Armstrong Clark Stain Samples
Here is how our sample program works:
- Pick as many colors as you would like by placing a check next to each then click “Add to Cart”. Color swatches at bottom of the page.
- Samples are N/C but we charge $10 each to cover our shipping costs.
- Once you decide to purchase a stain from our site, you can use the money you spent towards the purchase of a 5 Gallon Pail of Stain!
- Maximum $15 discount per customer/household. Instructions on how to get a credit will be included with your samples.
*Sample program cannot be combined with any promotional discount coupons!
How To Claim Sample Credit
- Enter your sample order number into the “Comment Area” during checkout. The sample credit will be issued after the order for the 5-gallon pail is placed. Typically the next business day and will post to your Credit card or Pay Pal account within 3-8 business days.
Available Armstrong Clark Wood Stain Color Samples
Transparent Cedar Tone, Transparent Natural Tone, Transparent Redwood Tone, Amber, Mahogany, Semi-Trans Black Walnut, Semi-Trans Cedar, Semi-Trans Chestnut, Semi-Trans Driftwood Gray, Semi-Trans Natural Oak, Semi-Trans Rustic Brown, Semi-Trans Sierra Redwood, Semi-Solid Espresso, Semi-Solid Mtn. Cedar, Semi-Solid Oxford, Semi-Solid Sequoia, Semi-Solid Woodland Brown
We live on the east coast of Florida, full sun, humidity and salt. Our deck and stairs are 2 years old and PT wood. Would the semi-transparent stain hold up? Looking at the driftwood stain.
Yes, it would.
Being oil based, is it prone to mildew?
AC stains all contain a registered mildewcide to help combatant issues where any environment is prone to mildew.
Thank you!
Approximately how long will the semi-trans last on horizontal surfaces with light traffic?
About 2-3 years.
For ash, would I need to use the hardwoods stains?
Yes.
Is the Amber stain considered semi-solid?
Semi-transparent.
We have western red cedar planks that were installed in 2019 for a deck, table, and other various small projects. We allowed it to weather over the winter and 2020 without sealing or staining. We made the mistake of sanding the deck last week with 120 grit sandpaper (and 220 grit in smaller project areas) before realizing it was the wrong thing to do before staining.
Can you tell us if the following steps are correct to fix our wrong:
1. re-sand with 60-80 grit paper to increase porosity of the wood
2. brighten with Restore-A-Deck brightener
3. stain with semi-transparent AC (cedar tone)
Yes, correct steps but clean and then brighten after sanding and just one coat of the AC Stain.
I have installed a 200 sf redwood deck. The redwood is over 50 yrs old and mostly clear heart. It is a covered patio that has about 10% in the sun for a few hours a day in west Texas. I am getting ready to sand it and then will seal/stain. I would like the redwood grain to show as much as possible. Recommendations?
Any colors in the transparent and semi-transparent that you like will work. Make sure to clean and brighten after any sanding.
I’m in Miami, FL… extreme heat and humidity. I am having ipe steps made for my raised front porch but I need to darken them to go with my house. If I put the black walnut semi transparent stain on them, and then put a coat of spar urethane to seal them, is that enough? Will they even last a couple of years before having to redo it?
You cannot top coat a deck stain with a varnish or sealer. It will peel. IPE needs to be restained annually.
We have a 45 year old cypress deck that’s still in pretty good shape. We’ve replace a few boards, also with cypress. It was treated yearly with Cuprinol for about 25 years so it was a pretty weathered gray. It was neglected for about 5 years, then it was stained brown. That has finally faded and we’ve begun to clean and brighten it. Some boards have been replaced. I’ve been testing various stain products on the deck, from clear, to semi-transparent, to semi-solid. My hope would be to get it back to a natural weathered gray appearance, but I realize that a lot of time has passed and the wood has been neglected. Would your transparent driftwood gray provide a natural look? Another option would be to match the deck to the house (which is cedar siding with Cabot Seacoast Gray solid stain), but that would obscure the wood grain and be too matchy-matchy. I don’t want to go brown again. The wood doesn’t have to look perfect. I’m really stumped. The photo shows old boards next to a couple of the new ones. Thanks for any advice!
