Armstrong-Clark’s stain offers the long lasting life on exotic hardwoods. Note: There are not two different versions of Amber, Mahogany, and Black Walnut Colors. Same version and they can be used on all wood types, but these colors were designed for exotic wood like Ipe and Mahogany.
Tested by professionals, Armstrong Clark outperforms all other brands on exotic wood such as:
- IPE
- Mahogany
- Cumaru
- Tigerwood
- All Brazilian Exotic Woods
Key Features of Armstrong Clark Hardwood Stain:
- Application can be done in direct sunlight and on hot days.
- Applies easily by roller, brush, or airless sprayer. During spraying – going back over with a brush or roller will help give a more even appearance. After 24 hours any remaining puddles or glossy spots can be removed using a dry rag.
- Older wood is reconditioned by deep penetrating nondrying oils.
- Drying oils lock in the conditioning oils while pigments and water repellents lock out moisture and UV damage.
- Armstrong wood stain is compliant with all environmental standards.
- Does not contain any offensive odors.
Available Hardwood Colors
Amber, Mahogany, Semi-Trans Black Walnut
Coverage Area for Exotic Hardwoods:
Armstrong-Clark Deck and Siding Stain applies at 300-400 sq ft per gallon. Depending on wood porosity, actual coverage will vary.
Important
*We do not guarantee stain colors as they will vary widely depending on the wood type, age of wood, prepping of wood, and application. Small samples are available at top
I have a question in 2 parts:
1- I stripped/ brightened mahogany porch and there was furriness after drying so I lightly pole and hand sanded w 80 bc I didn’t like fur. I assume that’s fine yet do I need to brighten again bc I sanded some?
2- Also, I couldn’t stain for rain and time constraints, now at 17 days. Do I brighten again? And is re-brightening the answer to both questions?
Thanks !!
1. Brightener again will help to open up the wood pores.
2. Yes.
Ok so regardless of wait time the fact I sanded ideally brightening again will be prudent?
Yes.
I have a 4 inch applicator brush. Mahogany porch Boards are 3 or so. I’ll be overlapping one board to the next as I’d imagine there’s no way not too. If I work quickly to next board I guess I’ll be fine and no streaking?
please advise and any other tips for applying it. thanks very much
As long as you keep a wet edge, you are okay.
Meaning the edge lapping onto the next board shouldn’t dry?
No, keep the stain wet and not dry as you process to the next board and it will not overlap.
I have already purchased your stain and restore-a-deck kit for my 20 year old IPE deck. I have pressure washed the deck without any cleaner (just water) and it’s looking pretty good (see photo). Would you still recommend using the cleaner and brightener before staining? Should I use both or just brighten?
The railing/banister around my deck is slightly rough after cleaning and is giving me small splinters. I was planning to give it a light sand (by hand) to remove the splinters and roughness. Should I do the sanding before or after cleaning/brightening?
Thanks for your advice!
Do a light sand first and then brighten all wood after.
In my case should I skip the cleaner? Sand, brighten, stain?
You can skip it if you like.
Thank you! Your responses are really helpful for people like me doing this for the first time.
I have an unopened gallon of this hardwood stain that’s been sitting on a shelf for about a years. Would it still be ok to use?
If it has not frozen and was not opened, it should be okay.
Thanks. Actually it was out in a non-temp controlled garage for one northeast winter, I think. Is there a way to tell from looking at it whether it’s not good anymore?
Open it up and make sure there are no clumps or skining and it mixes 100% smooth. If it does, you can use it.
Can I apply one coat of Clear stain on a new mahogany deck or do I should wait few months? I would like to apply the clear stain before installing.
No, see here about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
What would be the shelf life of 5 gallon pail if I don’t use all of it on first application?
I am doing restoring an ipe deck, covered porch and stairs, one section at a time, and with short season in northern MN may not get to all of it this year.
12 months.
do I need to put a clear coat on top of this product? also what’s the best stain for teak wood?
You cannot add a clear coat on top of a deck stain. No need as well. Use one of the 3 AC Hardwood colors for teak.
Hello, have small Ipe balcony. I stripped and brightened using restore a deck, then waited 3+ days to apply stain. The next morning we had fog which caused a small amount of dew to sit on the freshly stained boards. Later that day I wiped down the excess/shiny boards after letting it sit for 24 hours. Later that night +4 hours it rained and I now have dark water stains on some of the boards. What did I do wrong? Seems like AC ipe stain doesn’t dry as quickly as some other brands I have used in the past as it still felt wet after 24 hours. I am looking to work on my front stairs which have the same ipe boards and were prepped the same way and now need some direction on how to proceed.
