The Armstrong Clark Stain Photo Album
Armstrong Clark Wood Stains comes in 16 different color choices. Armstrong Clark penetrates into the wood grain while “enhancing” the natural color tones of your wood.
Very Important: We do not guarantee final colors due to age and species of the wood, and how wood is prepared, affects the final color of an applied stain. Please use an Armstrong Clark Sample can to test for color and absorption on your wood before beginning application. Please wait 48 to 72 hours after applying the sample before viewing for the final color.
Final Armstrong Clark color will vary based on:
- Type of Wood
- Age of Wood
- Prepping of Wood
- Application method
Any Questions on Armstrong Clark Colors? Ask in the Comments below.
Armstrong Clark Stain Photo Gallery
Armstrong Clark Transparent Natural Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Natural Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Natural Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Natural Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Natural Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Natural Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Cedar Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Cedar Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Cedar Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Cedar Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Cedar Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Cedar Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Cedar Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Cedar Tone
Armstrong Clark Transparent Cedar Tone
Armstrong Clark Redwood Tone Lake House
Armstrong Clark Redwood Tone Garage Door
Armstrong Clark Redwood Tone Deck
Armstrong Clark Redwood Tone
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar Deck on Clear Redwood
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Home
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Home
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Home
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Home
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Home
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Home
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Fence
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Fence
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Dock
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Fence and Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Cedar on Deck
Armstrong Clark Natural Oak
Armstrong Clark Natural Oak on Fence
Armstrong Clark Natural Oak on Deck
Armstrong Clark Natural Oak on Deck
Armstrong Clark Natural Oak on Deck
Armstrong Clark Natural Oak on Deck
Armstrong Clark Rustic Brown
Armstrong Clark Rustic Brown on House
Armstrong Clark Rustic Brown
Armstrong Clark Rustic Brown
Armstrong Clark Rustic Brown on Fence
Armstrong Clark Rustic Brown on Deck
Armstrong Clark Rustic Brown on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Driftwood on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Driftwood on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Driftwood on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Chestnut
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Chestnut on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Chestnut on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Chestnut on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Chestnut on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Chestnut on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Chestnut on Deck
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Sierra Redwood
Armstrong Clark Sierra Redwood
Armstrong Clark Sierra Redwood
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Amber on Hardwood
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Amber on Hardwood
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Amber on Hardwood
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Amber
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Amber
Armstrong Clark Mahogany on Hard Wood
Armstrong Clark Mahogany on IPE Wood
Armstrong Clark Mahogany on IPE Wood
Armstrong Clark Mahogany on IPE Wood
Armstrong Clark Mahogany on IPE Wood
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Black Walnut
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Black Walnut
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Black Walnut
Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Black Walnut
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Woodland Brown
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Woodland Brown
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Woodland Brown
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Woodland Brown
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Sequoia
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Sequoia
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Sequoia
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Sequoia
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Sequoia
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Sequoia
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Sequoia
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Sequoia
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Oxford Brown
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Oxford Brown
Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Oxford Brown
Armstrong Clark Stain Espresso
Armstrong Clark Stain Espresso
Armstrong Clark Stain Espresso
There are over 100 pictures of all Armstrong Clark stain colors. Descriptions of stain colors are below each picture.
Colors are listed in the same order as Color Chart.
If you have used the Armstrong Clark Stains, we would love to see your photos!
Please add them in the comment area below
can you only guy through the internet?
do you send sample colors
I have a new deck live in northern Illinois and have all day sun on 85% of deck
We sell online only. You can get samples here: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
We live in Central Indiana and have a new deck made of pressure-treated wood. It receives 8-10 hours of direct sunlight during the day. Our main concern is to protect the wood from UV damage. A contractor who works with your stains said, once they have properly prepped and applied a Semi-Transparent stain it will provide sufficient UV protection for at least 2-3 years. He said he prefers it to Semi-Solid because those can look patchy and tend to peel instead of just fade. Which can make for tougher reapplication when it is time to re-stain. Would love to know if Semi-Transparent will satisfy our objective in your opinion as well. Thanks!
Typcially the Semi-transparent colors will work for 2-3 years ona deck surface. Twice as long on vertical wood.
