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.
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!
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
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.
Also, my deck is pressure treated lumber. You mention spraying, roller or brush. Can I use staining pads with poles?
Stain pads and brushes are best.
I live in Northwestern Illinois. How late in the year can I apply the semi transparent stain?
Above 50 so late October.
Can you Ship to Canada
Yes, we can.
I am staining my 20-year-old pressure treated pine deck with your semi-transparent driftwood stain, after power-washing off a lot of algae and mildew. The wood is weather checked and it is soaking in very fast. I am brushing it out very thin, not filling the cracks and crevices in the weathered wood, as I did not buy enough to put it on more liberally. It looks good, but I am contemplating another coat to better soak into the defects. I would like your advice on a second coat and whether to use more semi-transparent driftwood, or go with the clear natural for the second coat, as it appears to have enough pigment as it is now. Please advise. Thanks.
You would have to use the Driftwood if you want to recoat. Not possible to add the Natural over it and it is also not clear, but tinted. If it looks good then no need to add more.
How do I stir the semi transparent product before application without removing the lid on the 5 gallon bucket?
Home Depot offered to shake the 5 gallon bucket which I’ve purchased on your website. Is it ok to shake the bucket even though I’ve read that oil-based products should be stirred? HD says they shake all paints and stains save for polyeurothane.
Any advice on pouring from such a large bucket? I’m new to all of these and this is the first time I’ve refinished a deck.
You can shake it. The other option is to remove the lid and stir well.
Applied semi transparent rustic brown stain, a small area was not cured enough prior to a rainfall (see photo), has a textured look. 2 questions:1. How best to fix this area?2. We applied 1 coat to most areas and can see the two coated area has more colour – can we apply another coat to the entire deck now and if so do we need to re-prep it?Or is it better to wait 9 – 12 months and if so then clean and stain?
Thank you!
You can apply a light coat to all wood now if you would like.
When staining my deck I did one section then came back and did another section that butted up to the first section. Where I overlapped the two sections it appears darker. I have a couple questions… 1) Is this darker area due to extra stain in that area where I overlapped? 2) What is best to correct that difference in color, put a 2nd coat of stain on the entire deck, including the darker areas where I overlapped or just apply a second coat to only the areas that do not appear to have extra stain on it?
1. Yes, correct.2. It is not easy to spot fix (it will not blend well) and over-applying to all wood can create issues with curing and drying. You are best to leave as is, for now, lightly clean and apply one coat in 9-12 months.
I should have mentioned this was using the Semi Trans Rustic Brown stain
I live in TN and recently had a cedar fence built and and letting it season just a little. Can i just spray on the transparent Cedar color with a pump sprayer and follow up with a roller?
You can spray on then back brush with a stain pad or brush. Rollers do not work very well.
Is this product considered a stain and sealer?
Yes, it is.
How do I open the 5 gallon bucket?
If you want to take the lid off fully, then pry open the tabs of the lid with a screwdriver.
I was assuming I had to take it off fully to stir it. Is that not true? It’s been sitting for a few weeks since it arrived in the mail. Maybe I can just roll the can around to mix it? Tell me what’s best! I’m finally ready to stain today!
take off top and get a 5-gallon drill mixer to mix correctly.
What if I take it to my local hardware store and have them shake it? Would that work?
If they are willing to do that, then yes.
They did!! So I’m set. Thank you so much for all your help.
Can the clear stain be used on cedar boards?
Yes.
I have about 1000 sq ft to stain. Being from Canada, oil-based stain selection is limited. I have cleaned, pressure washed and power sanded. Will use brightener as last step before staining. Was thinking to mix Expresso and Oxford Brown 50-50 as Expresso seems too dark on its own. Do you foresee any issues? West facing, lots of direct sun and weather. Other recommendations? Thank you!
You can mix colors if you like. Only one coat.
Sorry for all the questions. After I get my deck completely stained. Should there be any kind of finish put on top of the stain or is it complete? How long will left over stain stay good? I am adding a 10×10 deck from the old deck out to my pool. I was hoping to use the left over stain once it is built. Hopefully last question. Is 2 coats all that is necessary? Or would you recommend 3 coats
No, you cannot add a coating over the AC stain. Do not apply more than 2 coats.
Ok thank you. Can the leftover stain be stored and used at a later time? If so long will it be good
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/shelf-life-of-armstrong-clark-stain
After pressure washing the deck how long do I need to wait to start staining. Also I used your calculator to figure how much stain I would need my deck is 60 feet long 13feet wide the railing is 80 feet long at 3 1/2 ft tall. It’s saying I need 34 gallon would I need that much if I’m using an airless sprayer?
48 hours after prep. 34 Gallons? Not sure you are entering this correctly. Same #s when we enter comes to 10-11 gallons. Spraying would be about the same.
I have a 10 yr old deck. It has been pressure washed and the pressure treated wood looks good. Would the semi transparent natural oak be ok to use on it? Do I need to do anything else to it to prepare for the stain?
As long as the wood is clean and free of old coatings you can use the AC stain. Any color will work.
Can apply the stain with an airless sprayer? I have a lot of spindles on my railing.
Yes.
SemiSolid on IPE?
No. Only the three hardwood colors of Amber, Mahogany, and Black Walnut.
don’t like those colors. Looking for medium brown like the mountain cedar which is much darker than the amber. What mix would you recommend for a bed brown with the hardwood options?
Sorry but for IPE, we do not have any options like that. In addition, you will never get IPE to look like MC color. It is the wood itself that will not allow it.