We would suggest getting a sample of the gray to make sure it stains the wood as you want it to.
I am planning to paint my Grape Stake Cedar fence with AC Transparent or semi-transparent stain. My cat jumps onto the fence every day. Is it safe for the cat to contact the fence after it has dryed?
Once fully dried and cured, it is fine.
This northern white cedar siding is 15-20 years old and has not been treated. Gutters need to be installed to prevent further backsplash from rain dripping off eaves above. Before doing that, I’d like to apply a semi-transparent or semi-solid stain. Which will homogenize the two tones of the cedar wood? Is there a treatment for restoring the lower gray wood to the wood color up highter?
Use the RAD Prep kit while pressure washing for prep: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
I have a strong interest in your semi-solid stain. I have a deck made up of old and new cedar and some pressure treated pine. I want to put on a stain that will hide their differences while still penetrating the wood. Both the old cedar and treated wood have been sanded and all three woods have been cleaned and brightened. I want to avoid solid stain because it will not penetrate. My two questions are: will the semi-solid be a good cover to hide the wood differences , and is there a way to get the semi-solid in driftwood?
Semi-solids cannot be used for new wood unless it has weathered for 12 months or longer: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
It does not come in gray. Once weathered and properly prepped, it would blend the older nd new wood better than a semi-transparent but it will still be slightly offer color between the wood.
Which category do the “Hardwoods & Softwoods” fit into? What is different about these three?
The three hardwood colors are designed exotic hardwoods but can also be used on all other wood types.
I used semi-solid stain in sequoia color on my decks a few years ago. Now some areas of the decks started faded exposing light grey tone of deck wood. Can I stain over the existing deck using the same stain only with cleaning but without removing the existing stain?
Best to use this kit while pressure washing: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
I have about 250 LF of new (2 months old) Western Red Cedar 8′ privacy fence. I used an oil-based semi-transparent stain (Ready Seal) on about 40′ in a color that should have left the pickets in a natural cedar color, but turned out very orange and does not look good with our house color. Can I apply a darker Armstrong-Clark semi-solid stain over the Ready Seal I’ve already applied? Can I do that now, or do I have to wait the 12 months you’ve recommended? How about the rest of the new fencing that I’ve not yet stained?
No, you cannot apply a different brand over the RS. No matter what you will have to strip and brighten the wood to switch from RS to the AC. https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
Is the natural tone transparent stain “clear” or is there some pigmentation to it.
We want to preserve the natural color of our new cedar deck
Natural is tinted, not clear.
Can you blend stains to create your own color. I am looking at creating a blend of amber and redwood tone or amber and sierra redwood to get more red than amber.
Yes you can do this.
We have some exposed columns and beams on a porch (Douglas Fir) that were previously stained with an solid stain when we built the house (they were exposed for about 1 month, then stained for about 2 years). We’re looking for the darkest brown, non red tinted stain possible – should be be looking at the semi-solid espresso? Is a semi-solid appropriate for the age of the wood? The wood is still pushing sap through the previous stain. We’ve been sanding the beams with 50 grit and probably finish with 80 grit sandpaper to remove all of the previous stain. Is black walnut your next darkest color for Douglas Fir if the semi-solid is not appropriate? Are these going to require annual applications in a high altitude (6800′)?
You will have to remove 100% of the solid stain to be able to use the AC stains. Darkest would be the Espresso and Black Walnut. Either could be used. Just one coat. Redo every 2-3 years is normal. Nothing will top sap from leaching out of the wood.
Is the hardwood Black walnut labeled in the sample as “semi transparent Black walnut”? we have Cumaru and are looking for a darker stain. Will that work on Cumaru?