I’m looking to restain my old fence. I’m considering the black walnut and espresso. Which of the two has less red in it? I’m looking for a true dark brown. Also is the espresso semi transparent?
Neither have red in it. Espresso is darker and a semi solid.
Hi, considering a cedar deck that has been stripped with the restore-a-deck products, and plan on using the cleaner and brightener product before this years stain, what is the best recommended stain to keep the cedar’s natural colour and not yellow it any further? Thanks
Any color that you like will work. You might want to test some samples to see how it looks on your wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
I’m back, thank you for your reply. I’d love to order samples, but we are in Canada and with shipping and timing schedules, we don’t have time to go through that specific process. Thanks for your time, you guys are a priceless resource. I’m not sure if anyone else has had this problem but I can’t seem to attach photos of our current decks state and what we’re looking for, does it have to be a certain format besides jpeg? Apologies
.jpg, .pdng, .gif will work but you may need to lower the resolution of your photo.
Hello, apologies in advance again.. no matter what size and resolution I try it will not allow me to drag/attach photos onto here. Is there any chance I can email them instead?
Are you clicking the attachment icon in the bottom right corner of the comment box? If you are, then you might want to check your computer or browser settings because something on your end blocking it.
BTW, why are you sending pics? We would only need to see them for prep advice. Showing your wood will not help determine the final color when stained. Only actual samples applied will do this.
I didn’t have that option and had to switch browsers all together. Yes for prep advice and possibly not having to take all this time for samples then ordering the actual product since we live in Canada. We are looking for that colour tone below so if we can get it close with your recommendation we are happy to order and skip the sample step.
Use the RAD Cleaner and Brightener Kit for prep.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
As for the stain, you cannot match that pic as the wood type is different then your cedar. The closest would be Cedar Tone or Natural Tone.
Thank you very much
From the images above it’s hard to tell the difference between Transparent Natural and Transparent Cedar. I assume TC has a red tint to it and TN is more clear? Thank you!!
Colors vary based on your wood tye and age. The Cedar has a little more orange to it than the Natural.
It’s time to clean and stain my pressure treated wood deck. (Last done 2 years ago) I love your product and have been using it for years. I have used semi transparent cedar in the past but now considering using transparent natural. I will use your restore a deck first. Would transparent work over semi transparent (deck quite faded now)
No, you will need to use the Stripper and Brightener kit if you want to switch.
Hi, I have a western red cedar ceiling with armstrong clark natural transparent on it. It darkened the cedar more than i was expecting. Can that be lightened in some way?
Sorry but no, you cannot lighten the stain color outside of removing it.
Which armstrong clark stain is more brown and does not have red in it? mountain cedar or woodland brown… I cannot remember which stain I bought about three years ago. I believe it was mountain cedar… ? Thanks so much. You don’t keep purchase info from three years ago by any chance?
You bought Mtn Cedar in 2019.
Thank you so much! I assume it was the Mt Cedar semi-solid … was Mt Cedar ever available in a semi transparent! Learned a lesson to take pics of my paint cans and not rely on my memory! Thanks again!
Mtn Cedar has only ever come in a semi-solid.
Forgot to post my photos…sorry!! Again…I live in NH an am planning to re-stain my small mahogany deck, which is completely weathered. I am attaching some photos of a small section of board when it was new (all the same piece of board, but looks different in different lighting). Which color of the hardwood colors would be the closest? Amber looks too light, Mahogany looks too red, and Black Walnut looks too dark, but closer than the other two. Which would you recommend I use? Thank you.
Use Amber. Make sure to prep well.
I live in NH an am planning to re-stain my small mahogany deck, which is completely weathered. I am attaching some photos of a small section of board when it was new (all the same piece of board, but looks different in different lighting). Which color of the hardwood colors would be the closest? Amber looks too light, Mahogany looks too red, and Black Walnut looks too dark, but closer than the other two. Which would you recommend I use? Thank you.
A picture of the upper portion after aanother contractor claimed to have used Armstrong Clark semi trans. As you can see it now looks like a solid color stain or paint.
