Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Stain Review 4.7/5 (1)

This post was updated on April 4, 2025

Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Stain

Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Stains are a highly regarded oil-based stain formulated with 5 generations of stain industry experience. Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Stains are available in 5 colors: Mountain Cedar, Woodland Brown, Oxford Brown, Sequoia, and Espresso.

Armstrong Clark Deck Stains are uniquely blended with drying and non-drying oils that are isolated from each other during application. The non-drying oils penetrate the wood fibers and help rejuvenate and condition lost natural oils, while the drying oils cure on the surface to lock in the conditioning oils and form a barrier of weather protection at the surface.

Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Stain Review

8-Step Review of Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid

1. Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 9

The initial appearance of Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar was a rich, deep finish with naturally enhanced wood grain showing through the semi-solid cedar tone. See the picture to the right.

Armstrong Clark Wood Stain Photos

2. Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 8

Upon our 2-year inspection, Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Wood Deck Stain produced above-average UV resistance. Using the Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar color, we projected better-than-average UV shielding, which did not disappoint. The Armstrong semi-solid colors have been shown to have better UV protection than their transparent and semi-transparent colors.

3. Wear/Tear and Peeling: 9

No peeling was detected at the 2-year point. There was a slight wearing on the high-traffic areas, around the furniture, and on the stairs.

4. Cost Per Square Foot: 9

Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Deck Stain can be purchased for about $45.99 per gallon. In our test experience, Armstrong Clark Semi-Solids had one of the best spread rates of any stain. We used a total of 4 gallons on our 800-square-foot deck and applied them in one coat.

5. Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 8

At 2 years, we noticed some slight mold growth on top of the Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid stain in some shaded areas. We did not detect any mildew spores within the stain, and the mildew spores could be wiped away using a wet towel.

Armstrong Clark Mountain Cedar Semi-Solid

6. Ease of Application: 9

The Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Deck Stain was easy to apply. The stain did not dry too quickly and was applied even in those conditions, avoiding potential issues with Applying a Deck Stain in Full Sun. We used stain pads and brushes to apply the stain to the deck. It took about 2-3 hours to apply with a team of 2 workers. One Note: It did take the Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid a few days to fully cure.

7. Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 8.5

Our 2-year test of Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar color did show signs of slight darkening from its original color. We figured this was likely due to the formula’s higher solid content. The AC is over 70% solids containing linseed and paraffin oils.

8. Difficulty of Reapplication: 8.5

Because Armstrong Clark Wood Deck Stains penetrate well and do not overly darken, it would be easy to recoat. Prior to reapplying, a simple cleaning with a wood deck cleaner to remove dirt, grime, and mold spores would be sufficient.

Armstrong Clark Stain 1 Gallon

$69.95 – $79.95

5out of 5

Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Armstrong Clark Stain 5 Gallon

$269.95 – $328.95

Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Armstrong Clark Stain 5 Gallon and Cleaner/Brightener Kit

$320.00 – $379.00

Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Armstrong Clark Stain 5 Gallon and Stripper/Brightener Kit

$335.00 – $389.00

Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Overall Score Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Stain at 2-Year Period: 8.5

Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar held up well at our 2-year test mark. Its easy application and terrific coverage rates raise Armstrong Clark to a high level. No peeling and only a slight darkening color shift were more than acceptable. It is also easy to maintain and prep prior to re-coating. Armstrong Clark is definitely one of our top choices for a professional, durable finish that lasts and is easy to work with in the future.

Product Information:

ArmstrongClarkStain.com: Armstrong Clark Semi-Solid Stains
Cost: $57.99 per Gallon, $299.99 per 5 Gallon Pail
Stain Type: Semi-Solid – Oil-Based
Available Colors: Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar, Semi-Solid Woodland Brown, Semi-Solid Oxford Brown, Semi-Solid Sequoia, Semi-Solid Espresso
Application Temperature: 50-110 F
Coats Required: 1 Coat
Coverage Per Gallon: 200-250 sq. ft
Application Tools: Airless Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 8-72 Hours, Depending on UV exposure and air temps
Cleanup: Mineral Spirits
VOC Compliant: Under 50 VOCs. Compliant in all 50 States and Los Angeles Counties.
More Info: Product Data
Manufacturer: Armstrong Clark

Test Deck Stats:
Deck Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Deck Square Footage: 800
UV Exposure: Full Sun
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: Semi-Solid Mountain Cedar

*All products tested and results are from our experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Consider that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.

Semi-Solid Deck Stain Review Video – DeckStainHelp.com

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 Owner

As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites. All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.

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