Armstrong Clark 2022 Contest Results can be seen here: 2022 Armstrong Clark Stain Contest
Armstrong Clark 2021 Contest Results can be seen here: 2021 Armstrong Clark Stain Contest
Armstrong Clark 2020 Contest Results can be seen here: 2020 Armstrong Clark Stain Contest
Armstrong Clark 2019 Contest Results can be seen here: 2019 Armstrong Clark Stain Contest
The Armstrong Clark Wood Restoration 2023 Contest is closed!
First Place
Mark Good
First Place = $500
Second Place
Craig Mattson
Second Place = $300
Third Place
Paul Daniusis
Third Place = $200
Thanks to all the entries this year! All entries were excellent and that made it very hard to choose the winners!
We will be contacting the winners via email.
The Armstrong Clark 2023 Contest Details
- All Armstrong Clark and Prep products must be purchased first from this online retail site (ArmstrongClarkStain.com) between January 1st – Sept 30th, 2023.
- The deadline for entry is Sept. 30th, 2023.
- The winner will be decided by October 15th by our team.
Contestant winners will receive
- First Place = $500
- Second Place = $300
- Third Place:= $200
How To Enter the Contest
- Enter by Sept. 30th, 2023.
- In the comment section below, post a short description of your deck/wood staining project, the products used to prep, and the Armstrong Clark Stain and Color used. Examples of wood projects that can be entered: Decks, Fences, Wood Side Homes, Log Cabins, etc.
- Add 2 before prepping pictures of the wood that was restored (no more/less). You can still enter if you do not have the before pictures. Decks, wood fences, wood homes, etc are allowed.
- 2 after staining pictures must be included (no more/less).
- If having trouble uploading the pictures, please make your picture(s) size smaller (below 1 MB).
Any questions or issues posting, please ask in the comment area.
We look forward to all Armstrong Clark Stain entries!
*Disclaimer: All products must be purchased from ArmstrongClarkStain.com. The contest is not open to products purchased from other online dealers or from physical retail stores.
I didn’t think I was going to make it in time but finished right the entire Ipe deck right after sunset tonight under lights but took a few pictures while there was still sunlight. I also completed a connecting porch a few weeks ago in total approximately 1500 square ft. I sanded down unknown stain used by previous owner with a drum sander using 20, 36, and then 60 grit and then with a festool 6″ and detail 3.5″ orbital sander using 60 & 80 grit.I followed that up by cleaning and brightening the deck with restore-a-deck products. I then applied Armstrong Clark Mahogany stain for hardwoods. I am really happy with the results but just as happy that it’s finally finished! Well at least until the next maintenance coat. Thank for an excellent product that I can finally apply in full sun with no worries. I’ll be sure to show my neighbors what they are missing!
We have approximately 1000 ft.² of ipe’ decking. We used Armstrong dark walnut stain on the railing and mahogany on the floor. We love the contrast between the two colors. I’ve been using Armstrong Clark stain for approximately five years now. Other stains we tried kept turning the deck darker (almost black)over the years. Sanded it all down and started using Armstrong Clark Very pleased
We installed a new 80′ fence recently to replace one that lasted 55 years
I researched different stains and Im glad that I found your product
We waited 3 months and cleaned the fence with RAD cleaner and brightener kit and used Armstrong Clark Transparent Cedar tone stain the fence.
It soaked in nicely and I am very happy with the results
Thank You for your fine product
Our project was to restore our 35 year old redwood deck. I do not believe the previous owners had done anything with it for many years. It had previously been stained but much had worn away or was peeling. Preparation was difficult. We found we got best results from simply sanding but there is two levels and over 1500 SQF of deck and railing.
We used Armstrong Transparent Redwood tone to stain the deck. We are extremely satisfied with how beautiful the deck turned out. The product was easy to apply and customer service was extremely helpful when we had an issue with an order. Thanks so much for helping us make our house look great!
This spring we purchased a home with a 12’x41′ deck that had been neglected for years. Some of the boards had to be replaced and the remaining ones needed reconditioning badly and we knew a normal weather seal would not cut it. For prep we power washed with a deck cleaner and scrubbed thoroughly with brushes. After several days of drying we sanded the entire deck with 80-320 grit sandpaper and scrubbed again.
We found Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Black Walnut and couldn’t be happier. The stain went on easily and covered very well. We could tell the difference immediately with the way the wood reacted and continues to impress. We left the new boards unstained to weather for the winter and plan to apply another coat in the spring.
We have had several comments from guests about what product we used and will definitely recommend Armstrong Clark in the future.