Looks like a solid opaque stain which means it cannot be stripped. You will need to power sand this to get it all off.
Agreed thanks.
Our original work on the lower flooring portion.
I have a real problem. I am a licensed general contractor in Colorado as well as owning a painting company for 30 years. I have done many decks over the years. Back in June and July I repaired and completely stripped and restained a 20 yr old pressure treated pine wood deck for my mother and father-in-law in Pennsylvania. The deck was originally Armstrong Clark Driftwood semi-transparent on all flooring and railings. We ordered 5 gallons of cedar and 5 gallons of driftwood semi-transparent from you for the finish coats. Needless to say it turned out amazing. Approximately a month later another company came out and pressure washed a retractable awning covering the upper portion of the deck without protecting it. Whatever product they used to remove the algae either had bleach in it or something that completely discolored the cedar flooring portion of the deck with a chemical reaction. The owner insisted on fixing it claiming he knew what he was doing. He had one of his workers lately sand that upper damaged portion and supposedly restained with Armstrong Clark cedar semi-trans. I question whether he used Armstrong Clark as that portion he tried to fix looks like solid color stain or even paint. He now insists on redoing that portion by stripping it but we’re not having anything to do with him again. I would like to strip his existing finish and restain again to match ours. Would you recommend using the stripper brightener kit or do you give pause after looking at these pictures?The solution isn’t fun and a lot of work but I want to proceed correctly. I am including pictures of the damaged portion of the deck, another picture of our original work our work on the bottom flooring portion and a third picture of his final product that looks like a solid color stain. Thank you for your time and a great product.
Is the wood stain also a sealer?
Yes.
The picture of the sample off semi solid Mountain Cedar looks much darker than all the photos of Mointain Cedar in the album which look like a lighter natural color. Will a semi solid cover small rust marks around screws? Deck is only a year old but deck brush when prepping deck apparently removed coating despite a warranty. I’m told I got a bad batch. So can no longer use semi-transparent. Perimeter is painted brown want a two tone with lighter top. Amber semi-solid looks light in some pictures as well. Am hoping I don’t have to use a solid stain now that will peel and I’m running out of warm weather in Northeast. Been impossible finding 4 days without rain. Completed prep can’t stain until no rain. Thanks
No, a semi-solid will not cover rust marks. You will need a solid stain to cover it or you can try and find a dark brown semi-transparent or semi-solid that could blend with the black rust marks to some degree.
Please post your pics in one gallery spot. This is brutal. All I want to see is some semi-solid decks and I can’t find any. Please make this easier!
There are over 100 pictures of all Armstrong Clark stain colors. Descriptions of stain colors are below each picture.
Colors are listed in same order as Color Chart.
Any picture of sequoia semi solid?
Yes, there are about 6-8 pics in the album, towards the end.
How do I know if I should use the Clean and brighten or the strip and brighten as prep work. Our deck is about 7 years old and was stained once previously. I can’t remember if it was your product or another.
Post some pics here.
I purchased the semi transparent rustic brown.
what’s the best applicator for a large deck.
Deck stain pads for or brushes.
I purchased a house with a pt wood deck. The previous owner sanded deck. From the pictures attached can u suggest next steps? Would like to use rustic brown semi- transparent stain. Thanks
Prep with the Restore A Deck Cleaner and Brightener Kit and then you can stain with the Rustic Brown.
Thank you
I need a quart sized container for some replacement boards on my deck. Do you sell that size?
We do not. Gallon is smallest.
As a furniture restorer, I have had a lot of experience with staining, including deck staining. I have tried many stain formulas and by far Armstrong surpasses in consistency, durability and color. I have a 30 year old, large pressure treated deck. After two separate applications of solid oil stain to hide the previous owners stain color, I had had it with the constant mildew, chipping, scraping, etc. I considered demolishing the deck and installing Trex, but frankly, I love “real” wood. So, I figured I would try one more time to bring this deck back to life with a little structural alteration, glass-blasting, cleaning with Armstrong cleaner and staining. I couldn’t believe the final product. I highly recommend the cleaner and brightener (don’t skip-its an easy process) as despite the results after blasting, the cleaner/brightener made it look like new wood. I combined (50/50) of Driftwood (semi) and Rustic brown (semi) to come up with a color that resembled a pergola already in place. The result was a very natural aged barn look. I also highly recommend mixing a combined color several times during the application process so it stays consistent. I can’t recommend this stain enough! Thank you
Don’t forget to enter our contest: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/articles/190-armstrong-clark-2022-contest-win-cash
Before photos:
What about the use of patio rugs. After staining, when is it okay to put them down?