It may not have fully cured. Most likely will go away once the wood dries out.
I have approximately 320 Sq ft of Ipe deck. The information above indicates that 1 gallon will cover 300 SF – 400 SF for hardwoods. Ipe is an extremely hard wood. So based on this I should be able to 2 coats with 2 gallons. However, When I put the numbers into the deck stain calculator it says I need to have 4 gallons. Why the difference
Only one coat for IPE. You will need 1-2 gallons.
If I install new, unstained Ipe decking and let sit 3-4 months before wash/brightening/staining, as per the instructions, are there noticeable gaps in color between the boards on the sides? I believe the Trex Hideaway fasteners will leave 1/4″ gap between the boards. Thanks.
No. Stain will run down to sides.
I have just installed an ipe deck using ipe plugs glued into counterbored holes. I had to sand the plugs and the adjacent ipe surface. As a result the surface looks different from the adjacent wood surface. Any suggestion to ensure that the whole surface looks uniform after applying your amber ipe stain?
Let the wood weather for 3-4 months and then prep. That is what new wood needs to do plus it will help even it: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Hi, looking to restain 10 year old IPE deck, last time-stained was 5 years ago – I do not know what brand of stain was used – Do I need to strip deck or can I use Restore a deck to clean/brighten? Also – I have a BBQ grill that cannot be moved off deck – Can I stain boards around it, let dry, move grill onto the stained area and then continue staining or will that cause shading issues? Thank you!
Strip and brighten for the prep. You can move the BBQ around while working.
Thank you! Two other questions – I do not see the Black Walnut listed in samples, only the semi-transparent – I’m considering the Mahogany and Black Walnut – Are samples available for both?
For the Posts – They would be very difficult to strip – any thoughts?
There is only on Black Walnut version, not two. It is a semi-transparent. You have to strip the posts as well.
I cannot figure out how to enter payment information at the checkout. Please advise.
Hello,
Did you see the announcement on the checkout page?
Do you recommend the amber or mahogany oil for a naturally toned Brazilian redwood deck? Will the mahogany last longer due to more pigment? Only familiar with Penofin as used in the past. Thanks.
Either color is fine. The Mahogany may give a little longer UV protection.
Hi, I have a fairly large ipe decking and my husband usually bought and stained the deck because he built them. My problem is he has since passed away since the last time we stained the deck and I need to do them this year. I know we used the armstrong deck stain and I believe it was the mahogany. My question is are they all oil based for this type of decking,?
Yes, all the AC stains are oil based.
I currently have cedar tone on my decking (just deck boards). Can I put a clear stain on top after the usual prep? I like the current appearance and was wondering if switching to clear would be the best way to keep the finish appearance stable as opposed to appling more cedar tone. Fwiw – I put the initial cedar tone stain on last September, so it’s ready for it’s one year birthday recoat (of something).
Armstrong does not come in a clear. Best to stick with the Cedar Tone.
If I wanted to switch to the red transparent stain on top of the existing cedar tone, would there be any issues mixing stains?
You would have to prep with this: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
I’m about to install new 5/4 ipe on a 350 sq. ft deck in southern California. I did sample tests on the new wood with the amber and the black walnut and have decided to use the black walnut.
1. I’ve been told that the underside and sides of the ipe should be stained before attaching the wood to the joists. Is there any issue with not waiting the 3-4 months?
2. If the stain gets on the top surface while applying it to the other three sides, will that cause any future discoloration?
3. What is the downside of staining all four sides during and shortly after the installation process?
1. No reason or advantage to staining the undersides or sides, just the exposed wood after install, weather, and prep.
2. Yes, if you did stain them but once again, no reason.
3. It will not soak in very well and could prematurely fail.
I just purchased a bunch of tigerwood deck tiles. Can I use the ipe stain on these tiles? And how long after installation can I apply?
see here about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Yes, you can use one of the Hardwood colors for this.
I applied a good solid one coat of the Black Walnut on IPE this weekend? How often will I have to restain on IPE with that color? South facing deck, lots of sun!
Annually is best. Clean before reapplying.
Why does it say on the back of the can that you are only suppose to use amber or mahogany colors on IPE decks? I used black walnut and it looks great so far. Just did it this weekend!
Black Walnut is a newer IPE/hardwood color. The can has not been updated yet to include it.
Our new deck, built last summer, has a custom balustrade made from IPE. The contractor told me he would oil the balustrade to make it look dark. Instead, it looks very red, a color I don’t want.
Would your hardwood IPE stain in black walnut darken it?
