Armstrong Clark is a penetrating oil based stain that will soak deep into the wood grain offering protection from UV graying and water. The advantages to a penetrating deck stain is that they will not peel but rather fade over the years. The key though is proper prep before applying your AC especially if your wood is new.
New “smooth” wood should not be stained right away with Armstrong Clark. A few things need to happen first:
- The wood should dry out in the climate
- Exposed layers of wood cells should oxidize slightly
- Mill glaze needs to be removed
- Prep after waiting will remove both oxidation and mill glaze
New Decks and Armstrong Clark Stain Tips
The best advice is to not stain your new smooth wood too soon after install but follow these steps:
- Install wood and let sit outside for 3-4 months or more if using a transparent or semi-transparent color. If using a semi-solid color, you should wait 12 months.
- Once the wood has been exposed, use the Restore A Deck Cleaner and Brightener Kit for prep.
- Let the wood dry for 2 or more days after prep.
- Apply 1 coat of the Armstrong Clark Stain. Do not over apply.
To maintain your new coat of AC you will most likely need to a light coat in 12-24 months to just the floors or horizontals surfaces. In the future, you will need to reapply AC every 2-3 years for most scenarios or as needed based on your particular traffic and weather.
Important Note: Rough Sawn cut wood can be stained right after install as long as the wood is clean and dry.
How to Calculate Square Footage
Deck Sq. Footage
Flooring Length x width =?
Railing Length x height =?
Steps Width x Depth x #of Steps =?
Add up all 3 for the Total Sq. footage.
Fence Sq. Footage
Length x height =?
Multiply x 2 for both sides = Total Sq. Footage
Coverage Rate for AC Stains
The specified coverage rate for Armstrong Clark is 150-300 square feet per gallon for the first coat on new wood. From this, and from measuring the surface you can calculate how much stain you need. For more aged wood you could easily factor in some extra stain. On newer wood that is still smooth and dense, you probably are not going to use as much.
Note: Hardwood Decking spreads about twice as far. 300-400 sq feet per gallon and only 1 coat.
For maintenance coats you are not going to use near as much stain as you did initially staining bare wood. There are just way too many variables to know the exact coverage rate. There is really no way of knowing exactly how much stain you will need. It is better to buy more than you need than to not have enough. You can always save left over stain for next time. Armstrong Clark has a shelf life of 1 year if opened and 3 years unopened as long as the can is properly resealed.
If you have a question on prepping your need wood or deck, feel free to ask below.
My wife is extremely sensitive stain odors. Is there an odor and does it linger in the air and on the wood?
Yes, AC stains have an odor and will linger untill fuly cured. FYI, all deck stains will have an odor.
Hello, sorry if this has already been answered. How long do I have to wait to stain a new KDAT PT deck? The lumber tag said clear and sami-transparent could be done immediately. Semi-solid should be applied after 3-6 months. I want to use the black walnut stain, do you still recommend waiting 12 months? Is there a water test that could be performed as an indicator to “readiness”?
Thanks!
You cannot stain it right away for KDAT. Wait 1-2 months for KDAT wood and then prep with this kit:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
Hi, I’m so glad to find this discussion and your stain. We are just finishing with the install of 33×13 KDAT Clear PT deck. I’ve had the lumber stacked in our pole barn since March. It’s the end of October here in Indiana. I had hopes of getting the stain on yet this season but I’m now I’m wondering? What do you recommend?
You have to install it, then weather it, and then prep it. Wait 1-2 months for KDAT wood and then prep with this kit:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
Thank you! What are the temperature restrictions for the stain?
50-90 F.
Is that just during application? What about night time temps?
Hello. Cedar deck about 4 years old. I did Cleaner and brightener but unfortunately I was not able to apply stain, it’s been over a week. Do I need to re-do any of these steps before I stain?
No, just make sure that blow or sweep off any debris.
thank you. Still ok if it turns into 2 weeks?
If longer than 2 weeks do a light cleaning and redo of the brightener.