Samples

Vin:

Have a 25 year old deck that has been maintained with semi transparent stain. It has been power washed. Since the wood is really showing wear I would like to use a semi solid gray. All the stain is off the deck but even though power washed there are remnants on the spindles and railing. Will semi solid cover the railings? what do you suggest?

It would be best to strip off all of the old stain as much as possible as the AC does not cover old coatings.

Have a 25 year old deck that has been maintained with semi transparent stain. It has been power washed. Since the wood is really showing wear I would like to use a semi solid gray. All the stain is off the deck but even though power washed there are remnants on the spindles and railing. Will semi solid cover the railings? what do you suggest?

jackie starks:

Is it possible to order a color chart so I have a better chance of ordering correct sample colors?

The color charts look the same as the online pictures.

Is it possible to order a color chart so I have a better chance of ordering correct sample colors?

Stefanie:

Hello!

I am interested in ordering some samples of stain for our new IPE T&G porch. I just want to clarify that the mahogany and amber are the two colors currently available for use on IPE? Also, for the sample credit to apply towards purchase do you ship to Pennsylvania?

Yes these are IPE and we ship to PA.

Hello!

I am interested in ordering some samples of stain for our new IPE T&G porch. I just want to clarify that the mahogany and amber are the two colors currently available for use on IPE? Also, for the sample credit to apply towards purchase do you ship to Pennsylvania?

David:

Trying to achieve a satin finish on a redwood pergola. I want to use your stain first but assume it will give a matte finish. Can I apply a clear coat product over the stained wood? Do you know a product to recommend?
Many Thanks!

No you cannot add a top coat to create a shine. This is a bad idea as well. It will peel and blister and will be very hard to fix.

Trying to achieve a satin finish on a redwood pergola. I want to use your stain first but assume it will give a matte finish. Can I apply a clear coat product over the stained wood? Do you know a product to recommend?
Many Thanks!

I ordered a few stain samples from you guys earlier (cedar semi, woodland brown, rustic brown). I'm looking to get a quality stain with a nice rich color (no orange or bright red). I'm testing your brand vs a few of TWP 1500 sample stains for a dual toned, mixed wood deck (mostly red/white cedar). I'm still in the sanding process. I'll be cleaning and brightening by next week, weather permitting. I hope one of your stains is what I'm really looking for, and one that I can use for many years to come.

Here's what the deck looks like as of today: [img]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b1/majorguns/deck5-13-14.jpg?t=1399983923[/img]

That is Mahogany color but on IPE wood. It will not look like that on say Pine or Cedar.

The I was looking at the following picture: http://www.armclark.com/assets/img/feature_banner/1.jpg

Cedar fades the fastest while Amber and Semi-Cedar last a little longer.

I am looking at re-staining my 4 year old deck this summer and will start by stripping and brightening with restore a deck. My question is which stain to use CEDAR Transparent, AMBER Transparent or a CEDAR SEMI

Could you briefly give me the pros and cons to assist in my decision

Thanks

Bob, you have to remove the old stain if you want to use AC. Either with a stain stripper or sanding but this varies depending on the stain type.

Deck railing is 30 years old - pressure treated lumber). Power washed - but cannot remove all old stain. Can I use your product? What further prep might be needed?

Homeowner:

Hi I'm buying a house and it's 6 yrs old the deck was never treated and we are wanting to stain it how would we go about it? It's in direct sun all the time would looks dry but not damaged

Use the Restore A deck Kit to prep the wood. Stain with the Armstrong Clark in a semi-trans color or semi-solid when in direct sunlight.

Hi I'm buying a house and it's 6 yrs old the deck was never treated and we are wanting to stain it how would we go about it? It's in direct sun all the time would looks dry but not damaged

Shane- Take inconsideration that lighter colors will not last as long. A lighter tint will look good but you will need to redo every 1-2 years to protect from graying. If you are okay with this than any of the transparent colors will work for you.

I just put in a northern white cedar deck last year and this year I am looking to stain it, but I want to keep the color as close the the original as possible. I don't want it to turn grey. I live in the midwest. What stain would you recommend I get a sample of?
I appreciate it!

They enhance the grain but do not mask or cover the grain.

I am installing a Cumaru wood deck. It needs protection, but I don't want to cover up the color of the wood. Will the Amber or the Neutral change the color and cover up the grains?

Danny, either a semi-transparent or semi-solid color for you.

My deck is 5 years old and in direct sun all day. I have cleaned it and read for stain. Which product should I use?

Susan, if you want to sand then it would be best to lightly sand after the prep. Armstrong is a one coat stain for new wood. Amber is a transparent but with higher trans oxides. The Amber and Semi-cedar are not the same color. We would suggest getting samples to test first. On verticals, it will need to be redone every few years.

Oct 2013 we had a 16' x 12' carport built for shade and entertaining purposes only. Materials are hd pt for the exterior wood, underside of the roof is plywood and the underside middle beams untreated pine. We live in the Boston, MA area with very cold, snowy winters, humid summers and spring & fall can be rainy. It's get full sun. The 4x4 pt posts which we were thinking of sanding it to make them smoother. Should the sanding be done before the prep? We will be staining it this spring using Armstrong Clark deck stain. Will be using the restore a deck cleaner & brightener to prep. If first coat penetrates within 30 minutes should the second coat be done while it's still wet or should it be applied at a later time? We were thinking of using either the semi-transparent cedar or amber. Is the amber a transparent or semi-transparent? What is the difference in color and which would be better? How often would we need to reapply?

Karen, best to prep with the Restore A Deck Kit. Any of the AC stains will work as they are oil based. Shipping transit time depends on where you live. Usually 205 business days.

My deck is cypress, very weathered. A carpenter friend said cypress needs oil, but not water sealant as that cracks the wood.
If your products work fine for cypress please advise the best stain, sealant, and cleaner.
Also, what is your turn around time on
sending samples and shipping product?
thanks! Karen

Michael, that is hard to say since it depends on your wood. Best would be to get a gallon.

I've replaced the wood on a grill/smoke with new cedar. I would like to use your product to preserve it. How much coverage could I expect to get with a 4 ounce sample? The total surface area is less than 7 square feet ( both sides and edges). It appears, rightfully, that you only sell in 1 & 5 gallon containers.

Cathy, I would suggest waiting until Spring. Best to use the Restore A Deck Kit for the prep. Typically you wait 2 days after prep before staining.

Thanks!