Armstrong-Clark’s deck and siding wood stain makes use of conditioning oils that part from the drying oils in the formula. The nondrying oils penetrate into the wood and take the place of the wood’s diminishing natural oils. This process revives and restores wood.
The drying oils stay on the wood surface and lock in the conditioning oils to produce a barrier that is dry to the touch. Armstrong’s deck and siding wood stain contain vegetable oils in addition to transparent pigments, solvents, mildewcides and water repellents.
- Application can be done in direct sunlight and on hot days. If the first coat of stain penetrates within 30 minutes an additional coat may be applied for extra protection.
- 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.
Coverage Area
Armstrong-Clark Deck and Siding Stain applies at 150-200 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.
Available Colors
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
How do you clean the brushes?
Mineral spirits.
I just had some siding restained with your product. The painters were going to do a second coat tomorrow but in reading your instructions, it says it may not be necessary. I like the color as is. You can see in the sunny spots what the color looks like in the light. What is your advice?
Pics?
I tried to attach them but it failed. I’ll try again.
It looks good in the pictures. It does not hurt to add another light coat if you need up doing that.
Thanks very much for your prompt response! 🙂
I have a redwood deck and an IPE fence. We stained five years ago using Amber IPE stain for fence and Sierra Redwood stain for the deck. It looked nice but there was more color contrast than we wanted between the two woods. Now the redwood has really weathered and the stain is gone, and we are retaining. If we want to more closely match colors between the IPE fence and redwood deck, would you use the Amber stain color for the deck? It says it’s a hardwood stain but can be used on softwood too. We will do Amber IPE stain again on the fence.
You cannot make a redwood deck match IPE wood. Closest would probably be Chestnut for the redwood, but it will still be a large contrast.
Would you recommend just using Amber on both the IPE fence and redwood deck, or do you think Chestnut would work better on redwood?
You can use Amber for both areas, but you may get a closer color match with the IPE if you use Chestnut in the redwood. Try some samples to test:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
I just stripped my porch that used to have A-C Sierra Redwood on it. It’s T&G Doug Fir. Now that it’s stripped and brightened, we really like the tone of just the wet wood. Would using transparent natural stain be the closest to achieving that color?
Yes, that is correct.
Is the amber semi solid or semi transparent?
Semi transparent.
I have rough sawn pine awnings on a new build in North Dakota. The stains (from local hardware stores) I have tried on my sample pieces all turn yellow/orange. I have been researching and came across your stain. Do you have suggestions as to what color stain would give me a lighter, natural finish, without the yellow/orange? I also am getting concerned that our temps are getting cooler and my wood is raw. Can I stain my pine in cool temps? Can I leave my pine raw over winter and stain in the spring?
Stains enhance the natural color of your wood, and pine internally is going to be a yellow/orange color. I would suggest samples to test. https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
Prep and stain in th Spring is correct.
Is Armstrong Clark CedarTone available in Boise, Idaho
We sell it directly from our website for shipping to your home in Boise.
what is the name of your company?
We are a dealer for Armstrong Clark Stains, not the manufacturer of their stain. OPW LLC is our legal name.
How long would it take to mail 3 gallons of AC semi-solid stain to Union Grove, WI?
2-3 business days.
I purchased and used the A-C Semi-Transparent Rustic Brown stain on my deck 4-5 years ago. I have about 1.5 gallons left over from then, will that stain be okay to use now? It was properly stored and kept airtight. Anxious to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
The shelf life when opened is 12 months. Mostly likely not good.
What if not opened? The one gallon was never opened. Your thoughts?
3 years is shelf life when unopened. It might be okay. Mix well. If 100% smooth without clumping, you are probably okay.
How long does stain need to dry before it rains on the deck?
6-12 hours.
What product paperwork do i need to have with me if I buy AC stain in the US and cross the border into Canada? MSDS, etc…? please advise?
Proof of value would be all.
What do u recommend for a new redwood deck. Is the transparent natural a recommended choice?
See this about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Any color you like will work.
I am trying to get close to this color deck. I had bought Sierra Redwood Semi-Transparent but am questioning whether it will be too red. I didn’t feel super confident in the samples. Do you have a sense of what might be similar
Chestnut or Sierra Redwood.
Can you mix Amber and Semi-Transparent Natural Oak either at 1:1 or 1:2 ratio?
Yes.
