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.
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
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.
Hello, I have a 10 year old pressure treated covered pine deck and porch. It has been previously stained using Rymar Teak stain. Can I stain on top of existing finish after it has been cleaned? I am considering semi-trans pecan or rustic brown.
Thank you.
No. You cannot apply the AC (or any stain brand) over the Rymar. It needs to come off. Use this kit while pressure washing to remove: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
What length of roller nap would you recommend to reapply AC transparent cedar stain? I have used a shur-line pad applicator in the past but they are discontinued now.
Pads or brushes are easier and better. You can get some here:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/brushes-pads-sprayers
Rollers splatter and are not the best way to apply.
I used your “transparent natural tone” product a few years ago on my deck and rough cut pergola but the time has come to apply some stain again.
Is there a different “prep process” if I stay with a transparent or switch to a semi-transparent?
The wood is all 5 years old at this point (upstate NY), so I think it’s time to switch to something that may offer slightly more protection.
Thanks.
Use the RAD Stripper and Brightener Kit.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
Are the stripper and brightener ok to use around vinyl fencing (post and rails around the deck) or do I need to protect the fencing?
They will not harm vinyl but always prewet and rinse over spray while working to keep it clean.
Tried to attach a photo, but unclear how to do that …
I’m in the research phase – samples of several different stains on the way – before staining a large, long pressure treated pine fence, that I built last summer. The wood was purchased and delivered to my mid-May 2023 and went up over course of summer.The long stretches are made of deck boards and there are two picket sections running perpendicular … anyway, I’ve calculated the square footage at 4,228, which I’m rounding up to 4,500. At 225 sf per gallon, I’m thinking 20 gallons? Maybe 25? I will get a moisture meter to check before I stain … does that sound about right?
Given that it’s nearly a year old and has been subjected to rain, consistent sun, snow etc. is mill glaze still a significant concern? Was hoping a pass with 80 grit sandpaper and a rinse or a light bleach / water mix and rinse would suffice …
Thanks in advance for thoughts.
Do not sand for prep. Use the RAD Prep Kits and light pressure washing:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
Easier and better results. As for the stain, your coverage is correct if doing 1 coat. No need for a moisture meter, just make sure the wood is dry for 48 hours after the prep or any rain.
Hello, We just installed new redwood fence in our backyard and side yard. Fence is about 230 linear feet, 6 ft height including 16 inch lattice on the top.
One of our friends recommended that Armstrong stain is the best and will protect the wood. I am planning to go with clear stain.
Your help is appreciated.
Thank you
You will need an airless sprayer to apply the AC stains. Any brand will work. For 2600 sq feet (both sides) you will need about 20-25 gallons for two coats applied wet on wet. Stain all wood that is exposed.
I’m looking for a medium brown semi-solid stain for my house exterior (SingCore pine). I have ordered samples of the Espresso (too dark), Oxford Brown (too dark), Woodland Brown (too orange), and Mountain Cedar (way too orange). I tried mixing equal parts of the Oxford and Woodland Brown, and while the result was lighter, it was still too orange. Although you may not recommend it, would you have any suggestions for how to get to a medium brown? Would mixing the Oxford Brown (or Espresso) with the Amber (of which I do not have a sample) be a better combination?
If you want to lighten a color it is best to use Natural or Amber. You will reduce the opacity though.
Hello, pressure treated pine deck installed 4 months a go. I live in western NY, snow, rain, summer temps not crazy. Read that clear stain in not a good choice. Looking for recommendations on a transparent/semi transparent stain. Thanks
See new wood tips here: https://www.twpstain.com/twp1500-5gallon-detail
Use any of the semi-transparent Armstong Clark colors.
My contractor insisted to apply the stain 4 hours before a thunderstorm at 11pm. What should I do after the thunderstorm.
Let it dry fully. If it was harmed, it would be visible with obvious water spots. If no spots, then it is fine.
Do you have a spec sheet for submittals to designers?
We do not.
Attached is a Product Data Sheet if that works for you.
I just had a new rough sawn cedar fence built. Is it ok to apply stain right away to rough sawn or best to wait? If I should wait, how long before I should apply stain? Thank you.
Rough sawn wood can be stained right away as long as it is clean and dry.
Approximately how long after staining with a semi-transparent until it is safe for it to rain? The forecast in upstate NY is touch and go this time of year. It is going on older pressure treated pine that has been sanded and brightened. Thanks!
It can take a rain 6-12 hours after epplying in most conditions.
After sanding our 40 year old PT deck, it was recommended to use a cleaner/brightner before semi-transparent stain. Is the cleaner brightner one product or two? One step or two?
2 Steps. Use this: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
Can I clean and prep the deck a week before staining? Or does it need done immediately before?
Yes. Best to stain within 2 weeks of prep.
Can I apply semi solid stain to a new cedar fence using a garden hand sprayer?
