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.
- Armstrong-Clark stain uses conditioning oils that penetrate wood, reviving and restoring its natural oils while a drying oil barrier forms.
- The stain can be applied in direct sunlight and on hot days, with a second coat possible if the first absorbs within 30 minutes.
- Application is easy by roller, brush, or airless sprayer, with puddles or glossy spots removable after 24 hours using a dry rag.
- Drying oils lock in conditioning oils while pigments and water repellents protect against moisture and UV damage.
- Armstrong-Clark Deck and Siding Stain covers 150-250 sq ft per gallon, per coat, though actual coverage varies depending on wood porosity.
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
I stained my deck 1 month ago but it looks splotchy in some areas so I would like to stain it again. Is it okay for me to do that? If it is, do I have to clean and brighten it again?
Wait until spring and lightly clean and recoat then.
OK thank you!
Hi,
Do I need to use the restore a deck stripper and brightener for maintenance coat yearly?
No, you do not need the stripper for a maintenance coat. For a recoat in the same color, the Restore-A-Deck cleaner and brightener is all you need — half strength cleaner if the existing coat is still mostly intact, full strength if it has worn down. Never skip the brightener after either product; it neutralizes the prep and opens the wood pores for the stain.
Save the stripper for when you are switching colors or brands, when the stain has worn unevenly with bare spots, or when there is buildup from prior coats.
One note on timing: Armstrong Clark on deck floors typically goes 2-3 years between coats, and 3-5 years on railings and vertical surfaces. Recoat when it has faded or is no longer repelling water rather than on a yearly schedule.
Thanks for the info!! I am noticing fading after an year. Hence doing it.
how long is shipping? (From order to arrival?)
Shipping within the US typically takes 2–5 business days from order to arrival. It varies based on where you live.
Hi I have received semi transparent redwood stain and the rad brightener as you recommended. While sanding the last few boards we found a small number that need replacement. If we rough sand these boards with 60gr can we brighten and stain with the rest?
Thank You
Rough sanding at 60 grit is surface prep, not a substitute for weathering; they still need 3–4 months outdoors before staining.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Does the natural tone finish have UV protection? Or should I expect the new wood to gray over time?
Yes, it is tinted, not clear. When tinted, it has UV protection.
We have a new deck that’s made out of Redwood and the contractor wanted to put on natural oak stain. We thought it would be fine but after looking at it, we want the darker CR redwood stain that we have in the front deck. Is it all right to stain over the old one it’s just happened a month ago.
No. You can restain it, but since you’re switching to a different color rather than just going a shade darker in the same tone, strip and brighten the existing coat first instead of staining over it — that applies even at just a month in. Use the RAD Stripper and Brightener kit, then wait the standard 48 hours after prep before applying the new stain.
I have belt sanded clean a older cedar deck (good shape) that had an alkyd non penetrating so called stain with 60gr would like to use your semi transparent redwood stain what prep is best before using your stain. Wood is pretty porous about 350sq feet, how much stain per coat and do you recomend 2 coats?
Thank you
After belt sanding down to bare wood, brighten with the RAD Brightener before staining — that reopens the pores that sanding closes back up. No need to clean or strip separately since you’re already at bare wood.
Since it’s sanded, one coat only — sanded wood doesn’t take a second coat well. For 350 sq ft, figure roughly 2–3 gallons at AC’s 100–200 sq ft per gallon per coat, leaning toward the higher gallon estimate on porous sanded cedar.
I’m building an outdoor patio set with western red cedar. The patio set will include couch, 2 chairs, 2 side tables and a coffee table. The western cedar i am using is reclaimed off of a 125 year old gulf coast home. All lumber is rough and I will need to finish to size. While finishing some of the lumber so far it has shown beautiful aging with nice grain details and a really nice amber color showing combos of rich brown and red. I was considering and leaning heavily towards applying the Shou Sugi Ban Japanese wood burning technique to enhance the detail in grain, but doing so in the lightest and most delicate fashion to only lightly burn and bring out the grain detail more heavily, but not so much as to give the alligator skin look of completely burnt and charred wood. I will also be building this furniture set using only wood joinery methods rather than using screws or nails to fasten the furniture together. I was referred to this product and need some information and direction to the best options for a stain and oil type sealer product you carry that also offers uv protection and allows for the enhancement of the century+ aged reclaimed cedar i will be using. It has been in the rain recently because of the storms we have currently going on. I couldn’t help that, but I do have a moisture meter and would also need the best estimate for when applying your product for most effective treatment. All western red cedar is rough at the moment and I will need to cut, plane, and sand to desired size and smoothness. I typically would start at the lowest grit sand paper I need to remove and then work my way to 120 to 220. If you recommend a certain maximum sand paper grit when finishing I would greatly appreciate that information as well.