Can I mix a 50/50 ratio of transparent natural and semi-transparent natural oak? We like the oak but it’s a bit darker than we wanted and Amber is a bit too orange.
Yes.
can i use this product on red grandis decks? and what cleaner can i use?
thank you.
Use the hardwood colors:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/ipe-stain-1-gallon
Prep with this kit:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
thank you very much.
You are welcome!
Is there a readily available cleaner you recommend before applying your stain to cedar? Unfortunately, I did not think to order your cleaner before placing my order..
Thanks
We highly suggest our prep products over any local store bought products.
I am installing a (Western) cedar fence. I have used Amber on a hardwood front deck and like the color. Will this also work on cedar and does it have mold deterrents and UV absorbers like iron oxide in it? How well will it do in a very sunny spot (southern exposure, western sun in Montana which is dry to boot) ?
Yes, it works excellent for cedar fences. It has UV absorbers and mildewcides.
I got some chestnut stain on my vinyl siding – any input on the best way to remove the stain from the siding?
Try a graffiti remover like Goof Off. Test spot first to make sure there is no reaction with your siding.
We have an old (20+ years) cedar deck we are sanding with 80 grit. It looks really nice medium-light brown after sanding. Is it true that even the clear natural stain will make the wood go extremely dark brown? I’ve been trying to find examples online but can’t. We aren’t there so can’t do a test patch.
All our colors will enhance the natural color of your wood. The final color varies based on the tint you pick.
Try samples: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
We have a redwood sided home. We’ve used a brightener to clean the siding. We are very pleased with the look after brightening. Which clear TWP would work? Do we need to be concerned with UV protection or lack thereof when using a clear product?
I’ve been using AC amber on my ipe deck for several years now. I’d prefer a more natural look. Any suggestions. I understand that you shouldn’t use the natural stain on hardwoods. Thanks
Sorry but that is not possible to tonight’s or clear. The stain has to be tinted for UV protection and the Amber is the lightest tint for IPE wood.
will this work on port orford cedar?
Yes.
where is the color written on the can? I have an old can and cannot find the color
Sticker on the can or lid.
I just built a wood framed greenhouse that is framed with douglas fir. I want to stain all of the framing so it holds up against humidity and looks better. From what I’m reading it sounds like I should let it sit 3 – 4 months before applying the stain but the problem is I need to put the roof panels on and I want the stain to go on the rafters underneath the roof panels. The wood is not fully dried out. Is the consequence of applying the stain to damp wood simply that it won’t absorb fully and won’t offer as much protection? Since it will be protected from rain I only need slight protection and it’s mostly for aesthetics to match my darker reclaimed wood/glass doors that are already stained. I did a test with a sample and it seemed to look okay. I’m planning to use transparent cedar tone. Thank you!
You should be okay but this is not normally advised.
What’s the difference between stain and hardwood IPE stain?
Same stain but there are 3 colors designed for hardwoods. Amber, Mahogany, and Black Walnut. These colors can be used on other wood types as well. The other AC colors should never be used on hardwoods. Only the three.
On your website under Begin Project, Wood Staining Process, I. Pre-prep Process Testing, B.Testing for moisture content, it states: “Most stains require a moisture content of only 15% or 12% (or less) while Armstrong-Clark oil based wood stains can be applied to wood with up to 20%.” But in response to a question about a year old cedar deck that has never been stained and has a moisture meter that is approximately 14.5, and whether that is too high, Armstrong answered that “13% is about the highest.” I will be using a redwood semi-transparent Armstrong stain on both new and old redwood. On the new redwood, what is the highest moisture reading? Is it up to 20% as it says on your website, or is 13% about the highest, as stated in the answer to a customer?
Moisture % is not that important. Just let the older wood dry for 2 days after prep or rain and you will not have issues. No need to test the %.
New wood has to weather and be prepped. Moisture % is not the key to when you can stain new wood:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Thank you for your quick response. I did not mention in my original question that we will be staining 3 redwood fences, not decks. One fence was built recently. The other two were built a few years ago but were cleaned and brightened recently to remove as much of the grey as possible. We will be using your Sierra Redwood semi-transparent. Is your answer the same with regard to staining fences as opposed to staining decks? Thank you so much. Paula
Yes, it is when it comes to moisture %. Many times fence wood is rough-sawn, not smooth. If the wood is rough-sawn, then you do not need the weathering process for new wood.
So if moisture % does count with regard to fence wood, how low does the moisture % need to go to stain new wood, and to stain old wood that might get wet in the rains.