A couple of weeks ago we had a stretch of dry days (finally!) to refinish my mahogany deck. I started by using Armstrong-Clark Step 1 Cleaner, then followed that with the Step 2 brightener. Two days later, after a good dry, I taped off my deck and hand brushed in a single coat of Armstrong Clark Hardwood/Ipe Stain (Mahogany). Came out great as always. And pretty simple when you follow the prescribed steps. Great products!
Started this project by replacing some boards on our cedar deck. We had previously used a different stain which turned the wood black after just a few months. The deck is approximately 24’ x 45’ and surrounds our 27’ above ground pool. The deck has a walkway to another deck which is between our two back porches. This deck is 10’ x 20’. I used restore a deck stripper and brighter on this entire project. It did a great job removing the old stain, and prepping for the new stain. The stain I used is Sequoia semi solid. The deck was tedious to do as there are 146 spindles on the railings. The balance of the project was re-staining our redwood sided house. The house has three porches. All 3 porches have cedar tongue and groove ceilings, and cedar floors. Stripping and power washing everything took quite some time. The stain went on all surfaces with no issue. The wood absorbed the stain and produced the color we were hoping for. I used almost 30 gallons of stripper, brighter, and stain to complete this project. I am extremely happy with this stain!
The project was to restore our 30-year-old pressure treated wood deck. The deck was previously painted with several layers of deck paint. There was a lot of chipping and peeling paint as well as a significant number of rotting boards. We felt the deck still had some life left in it. We replaced 27 boards and stripped the rest with a stripper and brightener from a big box home improvement store. We had to strip the remaining with a Diamabrush, orbital hand sander and finish with a rented deck sander. The preparation was the hard part. If we had to do this again, we would definitely use the Restore-a-deck for preparation. The easy part was applying the Armstrong and Clark deck stain. We used 5 gallons of transparent natural tone exterior wood and deck stain applied with a deck stain brush. We were a little hesitant to apply a transparent stain to old and new boards due to the variation in color and tone, but as you can see in the photos, it turned out well. We are very happy with the results and we have recommended Armstrong and Clark to our friends and family.
Nice Job!
I built a new backyard pergola this year and I wanted to use the best stain on the market and found the Armstrong-Clark was highly recommended when browsing online. The stain was extremely easy to apply and the results were fantastic. I’m so glad I did the research and found this product rather than using the big box store products. I highly recommend this product and will be sure to use again.
Because the wood was rough sawn I didn’t wait to apply the product and I didn’t have to prep the surface. I used the Armstrong Clark Stain 5 – Semi-Trans Chestnut.
I just had to reach out and express my absolute satisfaction with your stain product. My log home was in dire need of a refresh, with black mildew, splitting logs, and worn-away soft wood. After extensive preparation, including pressure washing, planing, filling, and sanding, your stain made the final step a joy.
Unlike other products I’ve used in the past, your stain had a minimal odor, which was a relief during the application process. The stain effortlessly penetrated the wood, giving it a rich and rejuvenated look. I used your “Natural Tone – Transparent” wood stain – the transformation is incredible, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.
Thank you for creating such an exceptional stain. It has turned my log home into a thing of beauty once again.
Replaced an old deck that had fallen down. The cost of lumber was astronomical out here, so we went with a combination of redwood and Douglas fir. We picked the Armstrong Clark semi transparent Cedar stain with the prep kit as we thought it would go well with the original house’s aged board and batten. We let the main part of the deck settle for about a year, and the railing for a couple of months, so we had a combination of aged woods and types. We thought using the prep kit was our best chance of ultimately getting a uniform look, and we are so happy that we went the extra mile as it all looks very uniform! We are very pleased with how it all turned out and this is one of our favorite DIY projects to date. I definitely recommend Armstrong Clark!
Hand sanded our log cabin and deck
I had used the the Armstrong products, there were 2 I purchased to clean before staining and then stained. Armstrong products are good, I unfortunately didn’t remove all the old stain when I buffed it out but still liked the two tone. I obviously need to re-due this. It is a hard project and I have done it twice, first was Bear, a huge mistake. If I win this would help me tremendously since I need to rent a sander again and start all over. I am crossing my fingers that you pick me , I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!
Just finishing up my 33-year-old redwood deck and pergola with a coat of semi-solid stain. I used a 1:1 mix of Sequoia and Oxford to get my desired color and protection. This is the 5th refinish job I’ve used A&C products, frankly, I am afraid to try anything else. Moderate
pressure-washing and sanding was the bulk of my Prep work, BBQ and friends will be the finishing touch. 😎
We recently had the old deck wood replaced. We stained the wood with Armstrong Clark Natural Oak semi-transparent deck stain. We absolutely love the results..
