Here is great video from one of our customers showing how to prep and apply a maintenance coat of the Armstrong Clark Wood Stain.
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Alan
21 days ago
Hello, I applied a coat of semi transparent on the deck – and was wondering what is the longest I can wait before applying a second coat? Is waiting a few days missing the window? Should I wait until next year? There was an issue with shipping and a storm is coming – the first coat went well the deck drank over 5 gallons easily
AC stains can be applied wet on wet or wet on dry. If needed, you can apply another coat a week or so later. Do not over apply.
Joann
28 days ago
Just stained older pine deck never been stained or sealed, used espresso semi solid after using cleaner/brighter. 24 hours after stained have light sections that I want to apply a light second coat to achieve uniform color.
Unfortunately it’s doing to rain for the next few days, when can I put another coat on the lighter areas to even out the color?
You cannot spot apply and have it even out. At this point, we would not suggest applying a second coat of the semi-solid to all the wood, as you may have drying or curing issues.
Julie
6 months ago
I have a 2-year-old coat of Armstrong Clark semi-transparent on my 20-year-old pine deck. It still looks good, Just a few areas wearing. I want to do a maintenance coat. Can I do just the cleaner since it has a base coat? Do I need to pressure wash the cleaner off, or can I just hose? I don’t want to strip the base coat.
I’ve seen conflicting replies about this on this forum. Some say to use the cleaner and brightener. Some say to use only the cleaner at half strength if you have a base coat. Even the video you have on a maintenance coat uses only the cleaner, not the brightener…. Also, this is the third time we have recoated with AC. When we use the pressure washer, it strips off all of the stain. That’s why I was asking about Just hosing it off. My stain still looks good.
If it has been only a year, we suggest doing the 1/2 strength option and washing it with a light wash. If over 2 years, we recommend the full redo. Since you have some light wearing and over 2 years, we suggested the full prep. It is perfectly normal if some or all the stain comes off during the prep with a full redo. This gives the new coating the best penetration performance and overall final appearance.
You cannot just “hose” off the prep. You need some pressure.
Thanks for the clarification. If we are brushing the cleaner, can that be hosed off? I saw a previous post recommending brushing/light pressure washing and I took that to mean either/or. If light pressure is sufficient, would a pressure attachment for a hose do? Thanks.
No, you cannot just “hose” off the cleaner. You can apply it, lightly scrub with soft bristle brush, then lightly pressure was “rinse” it off.
Jeff M Barnett
9 months ago
Stained new deck wood after 2 months with AC in September..one coat..Moisture content 9-11%..Wood accepted stain differently on whole deck..I was expecting this.When could I possibly do another coat/ with same product??And recommended prep steps..Your input greatly appreciated..
Correct. Use the RAD Cleaner and Brightener Kit that we sell.
Jenny
10 months ago
I have some leftover amber that I used for my ipe deck (used it about 1 week ago). Can I use the leftover on my cedar siding? Same process? Restore-a-deck cleaner and brightner, and then apply the amber stain? Or is the cleaner/brighter not necessary?
Thanks
Yes. You have to prep but how depends on the condition of the wood and if it has a current coating or not.
Julio
10 months ago
Hello! I am in need of a maintenance coat after 2yrs on my horizontals. I had previously used your Semi Transparent Natural Oak, and will use it again. Do I need to use a brightener or just the cleaner since it is the same stain?
Hola! I did my cleaning and brightening yesterday. I noticed some fuzzies all over the deck- So we will be sanding it Saturday, 48hrs after the cleaning and brightening. Do I need to clean and brighten after sanding again? Or can I sand, clean the dust, and just stain?
Do not sand finer than 60-80 grit. If you power sand it is suggested to brighten the wood after to help “open” up the wood pores.
Wayne
1 year ago
Is it ok to restrain my deck with a solid oil-based AC stain over my original semi-transparent job? How should I prep after 2 years since original semi-transparent coat?
In order to apply a “maintenance coat” of stain to a 1-year old patio cover, what is needed to clean and prepare the wood for a single coat of the same Armstrong Sierra Redwood Semi-Transparent stain?
My Armstrong Clark semi transparent stain Amber water spotted after 3days drying deck was completely sanded and pressure washed before application deck was Completley dry, what can I do?
That is used for interior stains, not exterior. Completley different products are used outside.