There is only one Black Walnut formula and it is a color designed for hardwoods but can be used for other wood types as well. It will work for your wood type.
Can I use a painter’s mitt to apply semi-transparent stain to softwood deck spindles?
Sure.
Quick question about samples. New P/T deck I plan to stain with semi-trans this fall. I’ve already ordered Chestnut and Sierra Redwood samples and applied them to scrap, but both seem too light. I was going to order Rustic Brown sample, but notice on the order form that Black Walnut is also semi-trans (yet Mahogany and Amber in the same category are not). Is that correct … Black Walnut is the same as the six semi-trans stains you have available and will be okay for P/T? Thanks.
You can use the Black Walnut on PTP and is a semi-transparent.
Thanks
I am installing new Cypress T&G on a porch ceiling. Looking to introduce a mahogany tint / color. Would the Amber or Mahogany color for Hardwoods and Softwoods be recommended? I was planning on staining board prior installation – is this recommended with your product?
See here about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Look at Chestnut or Mogaogany color for this on cypress wood.
I’m in Toronto,Ontario my deck is 3 years old PT and I am looking to stain. Which is a stain with a wet finish look and doesn’t really change the color of the deck? Does each stain type offer the same amount of protection? Also, how long can the product be stored for?
Look at the Amber color. Once opened it is good for about 12 months.
My wife reminded me about the sample program. We have received 6 samples. I ordered a 5 gal bucket today.
Forgot about the program. Can it still be applied? Sample order #00033721
The max sample credit is $15 and we issued that today. BTW, I have a summer home on Blue Lake just north of you.
When our project is finished, I will let you know, with photos. Maybe you can come by and actually look at the finished product. Use the above email if interested. BTW also, We both love the BLT. Hope it reopens soon.
It reopened two weeks ago.
Hello I am in Montreal Canada, we have a deck of 2ftx2ft squares of hard wood semi-open slats. 18 years old. I am not looking for more than protecting the wood and an enduring stain rather than one or two years. Normally I just sand and stain. After 18 years I think this must have worked, some distortion is happening and disintegration of the base wood that never got stained but overall its a great achievement. So, I think of just sanding and buying your stain. thanks for any comment.
You will be fine with doing this as long as you remove the previous coatings first.
We have a two year old cedar fence we are going to apply a finish to. This fence replaces one we put up in the summer of ‘89. We used Floods CWF clear. We liked the “golden” color (and it lasted).
We are looking at using your transparent. Does it bring out the natural just sawn coloring? How long should we expect it to last?
Thank you!
Natural looks like a wet look. For a fence. It will last about 2-4 years.
Hi, I’m looking for some advice.
I’m planning on re-staining our deck, Can you tell what kind of wood I have In my deck and suggest what product I should buy?
Use on of the three hardwood colors. Amber, Mahogany, or Black Walnut.
I’m looking for more protection, this deck is fully sun all day. Ive already tried to use transparent stain (Sikkens/TWP) but didn’t last 1 year after the application, just fade were the sun hits, and remains impecable under we put the furniture. Does why I ask you if you can help me recognize the type of wood in my deck, maybe I need to apply a sealer or something else. I just want my stain to last.
Your wood type requires an annual application, nothing will last longer nor is it possible to make it last longer. You have an exotic hardwood.
Thanks. When you said exotic wood do you mean IPE?
IPE or cumaru.
I built a porch swing with Ipe. The original finish did not last. I want to sand and refinish it. I am concerned about it drying and sitting on it after finishing it. I would like to finish it close to the natural wood color. Thanks!
Look at Amber color for IPE.
The swing looks amazing. Thanks for the assistance!
Hi. Could you please advise as to whether your semi-solid stain is recommended for use on our railing system and on the porch floor. I was thinking of Amber on the floor and mountain Cedar on the railing. If that stain is not suitable, can you recommend another of your products please?
Do we need to clean the porch floor with something given it has been installed for some time? The wood types and their exposure to the weather are noted below.