10 year old Western Red Cedar deck in Western Oregon. Last stained 2 years ago with Armstrong-Clark Semi transparent Chestnut. Cleaned and Restored with RAD. Re-stained with Armstrong-Clark Semi transparent Chestnut, single coat.
I cleaned, power washed and lightly sanded my hardwood front porch. I used Armstrong Clark hardwood stain in amber. I can’t imagine using any other stains from this point forward. The ease of this stain and ability to do during Sunny/high heat days is amazing. In CT the pollen sticks around til mid June so it’s very hard to stain before the summer heat. The results are so-so-soooooo satisfying.
My second project was my back deck – I sanded the old coating off several years before and applied AC semi transparent stain but it has since all gone away. The railing is a different brand water based solid stain. For the deck itself, I did a light sanding with a rented deck / floor sander, cleaned & brightened with Restore-a-Deck cleaner & brightener and finally finished with Armstrong Clark semi transparent Rustic Brown stain!
My first project was my front porch – it was covered in (I’m assuming) water based paint / stain which was flaking and looking like crap. I attempted stripping / power washing the railing but ended up replacing it entirely as it was impossible to get into all the nooks and crannies. Everything else was stripped, power washed, sanded at 80 grit with an orbital sander, cleaned & brightened with Restore-a-Deck cleaner & brightener and finally finished with Armstrong Clark semi transparent Rustic Brown stain. Very happy with the results!
Just refinished my mahogany deck that hadn’t been treated in a while. Used RAD cleaner and brightener and a garden hose (no pressure washing or sanding was needed). Absolutely loved using the product, Hardwood Mahogany stain. Wasn’t sure if it needed a second coat so I called the support line at Armstrong-Clark. Mr. Clark answered my question and offered advice on reapplying when it is eventually needed, Great product with excellent support. I don’t have before pictures but two boards together are before cleaner and brightener, single board is after prepping with RAD products.
Could NOT be happier with my final result. Took a porch that looked like a black & white photo and turned it into a stunning deck! It was 1200 sq ft of Pine Decking. Rough to the touch and a splinterfest. Sanded it with a rented sander. Used Restore A Deck Cleaner and Brightener and roughly 13 gallons of Armstrong-Clark Semi Transparent Sierra Red. The end result is a beautiful red deck that is smooth and pleasing to walk on now. Looks stunning and repels water like a champ. The folks here at ACS website were top notch in answering all my pre sales questions (no matter how dumb) and gave me great advice. I am so glad i spent the extra $$ and did it right the first time with Armstrong Clark stain! Shipping was super fast and the boxes that the 5 gallon stain comes in are Macho Man Savage strong (oh yeah)! I give this company and stain a MILLION star review!
We have been using the Armstrong Clark products on our cedar deck since we built it in 2015. We used the cedar wood due to it resistance to weathering and it is easy to handle during construction. Every four years we treat our deck with one coat of the AG transparent redwood after we have used the Restore A Deck. Ceaner and Brightener.. the two RAD products make quick work of bringing out the original wood grain, and devolve the greying from weather and tree droppings. It looks like new and the new stain repels water to keep a long lasting beauty in our deck. Thanks for the great products. Tom
We have been using the Armstrong Clark products on our cedar deck since we built it in 2015. We used the cedar wood due to it resistance to weathering and it is easy to handle during construction. Every four years we treat our deck with one coat of the AG transparent redwood after we have used the Restore A Deck. Leaner and Brightener.. the two RAD products make quick work of bringing out the original wood grain, and devolve the greying from weather and tree droppings. It looks like new and the new stain repels water to keep a long lasting beauty in our deck. Thanks for the great products. Tom & Karen.
Please upload your pictures in the comments. Thanks
Entry – Pressure washed, stripped and sanded some areas. Applied 1 coat of AC Semi Transparent Natural Oak stain. Best it’s looked in the 15 years we’ve had it.
Just pressure washed large mahogany deck, let dry, and applied A-C Mahogany stain. Super easy and turned out great!
Just pressure washed, dried, and stained. Turned out great!
Upper and lower decks cleaned and refinished. (Last done with same Armstrong products around 3 years ago).
Order #160701 was placed on April 12, 2023
Order details
Armstrong Clark Hardwood / Ipe Stain 5 Gallon – Mahogany × 1
Awesome products! GREAT results!
I’ve been refinishing my deck/decks for decades and Armstrong stain is far and away the best for application, durability (in New England) and looks! 🖕
Thanks all-around Team Armstrong!
Kevin