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.
I’m ready to apply semi-solid stain to my older deck that really needs it. I also have a 2 month old pool deck of pressure treated yellow pine that is not ready to stain. If I remember, I should wait a year to apply the semi-solid. Is this correct? I’m pretty set on the semi-solid vs semi-transparent, because I’ve had much better success with it on my full-sun high-UV deck space.
If I buy a 5gallon bucket, can I use some of it now and save the rest until next spring when I am ready to stain the new wood?
Yes, correct. One year, and then prep when using the semi-solid colors. Shelf life after being opened is about 12 months, so there’s no guarantee it will still be good next year if opened.
Hello,
My deck is in bad shape and want to re stain it this year with the same color from 5 years ago (rustic brown). What are the steps that I need to do before staining? Strip, clean and brighten? Also how many cans of stain do I need ( my deck is 15 x 15) with 4 small steps. Thank you
Stripper and Brightener. No need for Cleaner. About 2-3 gallons for two coats applied wet on wet.
We have a large deck outside of our basement that surrounds most of our pool. We have used Armstrong Clark Semi Transparent Rustic Brown every 2 years since it was built 13 years ago. We have replaced several boards in the last year and several more are going to need replacing in the next year or so. The deck gets around 9 hours of full sun and gets alot of pool water splashed on it for about 4-5 months. As you can see in these pictures, it is 2 years since the last staining and I’m getting ready to order the stain but I’m wondering if another Armstrong Clark stain would give me a little more protection and I’m also wondering about the Restore a Deck or Brightener would help also. Any help is appreciated.
Best to strip and brighten all the wood to even it out best:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
One of the semi-solid colors would help with better UV protection after the prep.
We applied your wood stain about 5years to a 150,000 ft redwood deck holding up well. All is covered, however, the sun and rain etc. hit the outside three + boards and need to be restrained (have your striper and brightener). The question is, should there be any difference with the new application of stain to the damaged wood as opposed to that which is just fine?
Yes, it will not blend. It’s best to do all the wood at once so it is evenly stained when finished.
I’ve got a potential client who wants to get a maintenance coat put on their cedar siding.
Their house was built two years ago, and the builder stained the siding with Messmer‘s oil based stain.
On the east, west, & south facing sides, you can see a little more discoloration from the sun.
I just want get an idea on what process I should follow for this house. Do I need to use any chemicals or brightener before staining it?
Also the pillars seem to be pushing out sap or something from inside. Best way to clean/remedy that?
Looking to clean and stain a Larch clad cabin in Pennsylvania need advice.
Thanks
Post pics for prep help in the comments.
We are sanding and resealing the wood soffits on our 60 year old home. We would like a clear or natural look. What product do you recommend for soffits?
Try the Natural color. It is very lightly pigmented.
Project using Transparent Natural Tone and Rustic Brown. Turned out wonderfully.
Nice Job!
I see the description notes 150-200 sq ft coverage. Does that mean for 1 coat or the recommended 2 coats? Thanks.
That is per coat.
I have a 30 year cedar fence that has not been treated in possibly 15 years. Much of the stain has worn off. I pressure washed it but did not use a cleaning additive. Samples of your product seem to cover any old stain remaining. Can I go ahead and spray the rest of the fence and will it wear well?
What is the difference in the 2 deck reactore a deck products and what is the criteria for their use.
I applied 2 coats of the semi-transparent cedar stain on my cedar patio deck 3 years ago ans need to refresh it. There a few patches of ‘increased wear’, but no peeling.
One is a cleaner, and one is a stripper kit. Post pics for help as to which would be best.
Attached is a photo of the project I’m going to tackle. It is over saltwater in the Seattle area. (Harsh marine environment.) The dock is roughly 150’x6′. The decking is composed of 3″x6″x6′ pressure treated lumber. Difficult to tell from the photo, but the deck is skirted circumferentially (supported) with 8″x14″ glue-lam beams, which will also benefit from a oil stain saturation. The decking is probably 50 years old. It has not been stained at all in at least 20-25 years. My goal is not primarily ‘beauty’, but to hopefully buy another 20-25 years life for the deck boards. (I realize one coat of stain alone won’t do that.) Several weeks ago, I pressure washed it entirely, and now plan to let it dry for another week. I have several questions: 1) Is your semi-transparent stain available in 5 gallon size? 2) Were you tackling this project, how much product would you have on hand? I have seen how dry, older wood can really soak up an oil. I don’t want to be caught short of product. 3) What is the process, or is it possible to return leftover, unopened product? Lastly, any advice you can offer for tackling this project will be appreciated.
