Best Semi-Solid Deck Stain
Deck stains come in different transparency levels. The more transparent or the less opaque a stain is, the more the natural wood grain shows through. This category is referred to as the semi-transparent deck stains.
The more opaque less transparent deck stains are commonly called the semi-solid deck stains. So basically the transparency scale in order starting with the least opaque would be a clear sealer, semi-transparent stain, semi-solid stain, and solid stains.
All stains are designed to be water repellent but not all will protect against graying UV rays. Pigment in the stain is what provides UV protection. With that said, a clear sealer would provide zero UV protection while a solid stain would provide the most. Ultraviolet rays are what cause a wood deck to turn gray. Because of this, many deck owners stay away from clear sealers.
The solid deck stains completely mask the beauty of the wood and are much harder to maintain. Therefore, the semi-transparent and semi-solid deck stains are the popular choices. They are easier to maintain, provide adequate water and UV protection, and do not hide the wood but rather enhance its appearance. For those looking for an enhanced look with exceptional UV protection, the semi-solid stains are the ticket.
The best semi-solid deck stain is going to be an oil based penetrating formula. A reputable deck stain like Armstrong Clark is a popular choice. They offer several semi-solid deck stain colors such as Espresso, Mountain Cedar, Sequoia, Woodland, and Oxford Brown.
This stain is a unique blend of both nondrying and drying oils. These oils separate to perform specific tasks. The nondrying side of the formula penetrates the pores to replace the wood’s lessening natural oils. The drying oils provide a surface barrier to trap in the conditioning oils and keep out moisture. This process revitalizes the wood while providing protection. Using the best semi-solid deck stain available will ensure you get much use from your deck while keeping it looking great.
Questions? Ask Below!
Why is the semi-solid stain for use on wood older than one year?
It will not soak in fully and cure correctly for wood that has not seasoned for a year.
Are 5 gallon cans of stain delivered in a box or other container, or are they shipped as is? Are they shipped UPS?
We ship them in a box with UPS.
is it possible to get your driftwood gray in a semi solid
Sorry but no, it is not.
I have a gazebo which I stained 3 years ago with Armstrong and Clark stain. Can I add another coat to it or do I have to strip and clean it first?
You always have to prep when recoating. Use this kit: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
Hi I have a redwood swingset made by Rainbow that needs to be redone (10+ yrs oold). I am replacing the main supports with pressure treated wood and then re-staining the whole thing to match. I ordered samples of semi solid Oxford brown and Sequoia and we actually liked to color that resulted from mixing both together. Is it a problem to use the semi solid in this application (some areas the stain did not soak in well after 12 hrs), can we order a mix color of the Oxford and Sequoia,and as far as application is it supposed to be a light thin coat or can we go on heavy. How long should it take to dry to touch. Thanks
You cannot stain the new wood right away: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
12 months with the solid stains. We do not do customer mixes, you have to do this on your own. Just one coat.
Thanks, We sanded all the new wood, does that thereby remove the mill glaze and speed up the stainability of the new wood ? Is there any way to bring down the 12 months period. I am not asking from a warranty or reliability standpoint, I just need to stain in the near future in this case and cant wait the 12 months. Is there any way to speed things up. Thanks
No sanding actually hinders the stain’s ability to soak in. You cannot speed up the 12 months. The issue is it may not dry correctly as it cannot soak in as well and it will rub off.
Ok thank you for the clarification
I have a mahogany deck that was “bleached” initially, but then I used an Olympic brown-colored semi-transparent stain several times that lasts less than one year; I was thinking of using your semi-solid stain. Can I just clean the deck and apply that?
You cannot use a semi-solid for Mahogany. You would need one of the three hardwood colors. Strip and brighten for prep.
Bob. Here is my mahogany deck w the Armstrong Clark hardwood stain in Amber. The first year I had to strip as well. But it is a great color and easy to apply. Hope this helps.
Ed I am surprised that the amber looks so dark; I was going to go with the mahogany stain, but maybe i shouldn’t.
Yes. It is a very rich color that I really like on our porch. I didn’t want a reddish look so I stayed away from the mahogany. I suspected that would have a redder tint to it. I never tested it though so I can’t truly say. Perhaps the moderator could comment on that. But for me, I really like the Amber on mahogany and will continue to use it. Great color.
