Best Semi-Solid Deck Stain
Deck stains come in different transparency levels. The more transparent or the less opaque a stain is, the more the natural wood grain shows through. This category is referred to as the semi-transparent deck stains.
The more opaque less transparent deck stains are commonly called the semi-solid deck stains. So basically the transparency scale in order starting with the least opaque would be a clear sealer, semi-transparent stain, semi-solid stain, and solid stains.
All stains are designed to be water repellent but not all will protect against graying UV rays. Pigment in the stain is what provides UV protection. With that said, a clear sealer would provide zero UV protection while a solid stain would provide the most. Ultraviolet rays are what cause a wood deck to turn gray. Because of this, many deck owners stay away from clear sealers.
The solid deck stains completely mask the beauty of the wood and are much harder to maintain. Therefore, the semi-transparent and semi-solid deck stains are the popular choices. They are easier to maintain, provide adequate water and UV protection, and do not hide the wood but rather enhance its appearance. For those looking for an enhanced look with exceptional UV protection, the semi-solid stains are the ticket.
The best semi-solid deck stain is going to be an oil based penetrating formula. A reputable deck stain like Armstrong Clark is a popular choice. They offer several semi-solid deck stain colors such as Espresso, Mountain Cedar, Sequoia, Woodland, and Oxford Brown.
This stain is a unique blend of both nondrying and drying oils. These oils separate to perform specific tasks. The nondrying side of the formula penetrates the pores to replace the wood’s lessening natural oils. The drying oils provide a surface barrier to trap in the conditioning oils and keep out moisture. This process revitalizes the wood while providing protection. Using the best semi-solid deck stain available will ensure you get much use from your deck while keeping it looking great.
Questions? Ask Below!
Hi, we hired a professional to clean, sand & restain our 90 yr old porch deck. We used a 50-50 mix of semi-transparent driftwood & semi-solid Oxford brown, but I found out he decided to thin it with turpentine without asking to show more wood grain, did he ruin the waterproofing? Do we have to start over or can we do a second coat that isn’t thinned?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated 🙂
If you thin it then you lower the UV resistance and water-repellent properties by whatever % of turpentine you added. Not sure if the wood will be able to take another coat. Do a test spot and make sure it fully cures and dries.
Is a semi solid stain good to use on a 3 year old cedar deck? Is mountain cedar a “golden ” color? I am trying to use a color that is close to natural but that is also a semi solid color
Yes, it works great on cedar wood. You can get samples from our site.
Can I put an Armstrong-Clark semi-solid or an Armstrong-Clark semi-transparent stain over a cedar gazebo stained with Cabot semi-transparent stain without sanding it down completely?
You always have to remove the old stain when switching stain brands. For prep advice, post some pics in the comments.
I have a deck that is 1/2 2 month old pressure treated, and 1/2 6 year old pressure treated…can I just stain the whole thing with semi solid cedar?
When using the AC semi-solid colors, new wood has to weather for 12 months and then be prepped.
Should I wipe excess off between coats?
No.
How soon can I put another coat of the hardwood stain on my ipe deck? And when is the suggested quickest time before I should wipe of the excess that has not been absorbed? The
Only 1 coat for hardwood decking, not two.
Is it possible to get the semi-solid stain in a lighter tone? In other words, I want to use one of the colors (oxford brown) but in a less intense tone.
No, it is not possible. You could mix Mtn. Cedar with Oxford to lighten it up. You could test with samples.
I am planning on staining my deck with AC semi-solid. Deck is full sun. It’s cool in the mornings right now but, by the afternoon, it’s been 90 degrees with high humidity.
Is it too hot/humid to stain the deck now? What temperature range is best for this stain and does humidity matter?
You can do it now but best to start in the am so you are finished by the time it reaches its highest temp for the day.
Ok thanks a lot!
I used AC Sequoia semi solid on my deck several years ago. Six months ago, I had the majority of my deck floor boards flipped and added some new treated boards on the deck floor and on the top railings. I also had new treated deck stairs installed at that time.