When fully dry. 24-48 hours should be okay.
Rustic brown deck. Turned out beautifully!
I put new kiln fired floor decking. The railing are old they have cabot Australian timber oil jarrah brown. Last year I covered de king with transparent cedar tone. Color was off. I cleaned ( not stripped)and brighten using your product. I want to re stain using semi trans. Chestnut.
Please reply back with some pictures so we can see your prep.
We are very happy with the result of the stain – semi transparent chestnut – on our deck. We applied just one coat as instructed. Color initially was a bit darker but after a few days I think it finally set.
I currently have water based a semi- Solid from Sherwin Williams on deck. We have pressure washed the entire deck. I have also used an orbital sander with 60 paper on the entire deck. I am afraid to use any cleaners on the deck because we have an asphalt driveway , and I have older plants all the way around the deck. I am afraid a cleaner or brightener will harm them. Can I use AC Semi Solid Oil with the prep work I have already done?
Post pics of your prep.
Here are the pics of the prep work.
You still have old stain that has not been removed. Best to strip and brighten with the RAD stripper kit with both additives while pressure washing.
We have aged cedar shingles. All the colors the contractor provided have a lot of red. What are our options. The previous stain is TPW Cedar it looks more brown.
They are recommending an oil base stain.
The color options are above in the color chart. You will need to strip off the TWP first. Then you can use any color that you like.
Are semi transparent natural oak and hardwood amber close in color on pressure treated lumber? We’ve used (and liked) the amber before, but understand the semi transparent lasts longer. Any advise?
Amber has the same UV protection as any of the other semi-transparent colors.
How will your semi-transparent stain hold up on Iron wood?
For hardwoods, you will need one of the hardwood colors: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/wood-and-decking-stains/hardwood-and-ipe-stain
It is normal to have to prep and redo exotic hardwoods like Ironwood annually.
I have a redwood deck and I am trying to achieve this look. Which stain color will be the closest match? Thank you!
Look at Amber color.
Thank you! Ordered a sample.
My 750 sq ft PT deck was built about 12-14 years ago, and been stained most recently with TWP semi-transparent Dark Oak. The wood is in good condition, and was last stained 5+ years ago. I’m planning to stain it with AC semi-solid Mountain Cedar or Woodlawn Brown.
Can you offer any advice or suggestions?
Prep with this kit and then you can use the Armstrong Clark Stain: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
Any pictures of cedar decking stained in Oxford Brown or Espresso?
See comment beloe for Espresso pics:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/articles/182-armstrong-clark-wood-and-deck-stain-photo-album?comment_id=8800
I have an existing redwood deck, semi transparent in rustic brown. New deck now adjoins. I would like to even out the contrast to be somewhere in the middle. What is involved? What do you suggest? I love your product!
It is not possible to get new and old wood to match as the new wood will always stain lighter in color.
See here about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Strip and brighten the older wood down to the bare wood when it is time to stain.
Would sanding the old deck be unsuccessful or too labor intensive?
Sanding will not fix your discoloration issues.
I stained my deck 2 years ago with semi transparent cedar and it needs refreshing. I was thinking of using a darker semi solid. Can I go to the darkest espresso over the cedar colour? I would love to see some examples of the espresso semi solid but noticed that it is not represented in your photo album. Could you add some pics of the espresso?
For prep, you should use the RAD Stripper and Brightener.
Hi there. We just had a screened in porch built in June. The porch has vinyl windows/screens (EZBREEZE) installed. It is fresh pressure treated wood as of June. Due to the windows, using a pressure washer is not an option. Can I apply directly to pressure treated pine that has been installed now for 3 months? moisture content is below 12%.