I am re-staining my wood privacy fence. I suspect it is cedar. I want a driftwood gray type color and do not want to re-stain every 2 years. So I am considering a semi-solid as I expect that would extend the time to re-stain a year or 2. I see that Armstrong Clark (I use the hardwood oil based for my mohagany porch in Amber color and it is fantastic) does not make a gray. What would you recommend? Reviews on Cabot are pretty poor.
Use the AC in Driftwood Gray for this. It will last 3-5 years on a fence.
Thank you. The hardwood is a great product. My second time using on my porch and it is easy to work with gives great results and holds up well. In regards to application on the fence can it be applied via pump sprayer and back brushed? Or should I apply with a stain pad and back brush? One or two coats? If 2 coats wet on wet?
It cannot be sprayed with a pump sprayer. Stain pads, two coats wet on wet.
For what reason is semi-solid not recommended for furniture?
May rub off on clothes.
Hello-
I was considering just recovering my deck with a solid stain (paint) but I couldn’t get all the old peeling decks solid stain thoroughly with pressure washing. I thought I’d have give up or replace. It’s pressure treated wood, probably 30+ years old. I grabbed my 4-1/2 sander and 40-grip flap disc and went after it. The woods is in very good shape. It’s a lot of work but I think I can clean it. There’s no rot in the under joists either, so I think I could save it.
My question is what stain to use. It still has some sanding streaks or smeared stain in the wood and some in cracks I can’t sand out. I wouldn’t mind a rough rustic look, but not sure if a semi solid or semi transparent would work best in this situation. It’s on the north side, in CT. Gets some sun but not a bunch. Of course snow in the winter. I don’t want to have to sand it again! Your opinion is appreciated.
You cannot use the AC unless you remove 100% of the current solid stain.
I want to restain my deck and want to use an oil based semi solid stain. The last time I stained was 13-15 years ago. It was a Behr oil based stain. Would I have to strip that or can I just apply stain after cleaning? Water no longer beads .
You have to remove the old coating fully first.
where can I buy it in Chicago il
Only online from our website.
I have a 10 tear old Cabot semi-solid stain on my deck. Can I use your semi-solid stain over this existing stain. The deck has been cleaned and dried from power washing.
Sorry but no. You would have to remove the Cabot fully.
Also below you say this
… Share
Armstrong 04/28/2020
You cannot use a semi-solid on new wood until ti has weathered for 12 months. Semi-transparent is 3+ months.
Semi solid or semi transparent on this deck?
Either. That would be your choice.
I have the same question. I want to keep.the new wood look and not have it discolor!!
That is not possible. A clear coating (no tint at all) will not keep the color and the wood will gray in months form the UV. It must be tinted with a stain if you want to prevent graying. The more tint you have, the longer it lasts.
Yes. I would be tinting but waiting a year for this new rough sawn wood will alow it to grey, no? I did not want it to grey.
Would a waterbssed stain be better for immediate staining?
Or rough sawn you can stain right away with the AC.
I would like to use semi-solid Mountain Cedar on a new pergola with rough sawn doug fir.
Do I have to wait 1 year since the caption says “not for wood less than one year old”?
Yes, on year.
Hi! We recently installed new redwood beams and are looking to stain them with Oxford Brown. Is this okay?
See here about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
I have a 15 x 20 cedar deck that was previously stained with a water based semi solid product made by Olympic We recoated the deck about every 3 years till we had 3 layers of stain. As expected, after a recent very cold winter, the deck began to flake. After trying to remove the existing coating, and finding it virtually impossible, we decided to simply turn the deck boards over, giving us a new clean surface after sanding. Can you tell us if this new surface is considered weathered (its 11 years old and never stained, just recently sanded) and capable of accepting an oil based semi solid stain, or will it have to be weathered again as if it were fresh from the lumber yard. The sanding was necessary to remove mildew and other minor discolorations from where the deck wood sat on cross beams. Is your restriction on application only on weathered wood a common expectation, regardless of brand of oil based stain?
Weather is for a few months and then clean and brighten for prep: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Treat it like new wood.
To be clear, are you saying i should use a semi-transparent rather than a semi-solid stain on new wood? Why? I would like to get the max UV protection available. How long should i wait to apply semi-transparent stain and how long before applying semi-solid stain to new pine deck boards?
You cannot use a semi-solid on new wood until ti has weathered for 12 months. Semi-transparent is 3+ months.
This deck was stained 15-20 years ago. The railings, pickets, and posts are all covered with this, but decking itself was replaced 18 months ago and has not been stained. What product will work on this? Is it solid or semi-solid? Can I do decking with semi-transparent and all that has this stain on it presently with semi-solid?
