get a sample of driftwood how can I do that. Live in Washington state Everett area.
Thank you
Connie[/quote]
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
Would like to get a sample of driftwood how can I do that. Live in Washington state Everett area.
Thank you
Connie
[quote name=”Pat Tobias”]Can I get a sample of Driftwood stain semi transparent. Thank, Pat[/quote]
On this link: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/wood-and-decking-stains
Can I get a sample of Driftwood stain semi transparent. Thank, Pat
[quote name=”Lydia”]Please send a sample of the Driftwood Stain. Our deck is 24×24 and we originally applied a Woodsman product that peeled only a few months after it was applied. We’ve since removed the handrails and sanded the entire deck surface only to begin again. I have done some research on Armstrong-Clark products and I am convinced this product is suited for our application. I would like to see a sample please. Thank you.[/quote]
You can order samples on this link:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
Please send a sample of the Driftwood Stain. Our deck is 24×24 and we originally applied a Woodsman product that peeled only a few months after it was applied. We’ve since removed the handrails and sanded the entire deck surface only to begin again. I have done some research on Armstrong-Clark products and I am convinced this product is suited for our application. I would like to see a sample please. Thank you.
[quote name=”paul peterson”]I used cabots semi-solid stain on a test board and after it dried you could mar the surface by rubbing a piece of wood on it or remove most of it by rubbing it a few times with SCOTCH BRITE. After 1 coat and 24 hr. drying the surface feels dry or “thirsty” like the stain needed more oil binder in it. I read that your stain is top quality and I am trying to get some to try out. Will it have the faults that cabots has?[/quote]
Armstrong is a penetrating stain that when prepped and applied correctly, does not film on top of the wood where you could scratch it off.
[quote name=”Jennie”]Can I mix semi transparent and semi solid stain?[/quote]
Yes you can do this.
Can I mix semi transparent and semi solid stain?
I used cabots semi-solid stain on a test board and after it dried you could mar the surface by rubbing a piece of wood on it or remove most of it by rubbing it a few times with SCOTCH BRITE. After 1 coat and 24 hr. drying the surface feels dry or “thirsty” like the stain needed more oil binder in it. I read that your stain is top quality and I am trying to get some to try out. Will it have the faults that cabots has?
[quote name=”Tim T”]I need to stain redwood to look like ipe that is just sealed with penofin, not stained so mulitcolored boards. medium tone ipe would work.[/quote]
Remove the Penofin first if on the redwood with this:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
Try the Chestnut color.
I need to stain redwood to look like ipe that is just sealed with penofin, not stained so mulitcolored boards. medium tone ipe would work.
[quote name=”Tari stordahl”]Installing Western red cedar deck next weekend and wood was kiln dried/was stored indoors at deck store.
Should we wait until next spring to stain or can we do this fall. Confused by a few comments.
Also would like to stain cut ends during installation, is this ok?
How soon can stain be delivered to Mn? Thank you.[/quote]
For Kiln dried, install, wait 2-4 weeks and prep first with the Restore A Deck Cleaning Kit. Takes 2-3 days to ship to MN. Do not stain end cuts. No need.
Installing Western red cedar deck next weekend and wood was kiln dried/was stored indoors at deck store.
Should we wait until next spring to stain or can we do this fall. Confused by a few comments.
Also would like to stain cut ends during installation, is this ok?
How soon can stain be delivered to Mn? Thank you.
[quote name=”Carla Crawley”]What is the best wood protectant to use on a deck made from pressure treated pine. The deck is old wood and it has been cleaned.[/quote]
Use the AC in a semi-transparent or semi-solid color.
What is the best wood protectant to use on a deck made from pressure treated pine. The deck is old wood and it has been cleaned.
[quote name=”Tom Bonli”]I am re-staining a south facing, tight knot,Western Red Cedar deck that was previously stained with a Sikkens product 2 years ago. The previous stain did not stand up well at all to our harsh climate (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada – 52.13N;106.67W). I’ll strip and brighten the deck with RAD before applying AC stain but have a question about your transparent vs semi-transparent stain. Your transparent Redwood tone seems, from the photos, as dark as the semi-transparent Cedar tone. I like the rich appearance of the Redwood tone but need the UV protection. What is your suggestion?[/quote]
The semi-trans will have better UV protection.
I am re-staining a south facing, tight knot,Western Red Cedar deck that was previously stained with a Sikkens product 2 years ago. The previous stain did not stand up well at all to our harsh climate (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada – 52.13N;106.67W). I’ll strip and brighten the deck with RAD before applying AC stain but have a question about your transparent vs semi-transparent stain. Your transparent Redwood tone seems, from the photos, as dark as the semi-transparent Cedar tone. I like the rich appearance of the Redwood tone but need the UV protection. What is your suggestion?