Mary Hickling
1 year ago
I have 3, 20 yr old knotty pine clad garage doors that my painter sanded down to bare wood. He then applied a pre-conditioner and after that he applied one coat of Armstrong-Clark semi transparent Cedar stain. Now the garage doors look very blotchy! What can I do?
No exterior penetrating stain suggest using a preconditoner. Does not matter the wood type.
David W.
1 year ago
I need to do a maintenance coat of rustic brown semi-transparent stain on only the horizonal surfaces. So I need to use RAD cleaner to prep the deck but do I need the RAD brightener. Will either of these products effect the vertical surfaces? I don’t wait to re-do them.
You should brighten after the cleaner to neutralize. It is possible that splashing onto the verticals may lighten up the old stain so be careful and rinse over spray right away.
Michele S
1 year ago
we stained our deck 2 years ago and the hubby just powerwashed to prep for a maintenance coat… do we still need to use the RAD cleaner prior to recoat?
Which part of the process do i use a pressure washer? Pressure wash the surface to prep for cleaner or do I apply cleaner and or brighter with pressure washer?
Apply the Cleaner with a pump sprayer to a damp deck and then pressure wash off. You cannot apply the prep product through the pressure washer.
Eugene
1 year ago
I’m using the amber stain on My redwood deck. Would you recommend doing a second coat? Also, I had a couple areas that puddled up a little bit and darkened more than the rest of the deck. Is there a fix to this?
Even if I sand down the area where it puddled and ended up darker? I was thinking to sand that section down to lighten it up and reapply some stain, would this work? Thank you for your reply.
I applied a maintenance coat on my mahogany front porch. One area just will not dry completely. I have wiped off excess stain twice. How do I get rid of the tackiness?
Wipe it down with rags and mineral spirits. Make sure to saturate any oily rags in water when done.
Dave
1 year ago
I stained my pressure treated deck last year with one coat of armstrong clark semi transparent natural oak. I want to apply another coat of stain this year. What is the proper way to clean/prep the deck before applying the second coat? Can I use a bleach and water solution like I used for the first coat or do you recommend something else? Also I have a gallon can of stain which I opened last year. Will this can of stain still be good?
Use only the cleaner? Brightener is not necessary? Will bleach and water work for cleaning instead of restore-a-deck wood cleaner? Whatever cleaning method produces the best staining results is what I will use.
Use the RAD Cleaner and then the Brightener and then recoat. Verticals look good so you could just do the floors.
Nick Webb
1 year ago
Hello!
In fall 2021 I rebuilt my ipe deck, reusing and refinishing the existing wood, using AC RAD products. I used both mahogany and amber stains, on different parts.
The deck looks fine, but it has faded and I want to add a maintenance coat. I have a bag of Step 1 stripper (purple) and another of Step 2 brightener left over from 2021. Do I need either of these to prep the deck for a coat of stain and, if not, what should I use?
Thank you.
Good afternoon. We are planning on staining our deck next month. Looking for best product(s) you would recommend based off of the info below. Looking to have a more natural look but also hoping for minimum maintenance if possible.
The deck is 35 years old
Never been painted or stained
We live in Wisconsin (cold/snowy winters, wet springs, hot/dry summers)
New deck stained with semi transparent oak 2 years ago. Worker just used strong bleach type solution to clean off algae, which stripped most color (yet uneven patches). At this point can we just power wash or scrub uneven color areas then reapply stain? Will previous solution affect stain application (that is, should we wait some time?
We stained our deck with the semi-transparent natural oak 2 years ago. If I decide to do a different color of the semi-transparent, do I still only clean and brighten or would it need stripped as well? Thanks
Best to strip and brighten. The same amount of work just removes the old stain fully for the best results with the new color.
Francois Mairesse
2 years ago
Hi, we just stained a 20 years old deck with Oxford brown semi solid, as well as outdoor door thresholds. Does it need a top coat or can I just reapply the stain in a few years? I’m not sure what wood it is. Thanks.
You cannot top coat the AC stains. clean and recoat as needed in the future.
Francois Mairesse
2 years ago
Reply to
Thanks!
Noel
2 years ago
Thank you
Noel
2 years ago
I just stained my IPE deck. It is a covered deck but part of it gets direct sun. that part sucked up the stain more than the less weathered IPE. looks ok and I won’t be able to put a second coat on that section for 24 hours. Can I do a second coat 24 hours later. 60% humidity and 85 degrees. No sheen on this section 5 hours after coating. Hardwood deck stain, amber. No pigment left on can bottom when finished.