That is a solid stain and the AC products cannot work over this stain type or any other brand of stain. You would have to sand it all off.
Wait a minute, what? I can’t use restore a deck solid over old solid stain? I want to use semi-transparent on the new decking and solid on all vertical surfaces (and a small protected gazebo floor which does have old stain on it). What solid stain would look good next to the light walnut semi-transparent?
You can use a solid stain over a solid stain but Armstrong Calrk does not come in a solid stain. This website is an Armstrong Clark Stain website, not Restore A Deck. AC does not have a light walnut color.
Hi Folks. I have on my deck Floods CWF-UV…It’s described as: Acrylic/Oil resin provides durability of acrylic and richness of penetrating alkyd
Fortified with Penetrol® additive to drive protection below the surface..It’s soap and water clean up… It’s about 2 years on my deck and I want to cover it with your semi-solid stain..It has a solid dark brown finish ..Any problems using your oil-based semi-solid over this? Thanks Glen
Hello,
Sorry but you cannot apply a different brand of stain over the Flood. It will not soak in or adhere. The Flood will have to come off first.
OK, so I will use your stripper and brightener first…correct??
Yes but the Flood version you have is not an easy strip so use both additives: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper/restore-a-deck-stripper-additives
Ok. Can I still use a pump sprayer if i am adding these thickeners and boosters?
Yes.
One final question..Is one coat good enough? Also I have 650 sq. ft (Includes the steps) plus rails..Is 5 gallons enough of the semi-solid? Thanks a lot.
One coat is good. Should be okay with the 5 gallons if the railings are included in the sq footage of 650.
Hi
I am staining the inside of a barn. I am installing unfinished notty pine shiplap. I want to hide the lines and knots in the wood but I do not want to use an opaque stain because I want to see some of the wood grain and knots. Do you think your woodland brown would work? I love the color. Any advice?
Hello, the Woodland brown should work but you might want to test some of the semi-solid stain samples first. https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
Hi,
i am looking to use semi solid stain on the trim on my house. Do you have a stain in the color of Cabot’s shade tree? Can I mix to get to that color with your stains?
I am sorry but we are not familiar with Cabot’s colors. AC cannot be custom mixed.
hi
i use the amber stain on a new massaranduba deck, how long you ve to leave the stain on the deck before wipe the excess stian from the floor ?
and if it rains the same on the floor after staining it do you need to strip the floor and apply the stain again or you can just let the floor dries for 48 hours and the reapply the stain again?
AC is not supposed to be back wiped right away. Apply a light coat and let dry. If needed you can remove any excess the next day. It cannot rain on it for 12-24 hours after applying. If it rains while the stain has not dried, you may need to strip and start over.
I applied your semi solid stain and finished at 1:30PM–out of nowhere–got a shower at 3:30–not forecasted
I was about to go out and brush out some excess spots of stain that hadn’t penetrated–
How bad am I messed up? What should I do to save my work??
Wait until the rain dries off the deck to assess and damage or not. Send pictures then.
it finally dried off–got about 1/10 of rain (very light and spotty) over a 36 hour period–sun out today and mostly dried off–see photos
I will say–the deck looks great (should have taken some before pics–it was in rough shape)–plus a strong stain odor is coming off of it. I think I’m good to go–but WHAT DO YOU THINK??
Wee you do have some water spots but the stain looks okay. You should be fine.
It’s good enough for me—I think this stain is superior–had always used TWP semi transparent–but this is my go to product from now on–really looks great (makes me think I can put of re decking for quite awhile)
THANKS!
Can you tint this product to a black?
No that is not possible.
I have a 14 year old cedar deck. Stripped it of old stain and sanded but still some spots were the stain will not come out. We previously used the Cabot Australian Timber Oil. We want to try your semi solid stain. We have not brightened the wood yet. But actually looks pretty bare except for the stubborn areas. On steps and side pieces.
Strip off as much as you can and then brighten for final prep before using the AC.
Hi. I have a 20-year old deck. I just power washed it for the first time in five years. All of the old stain came off the outside stairs, but a good amount of stain remains in the enclosed porch (which doesn’t get sun). I really don’t want to sand. Can I use one of your Semi-solid stains (thinking Woodland Brown)? Or will it not adhere to the parts where the old stain remain? I can’t tell if the previous stain was a solid or semi solid/transparent stain. Thanks, Jason
The AC cannot be applied over this stain. You would have to remove it all first.
Would it be okay to use a deck stain stripper, power wash it again – then use one of your products?