You cannot spray it with a pump sprayer and you cannot apply it to new wood right away:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Do you have any pictures of Natural Oak. Looking to put it on a brown pressure treated fence.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/armstrong-clark-photo-album
How long will your stain last in storage? It looks like I’m between 3 and 5 gallons (depending upon how many coats I put down). Based on past experiences with this deck I’m thinking I will need right around 3 gallons.
Opened it will last about 12 months.
What’s the recommended overnight lowest temperature should this be applied?
Also, what’s the max moisture in the wood prior to staining?
50 for low temp. 15% moisture or less is best.
Good morning – I have stained my dock with AC Cedar semy transparent it looks great to start with but after a winter or two it turns an ugly dark brown – I was wondering if I should go to a clear stain – I just pressure washed and sanded for a new coat
Clear will not offer UV protection. It has to be tinted.
Do you have application directions in Spanish? Thanks!
We do not buy a google translator will work.
It’s Late October in Missouri. Hubs thinks it’s too late to apply your oil based deck stain as it’s 30-40 degrees at night and overcast during the day with heavy dew in the mornings. Deck is KDAT lumber and just built / sanded. If we apply a water based stain now… can we apply this AC deck product directly over the top of the water based stain next summer? Will we only need to clean the deck prior or application ?
Temps for applying need to be above 50 and cannot drop below 40 at night. You c n never apply a different brand of sem-transparent stain over the top of an existing stain. You will have to remove the current coating if switching stain brands
What is the Best way to remove the coating?
That depends on the stain brand and type. Could be stripping and or sanding.
Just wait and do it in the spring. It will be fine.
Even though we sanded it?
Yes. You have to clean and brighten anyhow for final prep as sanding is not the correct way to prep.
How effective is it to recoat a deck with an AC Semi-solid stain over existing AC Semi-transparent stain. Can you simply clean and go? Or does existing semi-transparent stain by Armstrong Clark have to be removed?
Best to strip and brighten for max penetration into the wood grain when switching colors and opacity: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
I’m planning on staining a house that has previously been stained with Armstrong-Clark semi transparent sequoia.
If we use a semi solid stain , does it have to be stripped of the old stain? Will pressure washing be sufficient enough to re-coat
Strip and brighten would be best. https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
I purchased AC semi transparent stain for my cedar siding on my house. I’m concerned about any odors that the stain may have and how long they will persist.
Odors stop once fully cured.
Hello using all Armstrong Clark can you go from semi-transparent to semi-solid then back to semi-transparent? We plan to do our first stain on our fence with semi-transparent rustic oak but may change our minds down the road.
It’s a friendly neighbor rough sawn cedar wood fence 14 months old never stained, the same on both sides.
Any issues to keep in mind if going from semi-transparent then semi-solid then to semi-transparent? Thank you~
You will have to strip and brighten when switching otherwise no issue.
Thank you!
Try warm water and some dish soap.
Can I get small samples to check for color variations? I have been using super deck on my cedar siding. I’d like to just add clear and not change color other than a little darkening.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
A clear sealer will offer zero UV protection. Has to be tinted.
Hi, two questions.
1) can semi solid stain be recoated just like the semi-transparent (that is, without stripping or sanding)?
2) In your opinion, which of your colors work best with a red brick house (see pic). Deck surface will be PT pine
1. Yes but you do have to clean for prep.
2. Any color you like will work!
I am installing pressure treated pine decking. I have a few questions:
1. Can I use any end coat preservative on my end cuts when I install? Will the end cut preservative interfere with my AC stain when I apply it later when the wood dries out?
2. Is a 12% moisture content the correct amount for best staining?
3. If I order sample stains and try them out on the wet pressure treated wood will the color be the same when I apply the stain to the dry pressure treated decking at a later date?
1. No need for an end cut sealer and yes, it could hinder the AC’s stain absorption.
2. Yes, but read this about new wood as it really has nothing to do with moisture content: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
3. No, it will be lightly darker when the wood is more absorbent.
Thanks for the info.
Why is there no need for an end cut sealer? Once I install the decking I will not be able to seal/stain them with the AC stain I choose.
I had read your guide for staining. The first bullet mentions that the wood needs to dry out. What am i not understanding?
There is no advantage to using it and honestly is kind of a gimmick. You only have to stain and protect the exposed wood after installation and weathering.
Yes you have to weather and prep, it is explained in this article: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Moisture % is not the reason for weathering. It is all about the porosity of the new wood.
I have done a lot of research before coming up with a choice for decking material and sealant/stain. I am no expert and basically only know what I read on the internet. Everyone else that I have read says that best practice is to seal the cut ends of wood during installation. As AC is my sealant/stain of choice I am going to take your advice and not worry about the ends that are butted up to each other and use AC to seal the cut ends that are exposed.
I assume it is good to wait till my moisture meter read ~ 12% before doing anything.