Power stir. You will see there is most likely a bunch of pigment on the bottom of the container that was not mixed into the stains prior to applying.
Author
3 years ago
Please contact Armstrong directly for help at 800-916-8211.
3 years ago
i stained my new deck last year. It turned out great and held up wonderfully over winter. Should I be maintain it by touching it up this year? If so, do I need to prep it with restore a deck or just clean it?
Author
3 years ago
Reply to
If it looks okay then you can wait until next year. Whenever redoing, use the Restore A Deck Kits first.
It should not be oily once you prep and apply correctly.
Bob
3 years ago
I am about to do a maintenance coat and will be following the direction of using the cleaner and then brightener. In this process should i be looking to scrub/wash off the prior coat of stain or simply clean the wood where its more worn so the stain will be consistent. In other words – how much scrubbing and pressure washing is required for the prep/clean ahead of applying a maintenance coat?
Prep all wood that will be recoated and scrub or pressure wash evenly so it is consistent.
Brian Zimmerman
3 years ago
Hi!
I have a 500 sq ft deck which has been stained twice with Armstrong semi transparent cedar. Can I use a darker satin like the brown after cleaning and brightening?
Thanks!
Do you use the same calculation for amount of stain for a maintenance coat, as you do for a new coat? My deck surface (which is all I’m going to stain, not railings) is 28×12. I see the recommendation to use 2/3 for a single coat. Would that be what a maintenance coat would be considered? thanks.
Author
3 years ago
Reply to
If doing one coat, yes.
Jill
3 years ago
We just stained the final area 3 hours ago. Not completely dry and it’s supposed to rain..should I wipe down?
Can I use semi transparent Armstrong Clark stain on new KDAT wood on a deck? Do I need to wait to apply it or can I apply it before the wood is installed? Do I need to use the brighter on old boards?
Hi there,
I applied AC semi-transp cedar to my cedar deck last year (late September) and it is holding up pretty well. What is the best maintenance I can do this year? A simple wash or restore-a-deck?
Thanks!Silvia
Just give it some more time to fully cure out or yes, you can wipe down teh entire deck. Soak any oily rags in water when done.
David Roundhill
3 years ago
How would I decide whether to do a second coat of IPE stain over a first? The first coat was applied a few days ago. The IPE is 20 years old and in moderately good condition.
How would I decide whether to do a second coat of IPE stain over a first?
Vincent Flood
3 years ago
Last year I I was able to stain most of my deck before weather and work forced me to leave about 20% unfinished. Of the six gallons of Sierra Redwood stain I used about 4 gallons. The remaining 2 gallons were sealed in the 5 gallon container. I want to finish the undone parts and apply a second coat to the stained sections. As they have faded a bit from the initial color. The remaining 2 gallons are somewhat heavy with pigment solids (due to undermixing during application I think) . My Questions are:Can I inter mix fresh stain with the leftover stain?Will the previously stained deck require less stain for second coat than the first coat?How aggressively should I clean the stained portion? Should I uses the deck cleaner and brightener on it?If I buy a “Safety” extra gallon what is your return policy If don’t have top use it?Thank for the great product and service.Vincent Flood
The shelf life of opened stain is about 12 months so if it is thick, then it has most likely gone bad. Adding another coat on top of a current coat of AC will most likely give slightly better coverage. You always have to prep when reapplying. The return policy is here:https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/refund
Dave r
4 years ago
Last year I redid some eucalyptus furniture with the full kit – clean and brighten – then the dark walnut stain. After the winter my chairs look faded and my table tops are partly grey wood and stained wood.
Do I have to start over with the full kit on all of it or just the table tops and clean and another round of the stain on the chairs?
So i don’t need to use your cleaner or brightner at all for a maintenance coat the second year – just soap and water and let the furniture dry before applying?
I bought a cedar siding home built in 1976 and it does not appear to have ever been stained or protected in any way. I would like to prep/clean the siding and apply AC clear fire retardant stain/sealer to the siding. What do I need to do to start. Need some advice before I order the AC products. What products do I need and some advise on the prep. Thank you
Hello! I applied ARMSTRONG CLARK IPE AND HARDWOOD STAIN to my two year old, never treated IPE deck. It was cleaned using restore a deck per instructions. After drying the deck has some splotches. Is this because the deck was not prepared properly or do I need another coat of stain?
Bob
Author
4 years ago
Reply to
Do a test board to see how it dries and cures after a day or two before attempting to recoat all the wood.