When the balustrades were built last summer, the contractor applied a clear IPE oil.
Thank you for your consideration.
You would have to strip off the IPE Oil first: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
Then you can use the AC Black Walnut.
I applied this Mahogany stain to my deck, which is Brazilian Hardwood, in the summer of 2017. I’m preparing to do it again in a couple of months and was wondering if the deck needs to be cleaned and brightened before reapplying the stain or if I can just clean with a deck cleaner or power wash before reapplying since the stain is already applied, just faded.
Use this for the prep with light pressure washing: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-wood-cleaner
No need for the brightener this time.
I just power washed the deck (Brazilian hardwood) How long do I need to let the deck dry before applying the stain. It’s currently 85 degrees and the deck is in the sun.
Thanks for your help.
About 48 hours.
Just double checking but did you say it’s ok to apply A.C. stain to Ipe 4 hours before rain? My deck is stripped and brightened and ready to go but would hate to get water spots on my wood
With IPE, you would be better off with 12-24 hours before rain comes.
Thanks, from the forecast it may be over a week before there are two days without rain. If it’s that long or longer should I hit the deck one more time with brightener?
You should be fine as long as you stain within 2 weeks of prep.
i stained a cumaru deck 2 years ago with mohagany. The stain looks very uneven… perhaps it needed a 2nd coat. I want to restain and am thinking of using walnut. any issues if i just use cleaner/powerwash?
It is time to redo after 2 years. If you want to switch colors then strip and brighten for prep:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
you linked to the restore a deck… (which i used on the new wood and still have). SHould i use this again? or a stripper? (is the stripper necessary or will the color just be off?)
what if i just use same color?
Sorry, you need this: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
It needs to be stripped for best prep. Very easy to do.
but same color can just be applied over without stripping yea? (its all A/C stain…)
Not when uneven. Stripping is just as easy or easier than cleaning. Best to do it the correct way for an even appearance.
Just bought tiger wood to cover an outdoor cabinet. The retailer sold us Deckwise Ope oil. What are the main differences between the Ipe oil and the AC products? I am leaning towards using the black walnut. Also they said to allow the wood to season for 7 days before install then apply oil. Just checking to see if was given good guidance since the wood is quite expensive.
THANKS
AC will have longer UV protection. The Black Walnut is a very rich beautiful color. You will need a few months to let the wood weather and a proper clean and brighten of the wood for prep. They gave you incorrect advice.
Do you have any pictures of how the stain looks on tigerwood in amber vs mahogany?
We do not but we offer samples to test on your wood:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
[quote name=”Sonya Ross”]Bought a house w/ipe covered porch installed 3 years ago. Never been sealed or stained as far as I can tell. Has weathered gray. Planning to use RAD. Should I go darker (black walnut?) given it is already gray? Thanks in advance![/quote]
The gray will come off with the RAD and light pressure washing. You can use any color after.
[quote name=”Sonya Ross”]Bought a house w/ipe covered porch installed 3 years ago. Never been sealed or stained as far as I can tell. Has weathered gray. Planning to use RAD. Should I go darker (black walnut?) given it is already gray? Thanks in advance![/quote]
The gray will come off with the RAD and light pressure washing. You can use any color after.
Bought a house w/ipe covered porch installed 3 years ago. Never been sealed or stained as far as I can tell. Has weathered gray. Planning to use RAD. Should I go darker (black walnut?) given it is already gray? Thanks in advance!
Bought a house w/ipe covered porch installed 3 years ago. Never been sealed or stained as far as I can tell. Has weathered gray. Planning to use RAD. Should I go darker (black walnut?) given it is already gray? Thanks in advance!
[quote name=”Tom Munizzo”]Staining a IPE deck – where can I pick this up at in the chicagoland area[/quote]
You cannot. Shipping only takes 1-2 days to arrive.
[quote name=”Tom Munizzo”]Staining a IPE deck – where can I pick this up at in the chicagoland area[/quote]
You cannot. Shipping only takes 1-2 days to arrive.
Staining a IPE deck – where can I pick this up at in the chicagoland area
Staining a IPE deck – where can I pick this up at in the chicagoland area
[quote name=”Bill1″]How long does the Hardwood/Ipe stain need to dry before rain?[/quote]
4 hours.
[quote name=”Bill1″]How long does the Hardwood/Ipe stain need to dry before rain?[/quote]
4 hours.
How long does the Hardwood/Ipe stain need to dry before rain?
How long does the Hardwood/Ipe stain need to dry before rain?