As we mentioned, moisture % is irrelevant for new smooth wood and in general is not needed to test for new or older wood. If new smooth wood, it is about porosity, not moisture % and it must weather and be prepped before staining. After any prep for new wood over 3 months or any older wood, just wait 2 days to stain. If it rains, wait another two days.
In general, ignore moisture % and it is not needed to test.
My cedar deck is now a year old and never had a finish on it. I have applied a cleaner and brightened it ready for the semi gloss stain. I have a moisture meater that is reading approx. 14.5 %. Is that to high for your stain?
13% is about the highest.
Did house about five years ago with your stain. Can I spray Thompson Water Seal on the stain after five years.
No, you cannot top coat over the AC stains.
I see the description states that this can be applied in hot weather but what is the lowest temp this stain can be applied at?
50 F is the low.
If I left rough sawn cedar posts exposed until spring, what would the prep be before applying the semi-transparent stain?
Clean and brighten.
I just sided a shed with yellow Cedar shakes. I was wondering Which of your products would give me the closest results to Cabot Bleaching Oil.
Sorry, but we do not have a product like that.
i am renovating my outdoor picnic table( top and attached benches) in northern Indiana with new white oak boards. My deck (which the picnic table rests on ) is stained with Armstrong-Clark mountain cedar semi-solid stain—which we have used for 10 years.
Your thoughts on using the same stain on the white cedar boards ,cosidering we will be eating on the table ( weeks after it has dried.
And would you apply a sealer on top of the stained white oak boards and if so
which brand?
You cannot use the semi-solid colors for furniture or tables. You cannot add a sealer over any of the AC deck stains.
which of your stains can be used on picnic tables?
All colors but the semi-solids. Make sure to read this about new wood:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Is there a minimum or maximum temperature for applying the semi-Transparent stain?
I live in California and get high sun exposure, being that we are headed into winter would it be better to cover my new deck floor now with plastic and wait until spring or stain it now in between the rain?
Do you recommend 1 or 2 coats?
Wait until Spring. Do not cover. Leave fully exposed.
I am wrapping beams with rough sawn red cedar boards. Do you recommend sanding lightly? Or should I use the smooth side? Can I stain immediately after purchase? Also would you recommend semi transparent? 1 or 2 coat? Live in Minnesota. Thank you! Any other recommendations appreciated!
Do not sand rough-sawn. You can stain rough sawn right away. If the smooth side, you must weather and prep first. Semi-transparent. 1 coat should be good.
Hi,
I have a cedar fence installed last year. Never stained. Planning on staining it this weekend. Should I sand the fence first or apply directly the semi transparent stain ?
Use our cleaner and Brightener kit for prep.
I’d like to refinish my deck. It’s my first time. Not sure they type of wood. Was thinking the Semi-Transparent Sierra Redwood wood be a good match. What would you recommend me doing with this deck before applying stain? Do I sand? Remove the old stain? If remove, how would you recommend I remove? Thank you.
Strip and brighten for prep: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
this will prep by removing the old coating.
Hello, based on the pics attached, would you suggest your semi-transparent or semi-solid stain for our old (newly paint stripped) deck surface? If you suggest semi-solid, can you please explain what upkeep would be? Thanks!
Either would work well here. Both can be cleaned and recoated as needed. Typically every 2-3 years.
It’s supposed to rain tomorrow in my area and again on Thursday. Is it okay to apply today and Wednesday to siding in between the rain?
You need 48 hours of drying after rain to stain. It can take a rain after applying in 6-12 hours.
I live in the PNW, fairly hot and dry summers these days and, of course, wet winters. My new cedar fence (1 month old) is south facing so will take a direct hit from the sun in the summer. I prefer the look of your Natural tone/Transparent (least pigmented), but worry it’s the wrong choice for my area. I would like to not have to reapply annually. Which stain type and tone is recommended for my area for longest durability? Will Transparent Natural Tone do well/last a few years in my area?
You will get longer UV protection with semi-transparent colors compared to transparent colors. On a vertical fence, you will get still get 2 or more years with Transparent Natural.
Is the Amber stain good for deck rails in a high sun exposure, in southern Michigan?
Yes, works great!
Good Morning,
I have more questions:
Thanks again!
1. 2 coats applied wet on wet.
2. 20-60 minutes after the first coat.