Bob
4 years ago
Reply to
Thank you. This pic was taken after 3 weeks. Can it be recoated as is? Do I need to reclean with Restore-A-Deck?
We stained our deck with Driftwood, 2 yrs ago. I’m a little confused as to whether we need both the cleaner and brightener or just the cleaner for prep. When is only cleaner used? Thanks.
On 6/3/20 posted a question about Mountain Cedar Semi-solid rubbing off. I neglected to mention that I rubbed off/in the stain with a cloth after applying it with a pad. Can I apply a clear protectant coat AFTER I reapply a maintenance coat of the semi- solid?
Author
4 years ago
Reply to
No, the AC cannot be top coated with a clear sealer.
Emilio
4 years ago
The contractor that built our cedar deck recently, lightly sanded then immediately applied Armstrong Clark amber oil just 3 days after the deck was completed. I should also mention that it rained the day before the stain was applied. Is there cause for concern as far as humidity being trapped by the stain and rot the wood over time?
Hello, I applied a coat of semi transparent on the deck – and was wondering what is the longest I can wait before applying a second coat? Is waiting a few days missing the window? Should I wait until next year? There was an issue with shipping and a storm is coming – the first coat went well the deck drank over 5 gallons easily
AC stains can be applied wet on wet or wet on dry. If needed, you can apply another coat a week or so later. Do not over apply.
Just stained older pine deck never been stained or sealed, used espresso semi solid after using cleaner/brighter. 24 hours after stained have light sections that I want to apply a light second coat to achieve uniform color.
Unfortunately it’s doing to rain for the next few days, when can I put another coat on the lighter areas to even out the color?
You cannot spot apply and have it even out. At this point, we would not suggest applying a second coat of the semi-solid to all the wood, as you may have drying or curing issues.
I have a 2-year-old coat of Armstrong Clark semi-transparent on my 20-year-old pine deck. It still looks good, Just a few areas wearing. I want to do a maintenance coat. Can I do just the cleaner since it has a base coat? Do I need to pressure wash the cleaner off, or can I just hose? I don’t want to strip the base coat.
You should do the full steps of cleaner and brightener whenever reapplying. Use the pressure washer.
I’ve seen conflicting replies about this on this forum. Some say to use the cleaner and brightener. Some say to use only the cleaner at half strength if you have a base coat. Even the video you have on a maintenance coat uses only the cleaner, not the brightener…. Also, this is the third time we have recoated with AC. When we use the pressure washer, it strips off all of the stain. That’s why I was asking about Just hosing it off. My stain still looks good.
If it has been only a year, we suggest doing the 1/2 strength option and washing it with a light wash. If over 2 years, we recommend the full redo. Since you have some light wearing and over 2 years, we suggested the full prep. It is perfectly normal if some or all the stain comes off during the prep with a full redo. This gives the new coating the best penetration performance and overall final appearance.
You cannot just “hose” off the prep. You need some pressure.
Thanks for the clarification. If we are brushing the cleaner, can that be hosed off? I saw a previous post recommending brushing/light pressure washing and I took that to mean either/or. If light pressure is sufficient, would a pressure attachment for a hose do? Thanks.
No, you cannot just “hose” off the cleaner. You can apply it, lightly scrub with soft bristle brush, then lightly pressure was “rinse” it off.
Stained new deck wood after 2 months with AC in September..one coat..Moisture content 9-11%..Wood accepted stain differently on whole deck..I was expecting this.When could I possibly do another coat/ with same product??And recommended prep steps..Your input greatly appreciated..
Clean it and recoat in the Spring.
Cleaner and brightener??
Recommended product,please..
Thank you much.
Correct. Use the RAD Cleaner and Brightener Kit that we sell.
I have some leftover amber that I used for my ipe deck (used it about 1 week ago). Can I use the leftover on my cedar siding? Same process? Restore-a-deck cleaner and brightner, and then apply the amber stain? Or is the cleaner/brighter not necessary?
Thanks
Yes. You have to prep but how depends on the condition of the wood and if it has a current coating or not.
Hello! I am in need of a maintenance coat after 2yrs on my horizontals. I had previously used your Semi Transparent Natural Oak, and will use it again. Do I need to use a brightener or just the cleaner since it is the same stain?
Use both for the prep. Clean and then brighten.