Using the same stain, I was hoping to stain my deck this summer before it gets too hot (May or June); however, it’s my understanding that I have to wait a year before using the semi-solid on the new wood. Should I use the semi-solid on the old deck floor boards and semi-transparent on the new deck floor boards, railing, and stairs so that they’ll have some protection from the direct sun that my deck receives during the summer months? Or should I wait until the year mark (November) and use the semi-solid stain on the entire deck? Thanks for your advice!
Wait until next year and do it all at once.
Is it okay to stain it this November or is it best to stain it next summer?
Either is okay.
Thanks so much for your advice!
Would it be alright for me to stain the old deck floor boards and railings now and just do the 3 treated deck floor boards, top railing, and stairs in 6 months?
If so, would cleaning and brightening the deck floor with RAD cause harm to the new deck floor boards?
Yes, you can do this if you like. You should avoid getting the prep products on the stained areas.
Okay thanks again!
How many coats should I do with the AC semi-solid stain since I have a mixture of new and old boards?
Is the color going to turn out differently on the new and old boards?
One coat and yes, new wood will stain lighter than older wood.
Thanks!
If I use the exact same AC semi-solid stain and color that I used previously, do I need to strip the flipped boards and railings when prepping or will just cleaning and brightening them suffice?
If I do have to strip them, why is that necessary? Just curious.
Strip and brighten. The drips will not blend on the undersides if you do not strip them.
Ok thanks!
I’m about to restain my deck with the same AC semi solid I applied two years ago. I’ll use the Res cleaner first, but do I also need to use the brightner again if using the same stain. I do not plan to use the stripper.
You should use the Brightener after the cleaner to neutralize.
Hi, I am using semi solid on weathered older deck. Power washed and power sanded all walking areas, but just p/w the banisters and rails with a deck cleaner product. As a result, old stain removed more on some wood than others, leaving patchy areas. Will new stain hide/blend this together? Thx
No, best to remove all old stain as the AC stains cannot be applied over a stain of a different brand.
I ordered samples to stain a pressure treated deck 250 sq ft. Decided on Oxford Brown. I acquired 200 sq ft of IPE decking which I will restore and use. Can I use the semi-solid for IPE or is there an alternative?
No, you cannot use the semi-solid colors on IPE. Only these 3 colors: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/wood-and-decking-stains/hardwood-and-ipe-stain
Looking for a brown semi solid stain without any red. Which color would you suggest. Deck receives sun nearly all day.
Espresso.
Question about reapplying your stain to a deck when needed. The notes below say “just clean” before reapplying AC semi-solid deck stain and use Restore-a-Deck before reapplying AC semi-transparent deck stain. I’m planning to use your semi-solid stain. Just clean before reapplying? Thanks!
No, use the RAD Prep Kits when reapplying for all AC colors and transparencies.
Can you apply a semi solid stain over a semi transparent stain on the deck?
Prep with this kit first and then you can use the semi-solid colors: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
Will you ship testers and chosen products to a New York State P.O. Box address?
Not a PO Box. Has to be a regular address or UPS store.
Any Armstrong Clark Stain Dealers in Buffalo or nearby the U.S. / Canada (New York State) border?
We sell online only as an AC dealer.
I haven’t used AC stains before, so I have a few questions about semi-solid stain:1. Do the darker color stains have more UV protection (pigment) than a lighter semi-solid color?2. How long to wait to apply a second coat? Can it be applied a few days later, or do you have to do it before the drying oil dries, and how long does that take?3. Can my 2 year old PT pine fence be cleaned (I use 30 Second Outdoor Cleaner) without having to also use a brightener after cleaning?4. Since the stain has a drying oil that seals in the non-drying oil, how does that affect prep work when it comes time to redo the fence in a few years; will I have to strip or sand out the drying oil film before staining?
