Armstrong stain offers a wide variety of color choices in an oil based semi-transparent penetrating formula. It should be noted that with any brand of wood stain, colors cannot be guaranteed. Colors and tones can vary depending on the wood type, the age of the wood, the condition of the wood, wood prep, and stain application.

Armstrong stain colors currently include Natural Tone, Cedar Tone, Redwood Tone, Cedar Semi, Sierra Redwood, Rustic Brown, Mountain Cedar, Sequoia, Woodland Brown, Oxford Brown, Mahogany, Amber, and Driftwood Gray.

Armstrong Clark Stain Color Help

As a general rule, the lighter the color, the more transparency it will have. This means that more of the wood’s natural grains will show through, which can have an influence on the final appearance. Darker colors will reflect more of the actual stain color but will still allow some of the wood grain to show through because it is a semi-transparent finish.

It is also worth mentioning that the darker the color the more resistant it is to UV fading. Darker colors have more pigment, which is what resists harmful UV rays. Lighter colors, will still provide adequate sun protection but not as much as the darker stain tones.

To be exactly sure how a certain Armstrong color will look on your wood surface, you can order a color sample. Apply the Armstrong color sample in an inconspicuous spot. Allow the stain to dry for several days to see the finished result. Order as many Armstrong color help samples as you would like. It is a good way to find the right color for your wood surface. There is nothing worse than staining a whole wood structure only to decide you do not care for the color.

With so many factors determining how a particular Armstrong color will look in its final appearance, it is wise to use the color help samples to find the tone you like. You should only need the Armstrong color help initially. Once the deck is stained you can keep it maintained with the same color unless you decide to change colors at some point.

Armstrong Clark Stain Colors Horizontal small

Ask a Question or Post a Picture...
You are guest ( Sign Up ? )
or post as a guest
Loading comment... The comment will be refreshed after 00:00.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Kristin · 05/22/2019
    I have a pressure treated pine deck that has been weathering since July 2018 in central AL. It gets some sun but is partially shaded by some trees. I will be ready to stain it soon. I'm looking at your driftwood but it appears more blue than grey. Wondering if that is a function of seeing it on the computer. Otherwise, I was thinking natural oak. My house has grey siding on it.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Joe Graaff · 05/22/2019
    Hello; just got referred to your product. I have a two level wood deck--I think it is pine but not sure. The previous owner stained it a red cedar look three years ago and it is in bad shape. The deck touching sunlight is all faded and dried out which causes furniture marks.

    Can you recommend the best method and stain for returning the deck to its natural wood color we could stain a darker brown, such as chestnut or espresso?


    Thank you very much.

    Joe Graaff
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Armstrong · 05/22/2019
      The current stain will need to come off. Best to post a picture so we can determine the best way to do this.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Todd · 05/06/2019
    Will the black walnut last as long as the semi solid expresso on treated pine in full sun in SC, about what would the difference in time be before needing to be recoated? Also, I was going to put black walnut on the ceiling inside my carport. SInce it is out of the sun would I ever really need to recoat it?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Armstrong · 05/06/2019
      They will last about the same. 2-3 years. Probably will not need another coat on the ceiling since there are no UV issues.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Mr. Stuart Allyn · 05/05/2019
    Given the swatches are on different woods, which is more yellow, which is more red?
    the swatches are misleading when on different wood.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Armstrong · 05/05/2019
      Colors will vary based on wood type and age. Having the same wood type does not mean it will always turn out the same color. Best to order samples to test on your wood so you are certain the appearance. Samples are in the main menu.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Stuart Allyn · 05/04/2019
    What's the difference between the Semi-transparent Cedar and the Amber?
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Fred · 04/29/2019
    Hello and thanks for your willingness to help. I built a pool deck and finished the project the first week of August last year so it's about 9 months old. I think I want my finished color to be Woodland Brown, but your instructions say that Semi-Solids are not for decks for less than one year. So, I'm wondering if I should hold off until August or maybe go with a Semi-Transparent like Natural Oak now and then next year go ahead with the Semi-Solid Woodland Brown? Thanks!
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Armstrong · 04/29/2019
      Either way is fine. You could start off with the Rustic Brown now.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Michelle · 04/20/2019
    Hello. We live in on the central west coast of Florida—our summers are hot (typically 85/90 degrees), with heavy rains most afternoons; our winters are relatively mild, with the coldest temps dipping to 40 degrees. We are currently building our 10-year old a fort in the back yard using pressure-treated pine (from Lowes) and are looking for a rugged stain that will repel dirt and [slippery] mildew. Would your semi-transparent stains be good for this?