Hola! I did my cleaning and brightening yesterday. I noticed some fuzzies all over the deck- So we will be sanding it Saturday, 48hrs after the cleaning and brightening. Do I need to clean and brighten after sanding again? Or can I sand, clean the dust, and just stain?
Do not sand finer than 60-80 grit. If you power sand it is suggested to brighten the wood after to help “open” up the wood pores.
Is it ok to restrain my deck with a solid oil-based AC stain over my original semi-transparent job? How should I prep after 2 years since original semi-transparent coat?
AC does not come in a solid color stain. If you want to switch to a semi-solid color, then best to strip and brighten for prep.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-stripper
In order to apply a “maintenance coat” of stain to a 1-year old patio cover, what is needed to clean and prepare the wood for a single coat of the same Armstrong Sierra Redwood Semi-Transparent stain?
Use this kit for prep:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
My Armstrong Clark semi transparent stain Amber water spotted after 3days drying deck was completely sanded and pressure washed before application deck was Completley dry, what can I do?
Please contact the manufacturer directly at: 800-916-8211
The wood conditioner used was Varathane premium wood conditioner for use under any oil based stain.
That is used for interior stains, not exterior. Completley different products are used outside.
I have 3, 20 yr old knotty pine clad garage doors that my painter sanded down to bare wood. He then applied a pre-conditioner and after that he applied one coat of Armstrong-Clark semi transparent Cedar stain. Now the garage doors look very blotchy! What can I do?
You would haave to remove and start over. Never use a pre-conditoner with and exterior penetrating stain like Armstrong Clark,
I didn’t see in the Armstrong-Clark instructions where it said not to use a pre-conditioner…typically that is what is done for pine right?
No exterior penetrating stain suggest using a preconditoner. Does not matter the wood type.
I need to do a maintenance coat of rustic brown semi-transparent stain on only the horizonal surfaces. So I need to use RAD cleaner to prep the deck but do I need the RAD brightener. Will either of these products effect the vertical surfaces? I don’t wait to re-do them.
You should brighten after the cleaner to neutralize. It is possible that splashing onto the verticals may lighten up the old stain so be careful and rinse over spray right away.
we stained our deck 2 years ago and the hubby just powerwashed to prep for a maintenance coat… do we still need to use the RAD cleaner prior to recoat?
Post some pics in the comments of the prep so far.
I’ve got a previous armstrong stain finish and starting to fade in some areas in varying degrees. Do I need to strip and start over?
Clean and brighten while pressure washing will work.
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
Which part of the process do i use a pressure washer? Pressure wash the surface to prep for cleaner or do I apply cleaner and or brighter with pressure washer?
Apply the Cleaner with a pump sprayer to a damp deck and then pressure wash off. You cannot apply the prep product through the pressure washer.
I’m using the amber stain on My redwood deck. Would you recommend doing a second coat? Also, I had a couple areas that puddled up a little bit and darkened more than the rest of the deck. Is there a fix to this?
Do not over-apply. It looks good in the pics. You cannot spot fix over applied stain.
Even if I sand down the area where it puddled and ended up darker? I was thinking to sand that section down to lighten it up and reapply some stain, would this work? Thank you for your reply.
It will not blend.
I applied a maintenance coat on my mahogany front porch. One area just will not dry completely. I have wiped off excess stain twice. How do I get rid of the tackiness?
Wipe it down with rags and mineral spirits. Make sure to saturate any oily rags in water when done.
I stained my pressure treated deck last year with one coat of armstrong clark semi transparent natural oak. I want to apply another coat of stain this year. What is the proper way to clean/prep the deck before applying the second coat? Can I use a bleach and water solution like I used for the first coat or do you recommend something else? Also I have a gallon can of stain which I opened last year. Will this can of stain still be good?
Thanks
Opened stain shelf life is 12 months. Make sure it does not have any clumps or skinning. If it does, then it has gone bad.
Use this for prep:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-wood-cleaner
Use only the cleaner? Brightener is not necessary? Will bleach and water work for cleaning instead of restore-a-deck wood cleaner? Whatever cleaning method produces the best staining results is what I will use.
Thanks
Cleaner should be fine as you will have a base coat. Use at 1/2 strength. We do not suggest bleach.
What is the best course of action? Deck didn’t hold up too well over the winter, lots of black spots from leaves, etc and scratches.
Cedar deck is a year and a half old, waited 4/5 months and then used RAD cleaner and brightener, waited 4 days and stained the deck. Looked great.
A light clean with light detergent doesn’t clean it. Anything more and it takes the stain off.