Strippers will probably not remove all of this old coating as it looks very thick. You may need to sand as well tot get it all off. Brighten the wood after.
We finished building the attached deck in late June. The deck wood is a treated 1″ deck pine, it seems to be drying out fast even with the rainy weather and the very hot summer. The boards have gone thru a shrink down already and are bleaching out quickly. The boards were fastened with the CAMO system. What is the soonest I can apply your ‘Semi-Solid’ stain? I would like to do it prior to winter. Thank you in advance for your help.
Mike Ott
1 year for the semi-solids. See this for tips: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
We have a 15 year old pressure treated deck that we just had professionally sanded to take off all the rough edges and old stains. We also have new stairs being put in.
Would you recommend solid or semi solid so both woods will match (when we can eventually stain the new wood)
Also, should we use a wood conditioner so it stains evenly?
Thanks,
Ned
See this about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
You will have an issue if you do not weather and prep the stairs.
The rest of the deck can be cleaned and brightened and then stained now. Just one coat since you sanded.
Ok, thanks!
I have stair treads 4 X 12 that were milled and planed last year and stored under cover. Can I stain immediately or should I let them age once installed?
Install and let age: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Hi – We have a 25 year old pine deck that had been maintained every 3 years (7 times total in 21 years) up until 4 years ago by cleaning and pressure washing the deck and re-coating with Cabot semi-solid stain. It looked great for 21 years. Only now, 4 years later, was the deck flaking in areas such as on the railings. The floor is more worn off than flaking. We have cleaned and sanded the entire deck railing and it looks and feels great (to us) and appears to be ready to accept new stain. We simply cleaned and pressure washed the deck floor. From what I can gather from reading other posts about deck refinishing, am I correct in assuming that the only way to proceed from here is to use another semi-solid oil based stain? Cabot has reformulated the semi-solid oil based stain that we used for years and because we live in Pennsylvania we no longer have access to that particular formula stain. I understand the new formula is not nearly as effective or long lasting as the old one so I’m looking for an alternative. I certainly appreciate any guidance you can provide. Thanks so much for your time. Gina
Did you remove all the Cabot semi solid stain? Feel free to post a picture.
Cabot recommends using semisolid stain on our bare wood outdoor furniture. Why does Armstrong say not to use its semi solid? I was hopeful to buy your product!
They will need t to be stirred when they arrived.
Does mountain cedar turn red on treated pine… I need a brown with no red tint! The woodland brown appears to have some orange tones. If espresso would work is there any way to lighten the color?
Mountain Cedar is not red. More of a cedar color with taupe. Espresso is a dark brown. It is not suggested to lighten or thin the colors. You could also use Rustic Brown Semi-transparent.
Thank you.. now have used stripper and brightner… amazing stuff! Wondering about semi solid vs solid stain on 15 year old pine boards… any suggestions which way to go?
Here is a pic of prepped deck…
Thanks
Use the AC in a semi-solid color.
Can you tell me how many gallons for a 900sq ft deck? Thanks alot….
5- gallons of semi-solid should work. Just one coat is needed.
We started out using Rustic Brown semi-transparent stain on deck and loved it! Now we are putting up pre-made lattice panels for privacy screening. We REALLY want Rustic Brown in semi-solid, because ‘cheesy’ wood doesn’t accept stain uniformly. Available?
I ordered a sample of Sequoia because on-line it looked the closest/or darker to RB, but is way too red….as the name would imply. My bad.
RB does not come in a semi-solid. We do have a new color that is available. It is Semi-solid Espresso. A rich dark brown semi-solid.
Does AC make a solid cape cod grey stain for coastal area requirements?
AC does not come in a solid stain.
Can Armstrong-Clark simi-solid deck stain be used on a cedar fence?
Yes, it works great for a fence.
I applied the semi solid stain to my deck yesterday. It still feels damp to the touch and the color comes off on my fingers. How long will it take to fully dry so we can walk on it?
Leave it alone for a few days or until it is not “damp” to the touch. The semi-solid can take some time to fully cure depending on the temps and UV exposure.
Thank you!
Will the semi solid stain dry to the point that the color will not come off on fabric? It has now been three days and it still rubs off on clothing.
Yes, it fully cures unless you overapplied. A good rainstorm will help to remove an excess as well.
I don’t think I over applied. I tried to only apply enough to cover the wood. One of my decks has a roof over it, should I wash it at some point?