5. What is range of years of protection I should get before needing to restain? (Southern climate with moderate amount of direct sun)? Thanks
1, No, the colors all have the same UV protection in the semi-solids.2. Semi-solids typically only need one coat. Only very dried out wood would need two.3. 30 Second cleaner is not very effective. Best to use a proper deck cleaner and then a wood brightener.4. Clean and recoat as needed down the road. You do not have to strip.5. On a fence, about 3-7 years depending on UV exposure.
Do you recommend staining the edges of deck boards prior to installation? In a high desert climate with limited precipitation, including some snow, should the bottom side be treated?
No need. See here about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Here are s couple of photos.
Use the RAD stripper and brightener kit with both additives for prep: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper/restore-a-deck-stripper-additives
Stain with any of the AC colors that you like after.
I have a three year old pergola made with sassafras and walnut with live edges. It is on a PT deck with a water-based semi transparent stain, which complicates what I do. I have been using Heritage oil twice yearly on the pergola, but the wood grayed and streaked horribly by rain runoff. I power washed the wood removing all graying and as much streaking as I could. I want to try an oil based semi-solid to better protect the wood and hopefully last longer between treatments. What are best options for staining the two kinds of wood used in my pergola, that might also be used on my PT deck?
We would need to see pictures for prep help. All current coatings will have to come off first before using the AC stains.
I had a pressure treated wood deck and fence installed last October. I am already seeing some cracking in the boards. I live in St Catharines Ontario Canada. I wanted to treat the boards with a semi solid stain this spring , however , noticed the comment “not recommended for wood under 1 year”. Can you please comment.Can you also advise what prep work is required before application. Lastly, are small samples available for purchase to test the colour? Thank you for your time. I look forward to your response.
Yes, new wood needs to season for 1 year if using the semi-solid colors. You can read about this here: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Samples here: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/samples
Will RADStripper work well to remove Cabot Australian timber oil from 3 year old deck. If so, do I only use the brightener and then apply the Armstrong Clark semi solid when deck is dry Also, I have a 8’x8’ small attached deck that will be one year old in July. It is brown pressure treated pine. Can I use only the brightened on this surface before applying stain or do I require the cleaner.Your interest and cooperation are appreciated. Northern Ontario, Canada
Yes, it will strip it. Brightener after. You have to clean and brighten the newer deck.
I am building a greenhouse out of western red cedar with polycarbonate glazing. Will your product provide good moisture protection in this high humidity environment? I wanted to stain the wood before construction so I can coat all surfaces. The wood is framing material, how many coats would I use?
It is not possible to prestain not do you need to coat all sides, just the exposed wood. See here about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Ran out of stain. Will I need to reprep after waiting for stain to arrive?
No need.
I have a 53 year young redwood deck that for the last 30+ years has been stained with Cabot’s semi-solid in black. However, the last few times it turned somewhat greyish when dry. It’s been 3 or 4 years since last applied. I would like to try your product in your darkest color, i.e. espresso?, and wonder whether that could be done without having to sand it down. Would your product adhere and not create a terribly messy affair?
Birdie
You will need to fully remove the Cabot to be able to use any of the AC stains.
Do you have any pictures that show how your semi solid stain colors look on Pressure treated deck boards? How true to color will the look?
You can see all the pictures we have here: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/armstrong-clark-photo-album
Where can I buy Armstrong Clark stain in retail store around the Acworth, GA 30102 area?
I’m looking for Oxford Brown & Rustic Brown
You will need to buy online only for your area fro our website.
What happens/disadvantage if I put Semi-Solid on Deck were half of it is about 10 months old and rest half is about 4 months(deck was extended later), I get too much Sun (east side) on the deck so I really want to go with semi-solid expresso rather than semi-transparent. Please advice. Thanks!
You cannot use the semi-solid until the wood has weathered for 12 months or longer: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
It will most likely not cure correctly. Wait until next year.
We have an old but well maintained PT deck that currently has Behr Deckover on it. It has failed miserably so we plan to sand it off. Prior to the Behr product, an oil based stain was used. Once it’s sanded and dust completely removed, is there any other step we need to take before applying the Armsclark semi transparent stain? (I wish you had the driftwood in semi-solid!)