Use the RAD Cleaner and then the Brightener and then recoat. Verticals look good so you could just do the floors.
Hello!
In fall 2021 I rebuilt my ipe deck, reusing and refinishing the existing wood, using AC RAD products. I used both mahogany and amber stains, on different parts.
The deck looks fine, but it has faded and I want to add a maintenance coat. I have a bag of Step 1 stripper (purple) and another of Step 2 brightener left over from 2021. Do I need either of these to prep the deck for a coat of stain and, if not, what should I use?
Thank you.
Yes, you can use both for prep and then recoat.
Good afternoon. We are planning on staining our deck next month. Looking for best product(s) you would recommend based off of the info below. Looking to have a more natural look but also hoping for minimum maintenance if possible.
Thank you for you help in advance!
Anna
Use the Armstrong Stain in Semi-transparent or Semi-solid colors. Make sure to prep first: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
Great thanks! Would you recommend applying with a sprayer or a roller?
Stain pad or brush: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/brushes-pads-sprayers
New deck stained with semi transparent oak 2 years ago. Worker just used strong bleach type solution to clean off algae, which stripped most color (yet uneven patches). At this point can we just power wash or scrub uneven color areas then reapply stain? Will previous solution affect stain application (that is, should we wait some time?
Best to strip and brighten all so it is even.
We stained our deck with the semi-transparent natural oak 2 years ago. If I decide to do a different color of the semi-transparent, do I still only clean and brighten or would it need stripped as well? Thanks
Best to strip and brighten. The same amount of work just removes the old stain fully for the best results with the new color.
Hi, we just stained a 20 years old deck with Oxford brown semi solid, as well as outdoor door thresholds. Does it need a top coat or can I just reapply the stain in a few years? I’m not sure what wood it is. Thanks.
You cannot top coat the AC stains. clean and recoat as needed in the future.
Thanks!
Thank you
I just stained my IPE deck. It is a covered deck but part of it gets direct sun. that part sucked up the stain more than the less weathered IPE. looks ok and I won’t be able to put a second coat on that section for 24 hours. Can I do a second coat 24 hours later. 60% humidity and 85 degrees. No sheen on this section 5 hours after coating. Hardwood deck stain, amber. No pigment left on can bottom when finished.
No, only 1 coat for IPE wood. It is not supposed to be shiny. Do not overapply.
Hi, first coat yesterday of semi solid. Seems it might need a second coat?
Did you mix the stain correctly first as the pigment does settle? Which color was this?
It is 50-50 mix of espresso and Oxford.
Did you mix all the settled pigment in each container prior to mixing together?
With a 5-gallon drill attachment to your drill?
manual mixing/stirring i believe
Power stir. You will see there is most likely a bunch of pigment on the bottom of the container that was not mixed into the stains prior to applying.
Please contact Armstrong directly for help at 800-916-8211.
i stained my new deck last year. It turned out great and held up wonderfully over winter. Should I be maintain it by touching it up this year? If so, do I need to prep it with restore a deck or just clean it?
If it looks okay then you can wait until next year. Whenever redoing, use the Restore A Deck Kits first.
See here for new wood tips https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
It should not be oily once you prep and apply correctly.
I am about to do a maintenance coat and will be following the direction of using the cleaner and then brightener. In this process should i be looking to scrub/wash off the prior coat of stain or simply clean the wood where its more worn so the stain will be consistent. In other words – how much scrubbing and pressure washing is required for the prep/clean ahead of applying a maintenance coat?
Prep all wood that will be recoated and scrub or pressure wash evenly so it is consistent.
Hi!
I have a 500 sq ft deck which has been stained twice with Armstrong semi transparent cedar. Can I use a darker satin like the brown after cleaning and brightening?
Thanks!
Yes.
Do you use the same calculation for amount of stain for a maintenance coat, as you do for a new coat? My deck surface (which is all I’m going to stain, not railings) is 28×12. I see the recommendation to use 2/3 for a single coat. Would that be what a maintenance coat would be considered? thanks.
If doing one coat, yes.
We just stained the final area 3 hours ago. Not completely dry and it’s supposed to rain..should I wipe down?
No, need.
Can I use semi transparent Armstrong Clark stain on new KDAT wood on a deck? Do I need to wait to apply it or can I apply it before the wood is installed? Do I need to use the brighter on old boards?
See here about new wood: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
With KDAT, you install, weather for 1-2 months and then prep and stain.