3. Wipe with rags right away while stain is wet and it should be fine. Saturate any oily rags in water when done.
I have a brown pressure treated wood deck. It was built 2 years ago. I plan to use your cleaner, brightener, and semi-transparent stain.
Hello,
1. Yes.
2. About 4-6 business days to NS.
Thank you very much for the quick reply!
I want to protect and seal a rough sawn red cedar fence. The fence is nine months old. Should I use a semi transparent or fully transparent product for the best result? Thanks!
Semi-transparent.
We have a 6 month old conheart tung and groove horizontal redwood fence. It is fading and would like the most UV protection (CA) with the lowest maintenance. What do you suggest?
Try the AC in any of the semi-transpare colors that you like.
I have stripped and brightened my 30 year old redwood deck, and generally prefer letting the natural grain show through; albeit wanting some protection and preferring not to have to re-stain every year or even two years. I don’t want to emphasize the red color so I’m looking at transparent cedar tone vs. semi-transparent cedar (unlikely semi-solid). If I use semi-transparent this time, have I then made it impossible to change to transparent the next time without having to strip first?
You would have to strip and brighten if going from a semi-transparent color to a transparent color.
I’m going to stain my rough cut cedar siding which is 30+ years old except for a new section of cedar siding. Why can’t the semi-solid stain be used on the new section? The new section has a lot of UV exposure, so I’m looking for more protection than a semi-transparent stain.
If rough sawn wood you can stain now with the semi-solid colors.
Redwood deck at altitude (Denver), only 2yrs old, mostly covered, and coated after installation with Sherwin Williams Superdeck waterborne formula clear sealer. 12 months later I powerwashed then used the same product again. It did OK but has worn away pretty quickly, and the 1/3 or so of the deck that gets hit from sun has lost its lovely red color. I want to switch to oil and found you!
My plan is to powerwash again (done) and next do a very light hand-sand with 220 grit (have tested this and it’s brought back the color on test spot) before applying two coats of AC Transparent Natural Tone.
I’ve read about your Restore a Deck product but I don’t think this is necessary due to 1) it being fairly new wood and well kept 2) a home depot guy telling me deck cleaners like this “tend to remove the color from the wood”.
I’m hoping that last bit is not true but either way please let me know if this is a good plan or anything you’d do differently. Thanks!
Hi, your plan is slightly flawed and the HD guy does not understand proper prep. The old sealer has to come off. This means you have to strip it off with the Restore A Deck Stripper and pressure washing. If you want to sand, then sand after stripping but never sand finer than 60-80 grit. Too fine and the stain will not penetrate properly. You must use the Brightener last after the stripping or sanding to neutralize and open up the wood pores. Only apply one coat of AC stain to wood that has been sanded.
Thanks. I’d rather not sand to be honest. If I strip, then clean, then brighten, will that brighten all wood enough (the sun-hit parts included) and have it ready to take the AC stain? There is also one spot that my son dropped vegetable oil on and made an ugly stain.. will RAD fix that or should that spot be sanded? Thank you
It will be ready to stain after you do the prep. They probably will not remove the vegatable oil but possible. It depends on how deep it soaked in.
Good news, after RAD strip and brighten the veggie oil stain came out. I then applied a single coat of AC transparent but sort of regretting not buying extra to do a second coat. What do you think? Go with this and clean/brighten/reapply in 12 months? It looks good but torn on whether to apply more now.
It looks a little thin but okay for now. Clean and recoat in the Spring is good.
Thanks / do I need to brighten in spring as well or just RAD clean and recoat is ok?
Cleaner only should be good.
In May 2016 we had a redwood fence built and we used your semi-transparent sierra redwood stain. I’m getting ready to restain with the same product. Besides cleaning it. Do I have to strip the old product off.
Use this for prep when recoating.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
We want to stain our newly built pine wood deck and wondering which Armstrong Clark stain we should use. Based on the compromise between the UV protection and lighter color, we think the semi-transparent Cedar will be a good option. I understand that we need to reapply every 1-2 years. Will the color become darker as we keep reapplying the same color? If so, should we choose a transparent natural tone and reapply it every year? Should we remove the stain before the reapplication to avoid darkening upon reapplication?
Just clean and brighten when reapplying with the Restore A Deck Kit and it will not become any darker over time. No need to use the stripper.
Hi , how long can you use your semi-transparent stain? Is there an expiration date ? If it was stored in good condition ?
Opened about 12 months. Unopened about 3 years.