Be careful of drips into the wood when applying.
Hi, I applied Thompson water seal on my deck in September of 2023. It didn’t hold up for anything over the winter. I now have splotches all over my deck. I think between having no gutters and the snow and hail we got last winter just made a mess of the deck. Not to mention the snow melt we had to throw out. If I pressure was the deck would I be able to apply the Armstrong Clark wood stain? Or would I have to do other things to the wood first?
Strip and brighten the wood while pressure washing. You need to remove the Thompsons.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
Multiple areas of deck railing/soffit/side support as well as covered and covered cedar. Last sealed 20 years ago. My issue is that some of the higher wood is fine and still has a good protective coat (not sure what they used) but more exposed wood has been or will be sanded down and i will use the cleaner prior. Per instructions listed, it sounds like whatever is not absorbed can be wiped away vs becoming a sticky mess. Is that correct? The exposed deck boards will b replaced w trex due to pine needle issues. Thanks in advance!
Yes. That is correct.
Pressure treated yellow pine deck, 650 sq ft in NH, new planks summer 2022. I was unable to do any treatment in 2023. This year, the first treatment, I prepped with RAD cleaner-brightener. The wood was thirsty enough to take 5 gallons, all I had, of semi-transparent – absorption was immediate! Nice looking result but still seems dry. Should I wait until next year, or try for another coat this year? If this year, do I re-prep?
Next year. Lightly clean for prep and apply another coat.
Thanks for the quick reply! The deck is shedding water nicely. By “lightly clean” next year, just a scrub with dish soap, not the RAD treatment?
Use the RAD Cleaner but at 2-3 oz of powder per gallon of water.
Go it!
Can you describe what the natural oak vs. rustic brown will look like on cedar wood. It has reds and oranges in it.Pam
Hi, there is no way to say for certain as colors vary drastically based on wood age, wood type, how it is prepped, and application. Best to test samples on your wood to see the results:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
Do you happen to have samples of Solid Stain (paint)? We want to do semi-solid on log portion of cabin, but do a solid stain on upper eves and siding.
Sorry, but we do not sell solid stains in the Armstrong Clark brand.
What is the shipping time to Sacramento California 95628 area code? I was looking to buy a 5 gallon of natural transparent.
Sorry, we missed this question over the weekend. 4-5 business days.
Great product so far !!! For best protection should one put an additional sealer coat over top or is this product weather-resistant enough?
No, you cannot add a sealer over the AC stains. It would peel if you did this.
Hi. I have an existing very old redwood deck. I am flipping many of the boards but am also using pressure treated pine for some replacement boards. Can I use this product to stain them all to same color? Or do I need to use two different stains? Help!
You can use the same stain and color, but it will be impossible for you to match new and old wood with different wood types. Similar but not exactly the same.
thank you so much. I want to sand the redwood and use either clear or natural stain- can you suggest which?
and for the pine can you suggest what would be closest match?
I really don’t mind color contrast as long as it is similar, it may add to the natural beauty of the woods.
Thank you so much.
Use the Natural color.
thank you very much. Is there anywhere is 10950 zipcode area I can purchase your product? Or only by mail from your website?
We sell online only.
Cna apply this product on Roofing cedar wood shingles? If how log it will last ? How often maintenance requires?
Yes, clean and recoat every few years for a roof.
Will your semi-solid stains peel?
No.
Hi! We tested the semi-transparent cedar on a 5 year old pressure treated deck (never been stained or painted and wood is weathered grey) and find it a little too dark brown. Would the cedar tone transparent appear lighter with a slightly more orange tone?
Yes and Amber would as well. Make sure to mix well as pigment can settle.
Thank you kindly for the quick response. We love this product!
👍
Thanks for the speedy reply! Photos attached!
Hi, use this kit for prep while pressure washing.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
Hi, refinishing a cedar fence. It has a year old transparent sherwin Williams stain. It did not hold up. Should I go transparent or semi transparent. And what do I need to do to prep the wood? (I live on the coast in California — some warm days —lots of salt and fog).
The SW needs to be removed. Post some pics for help with this. Most use semi-transparent.
I have a pressure treated pine deck and used ready seal last year . Been a bit and has faded. Any issues applying Armstrong Clark over it ?
You cannot apply any stain over the RS. The good thing is that it is super easy to remove it with this kit: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
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.