The railing is cedar, all constructed last summer, stored inside and installed in late April, 2020. The railing is white cedar except for the upcoming post caps which will be red cedar (caps yet to be cut to size and bevelled – and thus not weathered yet).
The porch floor and stair steps are made of pressure-treated pine, installed about 8 years ago. Our exposure is south. Porch is covered, steps and edges of porch (and thus railing system) are exposed to rain. We live in Ontario, Canada.
Is it possible to have the small can samples of stain shipped to Ontario?
Lastly, since it is on our wish list for… if anything was possible… can a stain be tinted (at a price) to more closely match an existing colour, e.g., the siding colour on our home? The Benjamin Moore Paint colours on our home are: HC 103- Cromwell Grey, and HC 104 – Copley Grey. Thank you.
See here for new wood tips: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
After the wait, clean and brighten all wood. Sample can be bought here on this page.
No custom colors.
I live in Quebec and have a brand new deck as of May 12. It is treated pine. My deck is very shaded by large trees all late spring, summer, and early fall. Can I use a transparent stain?
You can use any color you like. See here about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Thank you so much! That article is very helpful.
Hi..in Ohio..full sun abg pool deck about 8 yrs old. Should I use semi transparent or semi solid? Pressure washing first. Will either peel? Before I buy samples I want to know what opaquisity to use. I wd like it to last a few yrs bc its a big deck and expensive to have someone stain it
AC does not peel. Use the semi-transparent or semi-solid. Either is fine.
Which would be better for chlorine?
It does not matter as no deck stain will be resistant to chlorine.
Thought you wd say that..ugh..ok thanks for the reply!
I put a coat of AC semi-transparent drift wood grey on my deck and it’s not as grey as I would like it. If I put a second coat on will that bring more grey out?
It should a little.
was thinking of using your product on older treated lumber..not a fan of stains so was thinking of going with transparent stain natural tone. ..do your transparent stains peel over time or should i stick with a sealer? thx in advance
No, AC stains do not peel.
I would like to have the AC stain used on my deck applied by a professional. It was done 2 years ago but needs another application. Problem is that I cannot find anyone who knows about the product and how to use it. The company that did it last time is no longer doing decks and cannot recommend anyone else. How can I find a competent professional who knows how to use AC on my Ipe deck. I am in zip code 18940. Do you have a list of professionals in my area?
We do not know of anyone. Look for a deck restoration company online for your area. It is not hard to apply so any company that knows how to apply a deck stain will work.
I started to stain a new cedar fence and don’t like it, I would like to keep the natural wood look, can I remove the stain that I applied? Is there a product that would only enhance the natural wood grain/color. The wood is semi rough what size nap roller do I need, maybe I’m not applying it correctly , I’m using a 3/8 nap roller, I did not prep it, seems to not roll on smoothly but it just looks dull and flat , no wood grain.
Use this to remove: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
Try the Natural color. Use a stain pad or brush for applying, not a roller.
I am restoring a small 50 year old deck. I do not know the type of wood. Because it is a cantilever deck, we must save and preserve the floor joists that extend back into the house. We are replacing the rim boards and decking with pressure treated lumber. I need to stain the floor joists now because some will need a new sister for support and this will be the last time for a long, long time we will have access to them. The new wood obviously will need to season before staining sometime next year. With both old and new wood, what do you recommend for stain, semi-transparent or solid? And do you have a retailer anywhere near Kansas City? Thank you.
Semi-Transparent. No dealers in KC.
I bought semi-transparent stain to redo the rough cedar siding on my house. The original stain used was SIKKENS Cetol SRD translucent stain, but you can no longer get this in an oil-based formula in Canada so I chose to change to Armstrong Clark. The south and west side of the house take a beating from the sun in the summer, so I went with semi-transparent this time. After using the new stain on the railings and sides of our upstairs patio, my wife is concerned about the opaqueness of the semi-transparent. Can it be thinned down with something to reduce the pigment to oil ratio? Any other suggestions?