The roof over it will make the curing process longer. Try removing the excess stain with rages and mineral spirits. Saturate all oil rags in water when done and lay flat to dry outside. That should help speed up the process. Saturating the wood with water and rinsing well when done will also help to “float” off the excess oil.
Do semi solid deck stains peel like the solid deck stains or do they act more like semi transparent stains?
The AC sei-solids are penetrating stains and do not peel.
I am installing new KDAT pressure treated decking. My understanding is that I should not stain/seal it immediately but should wait about 30 days –then clean and brighten it and then stain/seal it. Is this correct?
Also–can I then apply one of your semi-solid stains on this recently installed decking?
Yes, that is correct. 30 days and prep first for KDAT wood. Unfortunately, the semi-solid colors cannot be done this soon on new wood. AC suggest waiting a year.
Even though it is KDAT and not “regular” pressure treated decking?
I have been advised that it is okay/I should seal with a semi transparent product after the initial install and 30 day wait. Is this also not advised?
You can with the semi-transparent after the 30 days and prep but you cannot with the semi-solids.
okay–I have been told that I NEED to seal/stain the new KDAT decking after 30-60 days
IF I want to eventually go with your semi solid product—what would you recommend I do?
Seal it with the semi transparent product–then wait the full year –prep and do semi solid?
OR
just leave it as is (no sealer/stain) and then after a while prep and apply the semi solid product?
(and if so –how long do I need to wait?)
Seal with the semi-trans and then if you want to switch to the semi-solid after a year, use this kit: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
I have a bit of leftover stain I’d like to use for another project. How long should I wait to cover with spar urethane?
See this for tips on storing the stain: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/shelf-life-of-armstrong-clark-stain
You cannot top coat the AC with a urethane or sealer.
The previous stain has worn unevenly in some areas on our deck. We are concerned that coverage will not be consistent and are interested in hearing from you what AC product you would suggest. Our deck is 6 years old and was previously stained with a Behr transparent wood finish slowly turned to a honey brown color after 6 months. Please advise.
Before using the AC you will need to remove any remnants of previous coatings of a different brand. Strip off what you can with this: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
Sand if needed anything that the stripper will not remove.
Forgot to mention the Dock is about 3 months old….
To be able to use the semi-solid, it is suggested to wait a year for natural weathering and then prep.
I have a dock mostly in full sun. About how long will semi -solid last in comparison to the semi transparent? I live just SC just south of Charlotte NC.
UV protection could be about 6-12 months longer.
Can I use AC semi-transparent (or semi-solid) stain on my (gray and very weathered cedar) Adirondack chairs if I clean and brighten them as much as possible. They have different amount of mildew, stain, and natural wear. I would, of course be electric sanding them (and using the finger sander between the slats too) before applying the stain.
They are probably about six to eight years old — left outside mostly the entire time — and in Northern Virginia (where it gets very humid in the summers and moderate snow in the winters). In short, are my chairs too far gone to benefit from your product? I’m not look for perfection, just a better looking set of chairs — and I would love to show (whatever might be left of) the wood grain if possible.
Clean and brighten for the prep. Do not sand. Use the semi-transparent colors, not the semi-solids for wood furniture.
I have an unstained deck approx 3 yrs old. It gets a fair bit of sun and exposure to four seasons. Based on information on the website, I should use deck cleaner and a semi-transparent color for best results.
For the prep, use the cleaner and then the wood brightener: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
Any AC color and transparency that you like will work. More pigment/color will equate to longer UV protection.
Ok thanks for reply. One more question. I’ve read that on new decks it is generally recommended to go with a semi-transparent. Do you agree with this? In your opinion is this a more desirable look with a newer deck (it is a pressure treated deck). Also do you think I could get 2 or more years without having to restrain?
Semi-transparent are more popular. Really depends on what you prefer. 2 years is normal.
I have an 11 month old pressure treated wood deck. Can’t decide between semi transparent or semi solid. What is typical time each of these lasts before you have to redo? I presume the semi solid lasts longer? Also I have a bit of a problem with uneven deck tones due to scrubbing off deck stamps with bleach I have a bunch of circles on the deck that are bleached out. I presume I have the best chance of masking this problem with a semi solid?
Lasts about the same but the semi-solid can give longer UV protection from fading. A semi-solid will not cover/mask the circles that are bleached and blend with the rest of the wood. Best to prep so all the wood color is even before applying the AC stain.
Hello ,any dealers in New Jersey or Philadelphia?
There is not. Shipping from our website takes 2-3 days to arrive.