    Also, since there will probably be a half-dozen kids playing on this deck (and running up and down the stairs) most days – is there anything we can add to the stain to help give the deck and stairs a bit more GRIP for safety?

    As far as colors, we are looking for a semi-transparent stain in a grayish-brown (preferably low VOC) that would allow the fort to blend in with the oaks - which color would you recommend to get that color on PT pine?

    Lastly, the oaks drop a lot of debris (pollen, buds and leaves), which I’m sure will be happening during the staining process. Once the stain is dry, will we be able to scrape off the debris – or will it be permanently stuck in the stain?

    Thank you!
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Armstrong · 04/21/2019
      See here about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain

      After the wait and prep, the AC would work well. You cannot add a grip to a penetrating stain like Ac. for color, there is not a gray-brown color. Debris will not stick to it as it dries.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Michelle LoGerfo · 04/22/2019
        Sorry, I hit send too fast! :) Would you recommend letting the wood "age" longer to get that gray look to it before staining it with a brown (to end up with a grayish-brown)? Or would that put the wood at risk of rotting? We're using pressure-treated pine. Thanks again.
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          Armstrong · 04/22/2019
          No, that will not work and you will have to remove the gray oxidation prior to staining.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Michelle LoGerfo · 04/22/2019
        Thank you for the reply. Is there any way to mix two stains to get the grayish-brown we're looking for?

        Also, I have a follow up question: what is the stain made with? Is it pure, unrefined linseed oil... or are there additives in it, like arsenic, beryllium, cadmium and other toxins? I want to make sure this is 100% safe to use on my son's fort since he and his friends will be all over it most days. Thanks.
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          Armstrong · 04/22/2019
          You can mix colors together on your end. Try some samples to test: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples

          As for ingredients, it is a mixture of natural and synthetic oils and has a low VOC of 50. Once it isfully cured, you will not have any issues.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Bob Bowles · 04/15/2019
    Where can you get Armstrong Clark Deck Stain in the Lake Charles, Louisiana area (70611) ?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Armstrong · 04/15/2019
      No dealers in Louisiana. Shipping takes about 3 days.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Jeff Cowger · 04/09/2019
    The deck has been sanded down to bare wood. Is it necessary to apply the RAD/brightener before staining?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Armstrong · 04/09/2019
      Yes, the RAD Cleaner and Brightener will help the stain to soak in better after sanding.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Doug Halley · 09/17/2018
    I am staining redwood house siding. My choices of stain are Sierra Redwood and Natural Tone. Do both stains have comparable UV resistance?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Armstrong · 09/17/2018
      Sierra Redwood would have twice the UV resistance as the Natural Tone.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Alison · 09/09/2018
    How do I clean my ipe dock in between the staining treatments? Do I use dawn detergent and warm water with a mop and how often? My dock is surrounded be mud and black dirt. Thank you
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Armstrong · 09/10/2018
      Yes, that is correct. Do as needed.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Alison Hines · 09/08/2018
    I am having a new dock constructed using ipe decking boards. When should I stain my new ipe boards with AC to prevent graying? Many sites recommend applying ipe oil immediately after installation? Do the Armstrong stains need to sit on deck for length of time and excess wiped off? Can other colors be used on ipe besides Amber, mahogany and black walnut (Are these colors semi-transparent)? Do you recommend a joist tape be applied to joists and framing prior to deck board installation?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Armstrong · 09/09/2018
      You cannot stain IPE right away. The wood needs to weather 3-6 months and then prepped. Do not back wipe the AC. Only the 3 colors are IPE colors.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    roici · 08/17/2018
    Hi, Can you mix semi-transparent and IPE stains? I would like to mix Chestnut with Black Walnut. Thanks!
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Susan Endres · 08/10/2018
    I like the Oxford Brown Semi-Solid Stain, but my husband thinks it's too dark. What color could we use to lighten it up, maybe about 25%? Also could you suggest the ratio of that product to the Brown achieve this result? Thanks!
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Armstrong · 08/11/2018
      It would not be possible to lighten up the Oxford brown by 25%. Sorry.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Mike Bussell · 08/03/2018
    Can this product be used on pressure Treated decking (AWW)?
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Teresa in NJ · 07/21/2018
    I just finished sanding my deck. The stain previously used (past 20 years) was Cabot's semi-solid mission brown. I applied the cabot stain before Cabot changed the formula of its semi solid stain to make it water soluable for easier clean up. What is your recommendation to match, as close as possible, the Mission Brown stain? Thank you.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Armstrong · 07/22/2018
      Before using the AC you will need to remove (if you have not already) any remnants of previous coatings of a different brand. Strip off what you can with this: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper

