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
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.
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.
Hi Amanda, if you happen to see this – I was wondering if you ended up trying this mix and how it worked out?We’re thinking of doing something similar. Thanks! Nell
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