Not without prep. You will need to clean and brighten.
Cedar deck using Armstrong Clarke semi transparent cedar stain.
Hi, we followed all the instructions, weathered our kiln dried, T&G, fir decking for just over a year and the dark walnut stain we applied is much lighter and redder in color than the samples we applied. Is it ok to put a second coat on it after the first has cured? If so, how long should we wait?Thanks,Helen
Yes, you can apply another very light coat now.
Can your stains be used to refinish kitchen cabinets? If so what prep do I need to do first? Any application advise?
No, you cannot.
A few years ago I did my entire home using A-C stains: cedar siding, cedar soffits, redwood trim and hemlock windows. Beautiful and much better than the Penofin I used many years before. Lat week I re-did my mahogany doors with the hardwood stain – see the picture – absolutely beautiful.
We built a new pine ptw deck last year in the spring and waited a year before using your total process to clean and stain in May. We live in the woods and have over 2000 SQ feet of decks all stained using your product. We were away the month of August and Sept. and returned to acorns all over the place, which is normal, however the newest deck that was done in May has polka dots all over it from where the acorns sat. We have tried several methods to get the sports off, lightened them but they are still very much there. Btw, the spots are only on the most new deck stained in May. All the other decks have acorns but do not have the residue on the wood that the new deck has. Any ideas?
Only way to remove the organic stain spots is to prep and recoat the deck. Might want to want until Spring.
what is the best color to keep or enrich the look of IPE?
Amber.
Thank you. I read that stains with Red Pigment will last a bit longer. I would imagine Mahogany has a lot of Red, but Amber does not have Red in it. Will the Amber last the same as the Mahogany? I also read some people mix colors. Thank you.
About the same in durability.
Building a trex deck with clam color trex floor.We have Grey brick, grey shakes white trim. What color should my balusters and railings be?
Any color that you like will work.
We are going to install a new mahogany front porch. Should I allow it to weather first or stain directly? Also, should I first apply a weather sealer before staining?
See here: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Hello….New rough cut cedar fence built last week. How long do I need to wait before staining. This is light cedar not western red cedar.
You can stain it right away since it is rough sawn cut.
Hello. Last summer I prepped (used both Restore-A-Deck products) and then stained our cedar deck with semi-transparent cedar tone. I’m very happy with the results (picture attached), but I have two questions: 1) If I want to use the Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar next year, do I need to strip the deck, or can I just clean it with the water-bleach-soap solution mentioned elsewhere and then apply this over the old semi-transparent stain? 2) If I wanted to use the Black Walnut Semi-Transparent Stain, could I theoretically apply this over the semi-transparent cedar tone after cleaning with the water-bleach-soap solution (and after testing for what it would look like)? Thank you!
1. Strip and then brighten for best results.
2. You should strip as well.
I’m sure this has been answered, but I cannot find the answer. We live north of Toronto in Ontario. Our PT deck is 6 years old and has been stained twice with a C2 acrylic stain in Tupelo Honey (yellowish brown), that has not held up either time and is grossly over priced for the quality. Do we have to strip the existing stain off the deck as it’s already worn off in many areas and is really hard to do as their are uprights and a pergola to do as well, or which of your products do you recommend before we sand and stain again?TIA,Barb
Yes, you would have to fully remove the current stain before using the AC stains. Once it is removed, you can use any of the AC colors that you like.
I bought some used acacia wood deck tiles that are about three years old. They had a semi-solid type stain on them that was worn off in some areas. I’ve cleaned and thoroughly sanded them. I live in Santa Barbara, CA, and my deck area is will be in part sun and part shade. Is there any other prep that I need to do? Should I use one of the semi-transparent colors on them or one of the hardwood/IPE colors?
Use one of the hardwood colors. Prep with this kit after the sanding to open up the wood pores:https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
is ” black walnut” a Semi- Transparent color and can it be used on 2 year old pressure treated wood? Thank you.
Yes to both.
So I’m trying to match superdeck color valley. What do think is closest or a mix that could be closer. Thanks
We are not very familiar with their colors. Maybe Cedar Semi-transparent would be closest.