Our goal is your satisfaction. Sample cans allow you to see our stain color on your project and not how our stain looks on a different project in a brochure or on screen as the age of wood, species of wood, cut of wood (smooth or rough), and prep all effect the final color. Armstrong-Clark oil base wood stains utilize a combination of drying and non-drying oils that give the user two layers of protection with one brush stroke. Armstrong-Clark stains have non-drying conditioning oils that separate from the drying side of the formula. These oils penetrate into the wood fiber where the wood's natural oils used to be and 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 as they lock out the harmful effects of Mother Nature. Note: For Exotic Hardwood Decking such as IPE and Mahogany use Amber, Mahogany, or Black Walnut colors. All colors including these 3 can be used on all other wood types. *Stain colors will vary depending on the wood type, age of wood, prepping of wood, and application.