[quote name=”Merle”]I just sanded my redwood deck down to the bare wood. How many coats of semi-transparent or semi-solid should I apply. I’m in the Pacific NW with lots of rain in the winter and sun in the summer. Part of the deck is exposed, part under cover.[/quote]
Just one coat is needed.
I just sanded my redwood deck down to the bare wood. How many coats of semi-transparent or semi-solid should I apply. I’m in the Pacific NW with lots of rain in the winter and sun in the summer. Part of the deck is exposed, part under cover.
[quote name=”Cindy S”]We adding a new deck and are trying to somewhat match the stain color of the new pressure treated wood for our existing deck. Can you advise if your semi transparent cedar or sierra redwood would be the best bet? Also, for the old deck, we’ve flipped the boards and sanded. Is it still necessary (or helpful) to use the brightener to restore Ph as it is basically fresh wood? Thanks![/quote]
It would be best to try some samples for the colors. Also, see this about new wood:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
[quote name=”Henry”]Can you tell me the stain that was used on the deck in the Center of the picture above, behind the Armstrong-Clark Advantage logo? Thanks[/quote]
Semi-transparent cedar color on clear cedar wood. No knots in the wood.
Can you tell me the stain that was used on the deck in the Center of the picture above, behind the Armstrong-Clark Advantage logo? Thanks
We adding a new deck and are trying to somewhat match the stain color of the new pressure treated wood for our existing deck. Can you advise if your semi transparent cedar or sierra redwood would be the best bet? Also, for the old deck, we’ve flipped the boards and sanded. Is it still necessary (or helpful) to use the brightener to restore Ph as it is basically fresh wood? Thanks!
[quote name=”Robert Salley”]Can you mix a Transparent stain with Semi-Transparent stain?[/quote]
Yes you can.
Can you mix a Transparent stain with Semi-Transparent stain?
When is it safe to let my cat walk in the deck after painting with AC semi transparent stain?
I worry about her licking her paws and cleaning her eyes. Thank you
[quote name=”Deb”]I live in Calgary, Canada, so ordering samples are cost prohibitive and we aren’t super fussy on our color – just looking for a normal wood look on our 1 year old ptp deck – we have a full south exposure & lots of sun in Calgary – I was leaning to the Natural Oak, but have not found any reviews on what the color may turn out as – the cedar/amber look quite yellow-red. Any advice would be great. Thank you.[/quote]
The Natural Oak is a medium brown color. Very nice.
I live in Calgary, Canada, so ordering samples are cost prohibitive and we aren’t super fussy on our color – just looking for a normal wood look on our 1 year old ptp deck – we have a full south exposure & lots of sun in Calgary – I was leaning to the Natural Oak, but have not found any reviews on what the color may turn out as – the cedar/amber look quite yellow-red. Any advice would be great. Thank you.
[quote name=”John Posselt”]How well will your semi-trans cedar tone work on old redwood siding. we are talking almost 40 years old.Thanks, John[/quote]
Just fine as long as you prep correctly.
How well will your semi-trans cedar tone work on old redwood siding. we are talking almost 40 years old.Thanks, John
[quote name=”Saluda”]I have stripped and cleaned my ipe deck.
I want to finish it so that it looks like it does now while
it is wet. The rich warm natural colors come through.
I don’t want to lose that.
Should i use your clear natural oil?[/quote]
We have 3 colors designed for IPE. The Amber color is the closest one to a wet look.
I have stripped and cleaned my ipe deck.
I want to finish it so that it looks like it does now while
it is wet. The rich warm natural colors come through.
I don’t want to lose that.
Should i use your clear natural oil?
[quote name=”Bob Francone”]We just finished staining the redwood stairs with Armstrong Clark natural tone.
The stain brought out the red color that I do not like.
After drying can we use the driftwood to mask the red color?
I am so disappointed, it ruined a beautiful stairway.
Any suggestions?[/quote]
You cannot apply the Driftwood over the newly applied Natural. It will not soak in. Best to remove and start over.
We just finished staining the redwood stairs with Armstrong Clark natural tone.
The stain brought out the red color that I do not like.
After drying can we use the driftwood to mask the red color?
I am so disappointed, it ruined a beautiful stairway.
Any suggestions?
[quote name=”jean gottel”]Do we need to use the cleaner and brightener even though no stain was ever used? Was going to use your suggestion of bleach, water and dish soap. Also what do you suggest to apply if a roller what kind as there are so many out there…thank you[/quote]
Best to not prep with bleach but the Restore a Deck Kits. Yes, you have to prep wood before applying. If new wood, see this:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Use a deck stain pad or brush for applying, not a roller.
Do we need to use the cleaner and brightener even though no stain was ever used? Was going to use your suggestion of bleach, water and dish soap. Also what do you suggest to apply if a roller what kind as there are so many out there…thank you