      Sand if needed anything that the stripper will not remove.

      Once removed fully, try the Rustic Brown or Oxford Brown
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Teresa in NJ · 07/21/2018
    Have sanded my deck. the stain previously used (past 20 years) is Cabot's semi-solid mission brown. What is your recommendation for semi-sold color.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Ed in NoVA · 06/05/2018
    New barn with rough sawn eastern pine siding. Doors will be A-C driftwood (left), wife likes the color on right for everything else. The color on the right is from another company. What A-C color do you think would be closest to match?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Armstrong · 06/05/2018
      There is not a color in the AC that would be close to what is on the right. Possibly a mixture of Driftwood and the Natural Oak, but not sure of the ratios.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Scott · 06/04/2018
    Do you have any problems shipping to Canada and how much does it cost for let's say a restore kit and ten gallons of stain?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Armstrong · 06/04/2018
      We ship to Canada all the time without issues. As for cost, add products to cart and enter your shipping address for total price. It updates automatically.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Scott · 06/02/2018
    I have a fifteen year old pressure treated wood deck that I do clean with a pressure hose to get the black Mold off of and a newer connecting deck that treated with a competitor two years ago and it is virtually gone. I was hoping that the Sierra redwood would bring the older deck and newer pressure treated woods to look new again. Am I on the right track?
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Laurie · 06/02/2018
    best stain for cedar deck. have cedar tone now interested in changing colors.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    mike · 05/26/2018
    I restored a redwood deck and put Natural transparent on it. Looks great with nice deep reddish brown to it. ABout to build a timber frame pergola on that deck but it will be lodgepole pine. Which of your colors do you think would match the redwood best? Customer wants that deep red-brown color.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Todd · 04/10/2018
    I am going to stain a new dock. One leg of the dock may be a foot under water (fresh water) once or twice a year on average for a day or two. Should I stain the bottom of the boards as well to help seal it?
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    MaryBeth · 03/27/2018
    Can you mix semi-solid and semi-transparent stains to get a particular color?
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Martha Bristol · 03/21/2018
    I just received the Oxford Brown sample and tried it this morning. I am using it on old but cleaned pressure treated pine, and it has too much red in it for me, almost a shade of burgandy which is pretty but not what I need to match my tan/taupe colors. My roof has shades of brown which look nice and I wanted to match colors if possible, but I hate to keep ordering samples. I am looking at the natural oak, rustic brown, and the black walnut, of these 3 which stains are brown without any red or yellow tint to them, or do you suggest a different one?
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Armstrong · 03/21/2018
      Rustic Brown and Black Walnut are browns with no red undertones.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Martha Bristol · 06/05/2018
        Thank you for your help, I went with the Black Walnut, and with just one application on this very old deck (over 20 years) I am thrilled with the way it looks. It was easy to apply, looks great, repels water nicely, and should last another 20 years. I am really happy with the results. Thank you AC.
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          loti · 10/01/2018
          Sorry, one more question. Why is all the knots in the wood white vs getting darker with the stain? Did you sand them that way, or did the stain turn the knots in wood white? Ive heard of people putting something on knots to cover them, thought mayby thats it? Looks great though.
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          lori smith · 09/30/2018
          Are you sure it was black walnut and not natural oak? black walnut is very dark. Im trying to order without getting samples and this pic just really messed me up. If it is black walnut, that means shades are way off if going by the samples online. Thanks. Reply back if able, appreciate it.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Kate H. · 02/06/2018
    Hi! I would love suggestions for how to refurbish our deck. It was last stained in 2015 by the prior homeowners with Sherwin William's Superdeck Solid color Flat in Almond Tree. I do not know what was on the deck before that or what prep was done prior to applying the current stain. We are in Atlanta and so have issues with constant tree debris as well as moisture (see the green algae on the deck). I would like a different color but would prefer not to have to start over with a brand new deck. Many of the balusters on the railing have been hollowed out by carpenter bees so those will have to be replaced. Our deck overlooks our pool and the woods behind our house. We would prefer a less beigey color and lean towards browns.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Armstrong · 03/21/2018
      Hello, the AC stains will not work for you. You will need a solid color stain and the AC products do not come in solid color stains.
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Armstrong · 02/06/2018
      Hello,

