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
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.
I have a long dock, pier head and floating dock on the coast of SC. It was built 7 years ago with pre-treated pine and stained with a Sherwin-Williams water-based semi-transparent stain 5 years ago. It is starting to show its age. I need to revitalize it. It is over a marsh so I want to be sensitive with run off of any product. I would like to still see the wood grain so I think a semi-transparent oil is the way to go. I don’t really care about the color but just want it to last as long as possible. What do you recommend to do as the steps in order to revitalize and in order for it to last as long as possible ( I am assuming color will matter, too)? Would like to be cost-sensitive as well. Thank you in advance for your advice.
Please post some pics in the comments so we can offer prep advice.
Please see the attached. Thank you!
You have a solid stain on your deck. You cannot use any of the AC stains unless you want to chemically strip off your current solid stain:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/rad-paintstrip-paint-solid-stain-stripping-gel
If you prefer not to strip then you will need to stick with a solid stain to cover your current solid stain after pressure washing. AC stains do not come in solid stains.
Thank you for the feedback. I really appreciate it. We have a few extra cans of the stain and it was definitely a semi-transparent stain…albeit a lighter color (called Mountain Ash, Super Deck Brand). I think the sun light, angle, bleaching out are throwing it off a bit. Does that change things? Thank you again.
It will still need to be stripped off fully if you want to use the AC stains or any other brand of stain that is not a solid color.
Hello, I am planning on staining new cedar that has been prepped with 60 grit sanding. What else do I need to do in order to properly prep the wood before staining? The stain is currently being shipped so I can’t read the can and want to have everything ready by the time it is delivered.
When was the deck built?
1 week ago we replaced all the wood with new cedar. And it’s now sanded down too
You cannot stain it yet. See here: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Sanding does not prep new wood for staining and the need to wait is normal for all stain brands.
I have an 8′ high X 45′ long fence that was installed 3 years ago this fall. It is Brown pressure treated wood and want to preserve the natural brown. What do you recommend doing to prep it and how much stain would I need?? I’m thinking the oak would be a close match.
Any color that you like will work. 7-8 gallons for two coats applied wet on wet.
Which stain has less of a red or yellow undertone in it – Black Wallnut or Espresso?
Neither has a yellow or red tone to it.
I usually stain my siding with semi-transparent every year after the rain. I have Tigerwood. It always needs a light sanding before I apply the product. I was reading the back label and it says never to use sandpaper higher than 80 grit. Why is that? I usually just use a fine sandpaper of 150 and it comes out very nice.
You want the wood absorbent. Sanding too fine closes the pores and limits the stain’s ability to soak into the wood.
Is your transparent natural stain, a product with everything minus the tint color?
Natural is not clear but lightly tinted.
Can you add tint or pigment to your oil based stains to create custom color? I want to match the color of my roof
No, you cannot custom tint Armstrong Clark Stains.
Hello- we just installed a Fiberon IPE composite deck and walkway. We have a mailbox post we would like to stain as close to the IPE color as possible. What stain color do you recommend?
Maybe Chestnut, Rustic Brown, or a blend of the two. It really depends on your wood type and age.
I want the rustic brown deck color to stain the top of a dresser and nightstands- is the color available in an interior stain
It is not.
I used a semi transparent stain on pressure treated pine and got unexpected downpour of rain the next day (about 24 hours later). What I did seemed to be dry but I wasn’t done staining ( 2 weekend project) should I be worried??
No.
I just used RAD Stripper/Brightener to remove old unknown brand of semi-transparent oil-based stain. Fully dry and ready to stain with Rustic Brown semi-transparent. If first coat fully absorbs within 60 minuets and a second LIGHT coat seems appropriate, how long do I wait before applying second coat? Thank you for your time.
Apply a second coat (wet on wet) if needed within 20-60 minutes of the first coat.
I’ve used RAD cleaner and brightener on our deck (14’ x 13’ with two small areas that are 2’x4’ and 2’x3). I think it has turned out well and I’m ready to use the Armstrong Clark semi transparent stain that I bought. My plan was to apply one coat but having read the can label, I’m concerned that I will need to apply a second coat in case the stain soaks into the wood within 60 mins. If so, how long do I need to wait to apply a 2nd coat? I’ll need to purchase another gallon so just trying to sort out timing.
You will be fine with one coat. You can always light wash off dirt and apply another coat next year if desired.
Sorry – no image attached. Your website is telling me that my jpg photo is not an image, so I can’t upload.
It allows .jpg photos. it must be too large in size or a corrupt file.
We hired someone to pressure wash and stain my mother’s pressure-treated deck. They’ve done the wash and are ready to stain. We used your semi-transparent Cedar when the deck was installed in 2013. Have re-coated twice, most recently about 3 years ago. This company usually uses ZAR, but is willing to use your stain. We’ve changed the color of the 40-year-old house siding with a solid stain and want to use your semi-transparent Natural Oak on the deck this time. How will this look on top of the Cedar? Image of the pressure-washed deck attached.
