Choosing The Right Stain

The vast array of stains and sealers on the market today fall into three different categories.  Solid, semi-transparent and transparent. 

Solid stains are film forming stains that actually lay on top of the wood.  All stains and sealers breakdown over time.  Solid stains will usually peel and chip as the sun and moisture attack it over time.  We believe the best way to protect exterior wood is through the use of non film forming oil based stains.  These are labeled as transparent and semi-transparent stains.

Armstrong Stains
Penetrating transparent and semi-transparent stains contain pigments and oils that do not form a surface.  Our recommended stain is Armstrong.  Armstrong’s formula is a combination of drying and non-drying oils that gives the user two layers of protection. 

Armstrong’s Wood Stains have non-drying conditioning oils that separate from the drying side of the formula.  These oils penetrate deep into the wood fiber where the wood’s natural oils used to be.  This process rejuvenates the wood.  The drying oils stay at the surface, lock in the conditioning oils and create a barrier that is dry to the touch.

Armstrong can be applied in direct sunlight.  Applications are for all new, old, pressure treated and cedar wood surfaces such as:  Decks, siding, shakes and shingles, fences and log homes where color retention, water repellency and wood conditioning is the desired goal.

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