Prep with this kit. It will open up the pores of the wood so the stain can penetrate deeper: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
Why is the semi-solid stain for use on wood older than one year?
It will not soak in fully and cure correctly for wood that has not seasoned for a year.
Are 5 gallon cans of stain delivered in a box or other container, or are they shipped as is? Are they shipped UPS?
We ship them in a box with UPS.
is it possible to get your driftwood gray in a semi solid
Sorry but no, it is not.
I have a gazebo which I stained 3 years ago with Armstrong and Clark stain. Can I add another coat to it or do I have to strip and clean it first?
You always have to prep when recoating. Use this kit: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
Hi I have a redwood swingset made by Rainbow that needs to be redone (10+ yrs oold). I am replacing the main supports with pressure treated wood and then re-staining the whole thing to match. I ordered samples of semi solid Oxford brown and Sequoia and we actually liked to color that resulted from mixing both together. Is it a problem to use the semi solid in this application (some areas the stain did not soak in well after 12 hrs), can we order a mix color of the Oxford and Sequoia,and as far as application is it supposed to be a light thin coat or can we go on heavy. How long should it take to dry to touch. Thanks
You cannot stain the new wood right away: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
12 months with the solid stains. We do not do customer mixes, you have to do this on your own. Just one coat.
Thanks, We sanded all the new wood, does that thereby remove the mill glaze and speed up the stainability of the new wood ? Is there any way to bring down the 12 months period. I am not asking from a warranty or reliability standpoint, I just need to stain in the near future in this case and cant wait the 12 months. Is there any way to speed things up. Thanks
No sanding actually hinders the stain’s ability to soak in. You cannot speed up the 12 months. The issue is it may not dry correctly as it cannot soak in as well and it will rub off.
Ok thank you for the clarification
I have a mahogany deck that was “bleached” initially, but then I used an Olympic brown-colored semi-transparent stain several times that lasts less than one year; I was thinking of using your semi-solid stain. Can I just clean the deck and apply that?
You cannot use a semi-solid for Mahogany. You would need one of the three hardwood colors. Strip and brighten for prep.
Bob. Here is my mahogany deck w the Armstrong Clark hardwood stain in Amber. The first year I had to strip as well. But it is a great color and easy to apply. Hope this helps.
Ed I am surprised that the amber looks so dark; I was going to go with the mahogany stain, but maybe i shouldn’t.
Yes. It is a very rich color that I really like on our porch. I didn’t want a reddish look so I stayed away from the mahogany. I suspected that would have a redder tint to it. I never tested it though so I can’t truly say. Perhaps the moderator could comment on that. But for me, I really like the Amber on mahogany and will continue to use it. Great color.
I am re-staining my wood privacy fence. I suspect it is cedar. I want a driftwood gray type color and do not want to re-stain every 2 years. So I am considering a semi-solid as I expect that would extend the time to re-stain a year or 2. I see that Armstrong Clark (I use the hardwood oil based for my mohagany porch in Amber color and it is fantastic) does not make a gray. What would you recommend? Reviews on Cabot are pretty poor.
Use the AC in Driftwood Gray for this. It will last 3-5 years on a fence.
Thank you. The hardwood is a great product. My second time using on my porch and it is easy to work with gives great results and holds up well. In regards to application on the fence can it be applied via pump sprayer and back brushed? Or should I apply with a stain pad and back brush? One or two coats? If 2 coats wet on wet?
It cannot be sprayed with a pump sprayer. Stain pads, two coats wet on wet.
For what reason is semi-solid not recommended for furniture?
May rub off on clothes.
Hello-
I was considering just recovering my deck with a solid stain (paint) but I couldn’t get all the old peeling decks solid stain thoroughly with pressure washing. I thought I’d have give up or replace. It’s pressure treated wood, probably 30+ years old. I grabbed my 4-1/2 sander and 40-grip flap disc and went after it. The woods is in very good shape. It’s a lot of work but I think I can clean it. There’s no rot in the under joists either, so I think I could save it.