For sanding: don’t go finer than 60-80 grit. Finer grit closes the wood pores and reduces how well the stain penetrates, which works against the grain detail you’re trying to bring out. Just one coat since you are sanding.
Armstrong Clark is a single-step oil-based penetrating stain with UV protection built in. For color on cedar, the semi-transparent colors (Cedar Tone, Natural Oak, Rustic Brown) let the grain show through and will play well with the reds/browns you’re seeing. Cedar naturally reads orange/golden under any stain — Natural Oak or Rustic Brown will run less orange (they lean towards brown) than Cedar Tone if that matters to you. One coat is enough on furniture. Order samples to test on your actual wood before committing: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
We don’t have specific guidance on staining over a Shou Sugi Ban charred surface — test a sample piece first to see how the stain takes before doing the whole set.
I have a 1 year old cedar deck, that had a very thin coat of sealer.
I am going to 80 grit sand the deck.
Do I have to use restore and brightner?
Sanding alone is not enough — sanding closes the wood pores, so you still need to clean and brighten. For a one-year-old cedar deck with just a thin sealer coat, use the RAD Cleaner and Brightener kit (no stripper needed at that light a coat). Order is: clean first, then sand with 60–80 grit, then brighten, then stain. The brightener after sanding reopens the pores so the Armstrong Clark oil can penetrate. Apply one coat only on sanded wood, and wait 48 hours after prep (or any rain) before staining.
I have a cedar garage door on it’s way ready to stain. I was planning on Armstrong-Clark “Rustic Brown” Semi-Transparent Stain. Would I be making a right choice stain wise?
Sure, if that is the color you would like. The RB is a great color.
I have a new 3×6 redwood deck railing I want to use your semitransparent redwood stain on. I have knots and bolt holes to fill with wood patch. How do you recommend application with this consideration. I will be brushing it on.
Do not use wood filler. It will not stain to blend. Just leave as is. See this about new wood tips:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Could I use for a table top , or harsh chemicals to close to food ???
As long as you prep correctly and it fully cures, you should be okay. We do not suggest the semi-solid colors for furniture.
Do you offer sample sizes of your stains?
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
You need both the cleaner and the brightener. Just one coat of the stain for new wood.
I see the semi solid colors state that it is not for wood less than 1 year old. I have kiln dried wood ordered, dried to approx 10-15%, would it be okay to use semi solid on this? Or should I wait?
You need to wait. It’s not about the moisture percentage but about how porous the wood is.
I am putting a new deck on around our pool. The wood is southern pine from Lowes. How long do we have to wait before we put a semi-transparent stain on?
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
In the fall, I used the semi-transparent cedar to stain some new pine on my porch as well as some older pine we didn’t replace. I like it, but am now thinking about using a semi-solid to better protect it against UV and weather. As long as I clean it first, would there be any problems with putting the semi-solid Espresso on over the semi-transparent cedar?
Strip and brighten, not clean and brighten for prep.
We are building a deck with southern yellow pine. How long should we wait before we stain? We want to use the semitransparent stain. I want something that won’t peel.
See here. https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
I stained my shed about 8 years ago with your rustic brown. I’d like to stain it again with the same stain. Do I need to strip it first as the stain isn’t consistent anymore with some being sun faded or worn away with the weather. I still have the 3 RAD products.
I also have an unopened can of stain from 2019 I believe. Stored in my basement. Code on the bottom tag is “816 19”. Could I use this still or should I buy a new gallon?
If worn unevenly, then stripping and brightening is the easiest option. Shelf life is 3 years, not 7 years. It has most likely gone bad.