Thanks for your advice. (I hope you are correct :))
We sell over 100,000 gallons a year for the past ten years and no one buys an end grain sealer. We used to carry one and were lucky to sell 10 pints total in a year.
It is not needed.
want to buy semisoiid deck finish woodland brown wont come up on computer
It is in the stain color choices at the bottom. Scroll down.
see pic
Sorry, but we do not offer discounts to contractors for random purchases. Shipping take about 4-6 days to arrive in CA.
How long should stain dry before putting furniture back?
24-48 hours. Just make sure it is fully dry to the touch.
Hello , I’m wondering the recommended process for a 7 year old pine pressure treated fence that I initially used a cidercide oil on the first 2 years then one year used Thompson clear water seal. I was informed these are film forming seals and that penetrating seals would not work. Can you shed some light on my dilemma and would your stains that come highly recommended would work ? Thanks
Use this prep kit and then you can use any of the Armstrong Stain Colors that you like after: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
Hello, I initially used cedarcide cedar oil then used Thompson water seal clear. I was told these were film forming sealers. Can I use this product with success? Fence is about 7 years old and in good condition, I haven’t cleaned since last year and only used Thompson once
I just found this product. I made the mistake of using a waterbased cabot semi solid stain and I hate it. I plan on steam cleaning the deck. I have area’s that have never been stained and 4 years old. Then I plan on sanding the decks. The the restore a deck products. Then the use your oil based semi transparent in chestnut. I understand it will not peel. Am I heading in the right direction? Thanks
As long as you are able to sand/remove the current stain off, your steps will work.
What stain coulour compliments a taupe house
Try Rustic Brown.
Really silly question but this is my first time ever staining a large deck that will require a 5 gallon bucket. Do you dip your brush right into the bucket or attempt to poor it into a smaller container?
Either is fine, just make sure to properly stir it first.
Last year I applied AC Transparent Natural Tone. Can I apply semi transparent cedar this year over the top ?
Use this kit first and then you can: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
I plan on staining approx. 1200 square feet of pine shiplap siding this spring. I have used Amber semi-transparent for my IPE deck and would like to match that color on the pine. Which stain and color would you recommend? The attached photo is the color scheme I and looking for.
It is not possible to get cedar to match IPE wood. Closest would probably be the Chestnut color but it will not look like IPE when stained.
Hi: I stripped and stained my PT deck last June (one coat)with your product. Now late March and looks very good no loss of finish like the two previous water based stains. Very satisfied. Anyway I have enough leftover stain to put another coat on to deepen the color can that be done by just prepping with a cleaner/brightened then applying? Thanks… Bill
Yes, that is correct.
I need 6 gals of stain for my job. If I order a 5 gal can and a 1 gal can, will it still be free shipping and shipped together?
No, only 5-gallon pails ship free. Single gallons do not and cannot fit into the same box as a 5-gallon pail.
is there a direct number i can call for customer service?
866-856-3325 during open hours.
How soon can I apply after pressure washing?
48 hours of drying.
How should I prep a deck with new lumber, the deck is 6 months old
Use this kit for prep: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
My question: I have just installed a Tongue and Groove Sapele front porch floor on a historic home here in Eastern North Carolina . It has gotten wet/the homeowner let snow sit on the edges and the wood is hinting at trying to buckle…. Also, some purple black “stuff” is running on the edges a little bit.
My question is, being that this is a new porch system can I go ahead and install your hardwood deck stain? I’m trying to prevent any more damage or abnormalities from occurring to this fine porch
You have to weather and then prep. See here about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
How do you suggest I protect the Tongue and Groove from buckling and getting damaged.
Can this product be applied directly to a deck that was previous painted, without sanding first?
No, all previous coatings must be removed first.
5 yr old redwood deck and just finished sanding – using RAD products next. My question is if using the Semi Solid Sequoia product how many coats will be needed?
One coat.
We applied an AC semi-trans to our decks earlier this year – some sections were all-new wood, others were sanded and brightened. It looks GREAT! We’re actually very happy with the color as-is; adding more next year seems like it’d darken it too much. What’s the guidance on re-applying? Wait until the existing pigment fades, or re-coat with something transparent?
Use the same color when you reapply. Prep with this kit first.https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
I would like to order some stain.. Anyone stained a new treated pine privacy fence aproximately 150 ft. front and back? Approximately how much semi transparent stain would I need? And one coat or two?
We would need a total sq footage of all wood added up for both sides to help with the amount needed.
I have a brand new treated pine deck/rails and porch/rails going in next month in Western North Carolina. Once it’s complete at what point should the stain be applied. Also, will the semi-transparent be ok on a new deck and will the black walnut actually be semi transparent on the new treated pine boards and rails ? Thanks
See here: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Semi-transparent is okay and the Black Walnut is semi-transparent.