[quote name=”Joe Steffler”]Hi,
Our deck has been stained with the Amber deck stain. I’m assuming ipe but I don’t see this on the can anywhere. The deck has a ton of dirt accumulated on it in just 1 year. It seems that the stain collects the dirt. I would like to recoat the deck this year but I would like to get your opinion on how to clean it before doing so? Would a standard deck cleaner work without causing any issues to the existing coat on the deck? I would like to place an order within the next couple of days.[/quote]
Since it is IPE and has to be done every year, it is best to use a deck cleaner like the Restore A Deck Kit for the prep. It does not matter if the current coating is removed and is encouraged when reapply to IPE wood.
[quote name=”Joe Steffler”]Hi,
Our deck has been stained with the Amber deck stain. I’m assuming ipe but I don’t see this on the can anywhere. The deck has a ton of dirt accumulated on it in just 1 year. It seems that the stain collects the dirt. I would like to recoat the deck this year but I would like to get your opinion on how to clean it before doing so? Would a standard deck cleaner work without causing any issues to the existing coat on the deck? I would like to place an order within the next couple of days.[/quote]
Since it is IPE and has to be done every year, it is best to use a deck cleaner like the Restore A Deck Kit for the prep. It does not matter if the current coating is removed and is encouraged when reapply to IPE wood.
Hi,
Our deck has been stained with the Amber deck stain. I’m assuming ipe but I don’t see this on the can anywhere. The deck has a ton of dirt accumulated on it in just 1 year. It seems that the stain collects the dirt. I would like to recoat the deck this year but I would like to get your opinion on how to clean it before doing so? Would a standard deck cleaner work without causing any issues to the existing coat on the deck? I would like to place an order within the next couple of days.
Hi,
Our deck has been stained with the Amber deck stain. I’m assuming ipe but I don’t see this on the can anywhere. The deck has a ton of dirt accumulated on it in just 1 year. It seems that the stain collects the dirt. I would like to recoat the deck this year but I would like to get your opinion on how to clean it before doing so? Would a standard deck cleaner work without causing any issues to the existing coat on the deck? I would like to place an order within the next couple of days.
[quote name=”Raymond Danner”]Would this be the proper stain to coat new tongue and groove 1×4″ covered front porch, would you recommend coating all sides before installation?
The product we have is Blue Star 100% certified Malaysian Hardwood tongue and groove 1×4″ x8′ boards, we are replacing existing mahogany tongue and groove floor on the porch[/quote]
Just the exposed wood needs to be stained. Install, wait a month, prep with the Restore A deck Kit, and apply one coat only.
[quote name=”Raymond Danner”]Would this be the proper stain to coat new tongue and groove 1×4″ covered front porch, would you recommend coating all sides before installation?
The product we have is Blue Star 100% certified Malaysian Hardwood tongue and groove 1×4″ x8′ boards, we are replacing existing mahogany tongue and groove floor on the porch[/quote]
Just the exposed wood needs to be stained. Install, wait a month, prep with the Restore A deck Kit, and apply one coat only.
Would this be the proper stain to coat new tongue and groove 1×4″ covered front porch, would you recommend coating all sides before installation?
The product we have is Blue Star 100% certified Malaysian Hardwood tongue and groove 1×4″ x8′ boards, we are replacing existing mahogany tongue and groove floor on the porch
Would this be the proper stain to coat new tongue and groove 1×4″ covered front porch, would you recommend coating all sides before installation?
The product we have is Blue Star 100% certified Malaysian Hardwood tongue and groove 1×4″ x8′ boards, we are replacing existing mahogany tongue and groove floor on the porch
[quote name=”Richard D Franklin”]Is the AC Hardwood/IPE stain suitable for southern pine (ACQ) decking?
What would be the coverage/gallon on new PT pine, after aging?[/quote]
The IPE/Hardwood colors can be used on all wood types and are offered. The color samples on our site though are on IPE for the Mahogany and that color will not look like the picture on pine. Best to get samples to test prior to ordering. Coverage is about 200 sq. feet per gallon.
[quote name=”Richard D Franklin”]Is the AC Hardwood/IPE stain suitable for southern pine (ACQ) decking?
What would be the coverage/gallon on new PT pine, after aging?[/quote]
The IPE/Hardwood colors can be used on all wood types and are offered. The color samples on our site though are on IPE for the Mahogany and that color will not look like the picture on pine. Best to get samples to test prior to ordering. Coverage is about 200 sq. feet per gallon.
Is the AC Hardwood/IPE stain suitable for southern pine (ACQ) decking?
What would be the coverage/gallon on new PT pine, after aging?