I cleaned and sealed an IPE deck last year using your 3 product system. The cleaner, brightener and then mahogany stain. It still looks good, the customer wants me to apply another coat this year. Can I just put a coat of the mahogany on it, or do I have to clean it again?
You always have to prep when recoating. Cannot skip that. 🙂
Hi, I have stripped, brightened and then stained with rustic brown the steps to my pool and one small of the pool wall.
The steps are 30 years old growth Douglass pine.
The pool is 15 years notty pine.
I am looking for a color that would be closer to the steps to stain the pool.
I think semi-solid would be better to hide the reddish tone of the natural wood (no one sits on the edge of the pool).
What stain do you think would match more closely the steps? The picture taken from further is closer to the real color (semi-dark chocolate).
No pics.
Very strange. I had reduced them to size but I try again
Using the same color that you used on your steps would be your best option.
That is what I did: rustic brown on both the steps and the pool wall. I am looking for the pool to more closely match the steps.
There is no color that you can apply over the RB on the wall that would make it less brown and match the steps. Adding something like Black Walnut would make it much darker than the steps. Even darker with a semi-solid color.
I don’t want to apply any color over RB. I am going to strip my test on the pool wall and start over. Would you think my best bet would be to buy black walnut and mix in different proportions with rustic brown until I find a closer match?
Yes, you can try that.
If I previously use semi-transparent armstrong-clark deck stain 3 years ago and want to switch to semi solid do I need to completely strip deck if choosing a similar color? Also would application be treated as a maintenance application or net new application? Thanks in advance!
Yes, it is best and easiest to strip and brighen for prep. New application.
Is there anything I can add to stain to add traction? Stairs are very slick when we applied the wood stain 3 years ago. Need to reapply but would like to add in a non skid additive.
No, AC stains are penetrating, not filming. It is not possible to add traction to a penetrating stain.
Does it contain linseed oil?
Yes, it has some linseed oil.
Hi, my deck is stained with the natural tone product. If I switch to a semi-transparent stain (light color) this summer, can i go back to the natural tone in 2 years after a wash and brightener. Does the wash and brightener remove the pigments?
To switch to a lighter color, you would use this kit while pressure washing: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
I have a 15-year-old deck built with white cedar planks. Should I use the hardwood or regular stain to update the color? The deck is weathered. Your answer will be much appreciated.
There are not two different versions of AC stains, just three colors (Amber, Mahogany, and Black Walnut) that can be used on hardwoods such as IPE wood. They can also be used on cedar.
You can use any color you like for cedar wood.
I used Armstrong Clark Stains on some fences and pergolas last year. I sanded them completely and cleaned them off prior to applying a single coating of stain using a brush. Everything came out looking amazing. When do you recommend recoating? I was going to add another coating this year and then hopefully get to skip a couple years. Pergolas were doug fir and the fence is cedar. They usually get a lot of sunlight.
Normal to recoat every 2-3 years, maybe longer for the vertical fence wood.
So 1 coat is good for 2-3 years? The wood was pretty dried out when I applied the stain so I thought of applying another this spring (1 year) and then waiting 2-3. Do you see a problem with that or is it unncessary?
It varies based on UV exposure. If it looks good this Spring, then skip. If it has faded slightly, then clean and apply a light coat.
Hello I’m in a similar situation. After a year or two when I want to apply a new coat I see that you recommend “cleaning” first. What do you recommend for cleaning? By cleaning do you mean using the Restore-a-deck stripper and brightener? Or something more simple if you are reapplying the same color?
Use the RAD Cleaner and Brightener kit when you prep to reapply.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
Will the transparent natural tone work on my tigerwood deck? I plan to refinish the stain and want to keep the tigerwood colors, which the transparent would do. I Just need to know if it would soak in as required Thanks
You need one of the hardwood colors for Tigerwood. Amber would be the lightest tint. Similar to a wet look:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/ipe-stain-1-gallon
I am in the process of refinishing a redwood pergola. It is 3 years old was previously treated with penofin transparent redwood stain and sealer. I have cleaned and used brightener and now sanding it again. Reasearch has brought me to Armstrong-Clark.
I really like the the transparent redwood look, but am wondering if i should or need to use a semi-transparent stain. The previous product did nothing in termsnof protection and my 6×6 beams have some splitting happening. This pergola is not quite 3 years old and really dont want to replace it.