It works great on cedar as long as the wood si clean and free of previous coatings.
I have some leftover natural tone stain from summer 2020. Putting an additional coat on the deck this year. Will the leftover stain still be okay to use?
No, it has a shelf life of 12 months after being opened.
i used the black walnut to revive a very tired old front porch and it is completely rejuvenated and looks stunning, i’m going to be purchasing again for a new fence and deck. will i need to apply any other waterproofing or sealer on top of the stain?
No and you cannot add anything on top of it.
Can this product be used on a Meranti porch that is covered?
Use one fo the 3 hardwood colors: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/wood-and-decking-stains/hardwood-and-ipe-stain
Just finished my stain deck project.
Stripped and used brightner last week. Worked very well, but didn’t used any covers on the surrounding (my bad, was a bit lazy). It was a bit messy on the concrete since all the gooey dripped there, which took me awhile to clean up.
Weather was perfect these past few days so went ahead and stained the deck. Used cedar semi-trans. Very happy with the result, finished everything this afternoon. 1 coat everywhere except for the deck floor which took up 2 coats (wet on wet). This product is so easy to use, no lap marks, dries up fast, finished off in full sun with no problem at all. Ordered 4 gallon for a 500 square feet deck and used only 1.5 gallon. I’m a newbie at this and very pleased with the result and how easy it was to apply the stain. I’ve got a new fence coming up pretty soon so will use the rest of the gallons there!
Thanks for the numerous tips; this site answered a lot of my newbie questions !
Here’s a pic of the deck stripped and then the second pic is the final product with the cedar semi trans stain.
Don’t forget to enter the contest: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/articles/190-armstrong-clark-2022-contest-win-cash
Prepped my deck last weekend with RAD stripper and brightner. Does it look good to stain ?
Yes, it does.
Thanks !
Planning to stain on Saturday. Is there a problem if the forecast is announcing rain for 3 days on Monday ?
should have time to cure I guess (hope).
Going to use semi trans cedar.
No issues.
I used your transparent stain on my deck last year. It now needs to be recoated. Can I use a semi-solid stain?
As long as you prep first: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
Hello- can I use the black walnut stain on my cedar deck after proper preparation? I know cedar is a soft wood
Yes.
I have an ipe deck I stained almost 3 years ago with AC mahogany. It is just now looking like it is time to be refreshed. First, are your “restore-a-deck” products for ipe wood? Do you recommend pressure washing? And, could I switch to amber color even though the red of the mahogany still quite prevalent? Thank you so much for your assistance.
Use this kit while pressure washing: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
it will strip off the old stain so you can switch colors.
Accidentally used an oil based interior stain on part of my most-day sun deck (privacy wall) – Minwax interior in Gunstock. Any recommendation of a comparable color for the rest of the deck?
Sorry but no and you should remove the Minwax as well. It will not work for outside wood.
How do you suggest removing a stain that has already absorbed into naked wood?
Proabbly will need to sand it off.
I have an ipe deck I stained almost 3 years ago with AC mahogany. It is just now looking like it is time to be refreshed. First, are your “restore-a-deck” products for ipe wood? Do you recommend pressure washing? And, could I switch to amber color even though the red of the mahogany still quite prevalent? Thank you so much for your assistance.
Hi
I clean and brightened my deck and then stained yesterday. 8 to 10 hours later it unexpectedly rained quite heavy. Is it still OK?
In addition (my main question) …most of our deck got new woods when we did a repair beneath it. This was done 3 years ago and never stained (I know…not good ….bit covid hit and the job never got completed somehow). The other boards that remained (the first and last portion) had originally been stained when the deck was built 5 years ago. It was horribly done, and the stain never seeped in. It was more like a paint. We never liked it and now once doing research I know why. This time I decided to do it myself and I followed instructions well….yet the newer boards look like it barely got any stain in. I was a bit paranoid of overstating. As I knew from experience how much I hated that look. I used a roller to apply. Now I’m wondering how I can save it. I’d love to apply a thin second coat on that area…which is most of the deck because now it kind of looks like a weathered grey and I’m afraid it isn’t protected well. It’s also not uniform to the rest. Can I go about it and if yes how? There’s no way I’m prepping again. It took hours!! One more piece of info. I bought 3 gallons of semi transparent driftwood but only used barely 1.25 and it’s a 600sqft deck.
The rain did not harm it. We would suggest adding another light coat to all the wood. Make sure you stir your stain first as well as the pigment does settle.
Thanks!! Does it need to be completely dry again? It rained again last night….
Yes.
4 years ago I applied Oxford Brown Semi Solid stain to my PT deck. I know want to clean and retain. There is also a deck that is a year old and know want to stain. I will pressure clean both decks prior to staining. Do I apply restore a deck to both prior to re-staining and staining?
Yes.