Hi there,
I applied AC semi-transp cedar to my cedar deck last year (late September) and it is holding up pretty well. What is the best maintenance I can do this year? A simple wash or restore-a-deck?
Thanks!Silvia
Use the Restore A Deck when recoating.
So only wash it until a new coat is needed? Great. Thanks.
Yes.
Just give it some more time to fully cure out or yes, you can wipe down teh entire deck. Soak any oily rags in water when done.
How would I decide whether to do a second coat of IPE stain over a first? The first coat was applied a few days ago. The IPE is 20 years old and in moderately good condition.
Only one coat on IPE is needed.
How would I decide whether to do a second coat of IPE stain over a first?
Last year I I was able to stain most of my deck before weather and work forced me to leave about 20% unfinished. Of the six gallons of Sierra Redwood stain I used about 4 gallons. The remaining 2 gallons were sealed in the 5 gallon container. I want to finish the undone parts and apply a second coat to the stained sections. As they have faded a bit from the initial color. The remaining 2 gallons are somewhat heavy with pigment solids (due to undermixing during application I think) . My Questions are:Can I inter mix fresh stain with the leftover stain?Will the previously stained deck require less stain for second coat than the first coat?How aggressively should I clean the stained portion? Should I uses the deck cleaner and brightener on it?If I buy a “Safety” extra gallon what is your return policy If don’t have top use it?Thank for the great product and service.Vincent Flood
The shelf life of opened stain is about 12 months so if it is thick, then it has most likely gone bad. Adding another coat on top of a current coat of AC will most likely give slightly better coverage. You always have to prep when reapplying. The return policy is here:https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/refund
Last year I redid some eucalyptus furniture with the full kit – clean and brighten – then the dark walnut stain. After the winter my chairs look faded and my table tops are partly grey wood and stained wood.
Do I have to start over with the full kit on all of it or just the table tops and clean and another round of the stain on the chairs?
You can just clean and stain the table tops.
So i don’t need to use your cleaner or brightner at all for a maintenance coat the second year – just soap and water and let the furniture dry before applying?
No, best to use the RAD Cleaner and then recoat.
Bought a sample of driftwood grey. It has a significant blue hue. Is this always the case ?
The color is correct on your wood post. Colors do vary based on the wood type and the age of the wood.
I stained my deck with AC Semi-Transparent Cedar last summer. Looked beautiful.
Sorry but you cannot just clean the leaf stains off without having to recoat the deck. You will need to do a full redo.
Before redo, I must clean the leaf stains. What is the best way to do it?
Do a full prep with this kit and pressure washing: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/restore-a-deck-kit
Hi
The AC does not come in a fire retardant anymore. As for prep help, please send pictures. Once prepped, you can stain in any AC color that you like.
What is the lowest temperature that woodland brown semi solid be applied to siding?
50 degrees.
Hello! I applied ARMSTRONG CLARK IPE AND HARDWOOD STAIN to my two year old, never treated IPE deck. It was cleaned using restore a deck per instructions. After drying the deck has some splotches. Is this because the deck was not prepared properly or do I need another coat of stain?
Bob
Do a test board to see how it dries and cures after a day or two before attempting to recoat all the wood.
Thank you. This pic was taken after 3 weeks. Can it be recoated as is? Do I need to reclean with Restore-A-Deck?
As is. Just make sure the wood is free of dirt.
We stained our deck with Driftwood, 2 yrs ago. I’m a little confused as to whether we need both the cleaner and brightener or just the cleaner for prep. When is only cleaner used? Thanks.
Use both for maintenance coats.
Can these stains be used on exterior wood windows and doors?
They are not designed for doors nor can they be top coated.
How long after staining before replacing furniture? Thanks.
When fully dry. 24-48 hours is normal.
On 6/3/20 posted a question about Mountain Cedar Semi-solid rubbing off. I neglected to mention that I rubbed off/in the stain with a cloth after applying it with a pad. Can I apply a clear protectant coat AFTER I reapply a maintenance coat of the semi- solid?
No, the AC cannot be top coated with a clear sealer.
The contractor that built our cedar deck recently, lightly sanded then immediately applied Armstrong Clark amber oil just 3 days after the deck was completed. I should also mention that it rained the day before the stain was applied. Is there cause for concern as far as humidity being trapped by the stain and rot the wood over time?
He did not follow directions: https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
The worst case is you will probably have to redo in the Spring.