I can send you pictures of the wood before cleaning as well as after if you need.
Thanks,
Mark
Semi-transparent colors will give better UV protection over the transparent colors.
For the first application to raw Ipe, do you recommend two coats?
One coat only for IPE wood.
Is there any difference between AC “cedar tone” purchased in 2020, and “cedar semi-transparent”, purchased this year?
Yes. Two different colors. The semi-transparent cedar has more color and is richer.
Thank you. I live outside Philadelphia. Is there anywhere nearby I can exchange the semi-transparent for cedar tone?
Sorry, but no.
Thanks again. I have little bit of cedar tone stain left over from a previous application, but some of thew pigment has clumped. I have tried stirring it well but there are still chunks. Assuming I need to throw this out?
Yes, it has gone bad. You can use the semi-transparent cedar over the cedar tone. Just clean the wood first.
Thanks. I actually already ordered the Cedar Tone from you. I guess I will return the unopened can of semi-transparent if that’s OK?
Sure. See here about returns: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/refund
Is there any issue using this stain indoors?
Not an inside stain.
Is your stain recommended for both horizontal and vertical surfaces? What is your return policy?
Yes. See here for returns:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/refund
Is the Sierra Redwood stain the same colr/formula as an older Armstrong’s stain that was called ‘Redwood Tone’ ?
No, best to order the Transparent Redwood Tone if that is the color you would like.
Do you ship to Vancouver Island Canada?
Yes, we do!
Is it true that your California product differs from other States?
No, they are the same for all states.
Hi, is it possible to mix colors?
Do you know what would happen if I mixed natural tone with natural oak? I’m hoping for a lighter natural oak but I know that sometimes mixing colours leads to unintended effects. Thanks for all your help on this website. Much appreciated.
Yes, you can mix colors.
Thanks!
Do you have a recommendation for a sealer? I bought the AC semi transparent walnut.
You cannot apply a sealer over the top of a deck stain, it would peel. No need as well.
Can I mix amber and clear and use on IPE? Will it still have the same UV protection? thanks.
AC stains do not have a clear, and if they did, you would reduce the UV protection by 50% if you attempted this.
I have a new cedar porch/stairs that I put up last weekend. How long should I wait to apply a transparent stain?
See here:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
My contractor has used (and is recommending we use to refresh) AC Semi-transparent brown stain on our small mahogany deck. I’m not concerned about the color but is this the right way to protect it, given that it is mahogany?
For Mahogany, you need one of the hardwood colors:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/ipe-stain-1-gallon
We have a new deck that is pine and about seven months old. What color would best match this stain on my door frame? We are in NC.
We would suggest testing some samples here:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
Maybe Natural Oak or Amber, but colors vary based on wood type and age.
After staining the deck with this, how long after can I move the deck furniture back onto the deck? Thanks.
2-3 days later after full cure.
Does your stain have any UV inhibitors besides The coloring?
Yes, it does. Trans-oxides.
I have been using Armstrong Clark Hardwood/Softwood Mahogany yearly for several years. What should I do for prep before? I have been just doing a wash by hand with water/bleach, but looking darker in some areas. Cleaner+Brightener?
Pictures?
Here is the picture. Wood is “mahogany” exotic hardwood last stained a year ago.
It would be best and easiest to strip and brighten this time:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
I have a mahogany deck that I stripped and brightened. Will I the IPA stain hold up better than the semitransparent ? I used the semitransparent before, and I get 2 years max. I’m wondering if the IPA would be better. The deck gets about 6 hours of sun.
Nothing will last longer than 2 years on a hardwood deck like Mahogany, but you should be using one of the IPE/Hardwwood colors of Amber, Mahogany, or Black Walnut for your wood type.
I have a louvered cedar privacy wall around my deck that I stained with semitransparent AC a few years ago. I am wanting to freshen up the stain, what should I do to prep before staining again?, thank you
Use the Cleaner and Brightener kit for prep.
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! 🙂
What type/color of stain did you use for this? What type of wood was it applied to? Looks very nice
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
Hello – I am just following up on your last post to say that I went with your recommendation and it was right on target. Thank you!!!
Great! Post some pics if you have time.