Stain Formulas
Color matching and touch-up information for your siding and window products
Get a Free EstimateGetting a Color or Stain Match for Touch-Ups
Over time, all exterior products — siding, window trim, and accessories — may require a small touch-up due to accidental damage, weathering, or a repair. Getting an accurate color match is essential to maintaining the appearance of your home.
Suburban Construction works exclusively with Associated Materials Inc. (AMI) products through the Freedom Series line. AMI maintains detailed color and stain formulas for all of their products, which makes it possible to match colors accurately even years after the original installation.
If you need a specific stain or color formula for a touch-up, the best first step is to contact us directly. We can look up the original product details from your installation records and connect you with the appropriate AMI color formula.
How to Get Your Stain Formula
- 1
Call us at 563-391-4000 or 1-800-717-3066 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:30 PM).
- 2
Have your original installation information ready if possible — the approximate year installed, the product type (vinyl siding, steel siding, etc.), and the color name or description.
- 3
We will look up the formula from your installation records or connect you with AMI directly for the specific product color formula.
Window Trim Stain Formulas
The following stain formulas are for Oak, Pine, and Poplar trim. Both Pine and Poplar require an application of Wood Conditioner prior to staining. All formulas below are quart-size formulas tinted by Sherwin-Williams.
Sherwin-Williams Wood Classics Stain — Fruitwood Base (A49N202)
Foxwood (fruitwood base)
- B1 Black — 5/32 + 1/64
- R2 Maroon — 21/32 + 1/128
- Y1 Yellow — 10/32
- Y3 Deep Gold — 24/32 + 1/64
Oak Trim Stain Options
Light Oak
Minwax Fruitwood Stain plus:
- Green Colorant — 1/32 + 1/64
- Red Colorant — 1/32
Dark Oak
Minwax Provincial Stain plus:
- Green Colorant — 2/32
Cherry Oak
Minwax Red Oak Stain plus:
- Green Colorant — 22/32
Poplar Trim Stain Options
Light Oak
Sherwin-Williams Wood Classics Golden Oak plus:
- White Colorant — 20/32
- Red Colorant — 5/32
- Green Colorant — 2/32 + 1/128
Dark Oak
Minwax Fruitwood Stain plus:
- Black Colorant — 28/32
- Red Oxide Colorant — 3/32
- Raw Umber Colorant — 3/32
- Yellow Oxide Colorant — 3/32
- Green Colorant — 2/32
Cherry
Minwax Red Oak Stain plus:
- Green Colorant — 1/32
Disclaimer: The above formulations are based on quart sizes being tinted by Sherwin-Williams. We do not have current formulas for pine trim due to the difficulty in staining pine on a consistent basis. Suburban Construction will not be held liable for the above-mentioned information. Use at your own risk.
About AMI Color Formulas
Associated Materials Inc. (AMI) is the manufacturer behind the Freedom Series siding, windows, and related products that Suburban Construction installs. AMI provides detailed paint and stain formulas that paint retailers can use to mix a matching color for touch-up work.
These formulas are specific to the AMI product line and the particular color you selected. Because exterior colors can fade over time with sun exposure, it is worth noting that a touch-up on older siding may be slightly more noticeable even with a perfect formula match — the touch-up will be the original color, while the surrounding siding has weathered slightly. This is normal and expected.
For significant damage that goes beyond a small touch-up, Suburban Construction can assess whether a panel replacement is a better option. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Tips for Exterior Touch-Ups
- ✓Clean the area to be touched up thoroughly before applying any paint or stain
- ✓Apply touch-up paint on a dry day with moderate temperatures for best adhesion
- ✓Use thin coats and allow to dry fully between applications
- ✓For vinyl siding, confirm the paint is formulated for vinyl surfaces
- ✓If the damage is extensive, consider whether a panel replacement is more appropriate
For questions specific to your product or color, call us at 563-391-4000. We are happy to assist.
Need Help With Your Siding or Windows?
Whether it is a touch-up question or a new project, Suburban Construction is here to help. Contact us anytime during business hours.
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