      Unfortunately, the AC stains cannot be applied over your current coating (solid stain). You would need to remove the old solid stain fully by sanding it off. Strippers will not remove it. If you decide to remove by sanding, make sure 100% is removed. Once down to the bare wood, you can use the AC in Rustic Brown or Chestnut for a brown color.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Sean · 01/16/2018
    Our garage door was stained with olympic maximum semi transparent stain in canyon brown;
    the stain provides a fair protection and the color is quite dark brown. I'd like to sand over the door and apply Armstrong Clark semi solid stain to give a longer interval between re-stain. what color would you recommend that would look similar to what is already there? The wood is rough saw cedar and for 3 doors, how much stain is needed?
    thanks,
    Sean, Houston
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Armstrong · 01/17/2018
      To use the AC you will need to remove the Olympic first. Best to use the Restore A Deck Stripper Kit for this. If you want to lightly sand, you can after the stripping is completed. As for the AC color, look at the Oxford Brown semi-solid. What is the sq. footage for all the doors so we can suggest the amount needed?
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        Sean · 01/17/2018
        Thanks,
        There are 3 doors and each is 64 square foot. how often does it need to be re-stained if i opt for semi solid ?
        Aside semi solid color, can you tell me what stain was used for the fence on the left most of the banner?
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          Armstrong · 01/17/2018
          1-2 Gallons will work. Clean and reapply every 4-6 years for these doors. The picture is Rustic Brown semi-transparent color. It will also last about 4-6 years for your doors.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    christine · 10/15/2017
    HI, can you tell me what is the color stain of the lower right photo next to the center photo please? also, what kind of wood? Thanks!!
    • We will reply to your comment shortly
      Armstrong · 10/16/2017
      Cedar Semi on aged PTP wood.
      • We will reply to your comment shortly
        christine · 10/16/2017
        Ok does it look darker than center because of the wood used? I love it! Thanks!
        • We will reply to your comment shortly
          Armstrong · 10/16/2017
          Yes. Final colors vary based on wood type, age of the wood, and application.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    chris · 10/15/2017
    hi, what is the color of the deck to the bottom right next to the center photo? Thanks!!
  • We will reply to your comment shortly
    Armstrong · 09/14/2017
    Russ Bateson:
    Do you have a semi-solid white?

    No we do not.