No, you cannot thin it. The semi-transparent is not opaque in that it hides or masks the grain of the wood.
I’m using semi-trans natural oak on exterior cedar patio structure. Should a wood pre-conditioner be used prior to staining to prevent blotching?
No, you cannot use a pre conditioner.
Can a semi transparent stain be used on a exterior wood coffee table ? My wife wants me to sand it down and stain it.
Yes but do not sand finer than 80 grit.
Can a Semi-Solid Stain be used on top of a Semi-Transparent stain?
If the semi-trans is ACA and you prep it, then yes.
We have a new deck and are trying to match our deck color to Minwax Special Walnut hardwood stain which is on our den floor. Our wall in the den is mostly windows and opens up to the deck. We are not having any luck at Lowes or Home Depot and just found your stain listed high on a Deck Stain review website. Does anyone have an actual picture of the semi-transparent Natural Oak?
No, not on oak.
Semi-transparent Natural Oak is the name of the Armstrong Clark color, not the type of wood.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/armstrong-clark-photo-album
Looking for some advice on untreated southern yellow pine. I’ve built a cedar deck and used Armstrong-Clark before, turned out great. This T&G pine will go underneath a covered porch.
Most would use the Natural for the T&G.
For a new pine KDAT covered deck on screened porch, can I apply AC prior to install? Or is it necessary to install, wait 1-2 months, then prep? If prep is required, what is the product or kit from AC?
No, you need to wait and prep. See here for tips: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
KDAT should be about 1-2 months.
can you use this stain over existing stain
Not a stain of a different brand.
Is this a one step process, do I put anything on top of the stain
You cannot add a sealer or any coating on top of any deck stain. The AC is a sealer and a stain.
Which of the semi-solid options is closest to a medium brown? I don’t want any orange/red hue. And, I don’t want something that is dark and will get hot.
There is not a medium brown in the semi-solid colors.
What is the most popular semi solid color?
Mountain Cedar.
You list “Semi-Trans Black Walnut” as a sample color, but I do not see that color on the color chart. The only Black Walnut I see is under “Hardwoods and Softwoods.” We want to order the following samples: Semi-Solid Espresso, Semi-Solid Oxford Brown, and Hardwoods & Softwoods Black Walnut.
There is only one “Black Walnut” color and it can work on wood types. It is a semi-transparent color.
We will be adding another coat this spring. Hopefully that will hold up another year. Decks are a lot of maintenance to keep them looking nice. Here is what it looked like last fall after staining rustic brown. We live in Indiana and deck tends to fade in winter. It always looks darker when you first apply.
Is this on treated lumber?
I’m getting your Restore A Deck kit but i’m not sure which stain I should use. I have southern yellow pine and I hear it’s difficult to stain. Can you recommend a stain? I was thinking about the Cedar or Natural Oak from the Semi Transparent Stains but i’ll go with whichever looks best.
Any color is good. We like the Natural Oak color.
I would use the Natural Oak, the darker the color I think will hold up longer. I would do two coats. We use rustic brown just did it last fall. We get a lot of early to mid day sun. We have cedar boards. Cedar stain will look more yellow.
Your deck looks really good. Thank you for the example that helps a lot
Any experience or luck with mixing rustic brown with driftwood together for an application.
You can mix colors together. As for what it will look like on your wood, you would have to test that out as it will vary.
Thank you! Do you all recommend not sanding new pressure treated wood before staining? What about a light sand to knock down post installation imperfections? I do plan to use the RAD Clean and Brightener before staining.
No, do not sand. See here for new wood tips: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Stained the cedar railing of my porch last spring with semi-transparent cedar and there was a noticeable darkening, almost mildewy appearance over the last few months. Stripped off stain and am going to reapply. I was wondering if applying a polyurathane or other sealant over the newly stained wood would help preserve the color better.
No, it is not possible to top coat a deck stain like the AC nor would that help in any way.