Gatehouse Door Gets Facelift

The south door of the gatehouse received some care after years of outdoor exposure. Though it looks like wood, it is an old plastic door (unlike the composite door on the north side) that had oxidation and streaking. Chris and Wayne McKenzie prepped the door, applied gel staining, and then sealed it with a clear polyurethane.

Chris McKenzie preps the door, which had streaking and oxidation.

Part of the door's woe was likely contributed by the adjacent sprinkler head. Even when it's aimed properly, the water can be blown by the wind onto the door.

A sprinkler head is near the south door of the gatehouse.

Wayne McKenzie applies gel stain.

The gel stain lays on top of the plastic door rather than penetrating a grain. When carefully applied, it can yield a natural wood look. "Put on heavy then take off the excess," said Wayne McKenzie.