My question is what stain to use. It still has some sanding streaks or smeared stain in the wood and some in cracks I can’t sand out. I wouldn’t mind a rough rustic look, but not sure if a semi solid or semi transparent would work best in this situation. It’s on the north side, in CT. Gets some sun but not a bunch. Of course snow in the winter. I don’t want to have to sand it again! Your opinion is appreciated.
You cannot use the AC unless you remove 100% of the current solid stain.
I want to restain my deck and want to use an oil based semi solid stain. The last time I stained was 13-15 years ago. It was a Behr oil based stain. Would I have to strip that or can I just apply stain after cleaning? Water no longer beads .
You have to remove the old coating fully first.
where can I buy it in Chicago il
Only online from our website.
I have a 10 tear old Cabot semi-solid stain on my deck. Can I use your semi-solid stain over this existing stain. The deck has been cleaned and dried from power washing.
Sorry but no. You would have to remove the Cabot fully.
Also below you say this
… Share
Armstrong 04/28/2020
You cannot use a semi-solid on new wood until ti has weathered for 12 months. Semi-transparent is 3+ months.
Semi solid or semi transparent on this deck?
Either. That would be your choice.
I have the same question. I want to keep.the new wood look and not have it discolor!!
That is not possible. A clear coating (no tint at all) will not keep the color and the wood will gray in months form the UV. It must be tinted with a stain if you want to prevent graying. The more tint you have, the longer it lasts.
Yes. I would be tinting but waiting a year for this new rough sawn wood will alow it to grey, no? I did not want it to grey.
Would a waterbssed stain be better for immediate staining?
Or rough sawn you can stain right away with the AC.
I would like to use semi-solid Mountain Cedar on a new pergola with rough sawn doug fir.
Do I have to wait 1 year since the caption says “not for wood less than one year old”?
Yes, on year.
Hi! We recently installed new redwood beams and are looking to stain them with Oxford Brown. Is this okay?
See here about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
I have a 15 x 20 cedar deck that was previously stained with a water based semi solid product made by Olympic We recoated the deck about every 3 years till we had 3 layers of stain. As expected, after a recent very cold winter, the deck began to flake. After trying to remove the existing coating, and finding it virtually impossible, we decided to simply turn the deck boards over, giving us a new clean surface after sanding. Can you tell us if this new surface is considered weathered (its 11 years old and never stained, just recently sanded) and capable of accepting an oil based semi solid stain, or will it have to be weathered again as if it were fresh from the lumber yard. The sanding was necessary to remove mildew and other minor discolorations from where the deck wood sat on cross beams. Is your restriction on application only on weathered wood a common expectation, regardless of brand of oil based stain?
Weather is for a few months and then clean and brighten for prep: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Treat it like new wood.
To be clear, are you saying i should use a semi-transparent rather than a semi-solid stain on new wood? Why? I would like to get the max UV protection available. How long should i wait to apply semi-transparent stain and how long before applying semi-solid stain to new pine deck boards?
You cannot use a semi-solid on new wood until ti has weathered for 12 months. Semi-transparent is 3+ months.
This deck was stained 15-20 years ago. The railings, pickets, and posts are all covered with this, but decking itself was replaced 18 months ago and has not been stained. What product will work on this? Is it solid or semi-solid? Can I do decking with semi-transparent and all that has this stain on it presently with semi-solid?
That is a solid stain and the AC products cannot work over this stain type or any other brand of stain. You would have to sand it all off.
Wait a minute, what? I can’t use restore a deck solid over old solid stain? I want to use semi-transparent on the new decking and solid on all vertical surfaces (and a small protected gazebo floor which does have old stain on it). What solid stain would look good next to the light walnut semi-transparent?
You can use a solid stain over a solid stain but Armstrong Calrk does not come in a solid stain. This website is an Armstrong Clark Stain website, not Restore A Deck. AC does not have a light walnut color.