When I take on a painting job, I like to repair as much as possible to provide extra value to the customer and extra $ for me. Often, I’ll encounter holes in hollow core doors. Sometimes the customer wants to just replace it, but other times they would like a more economical repair.
I’ve used a variety of techniques (wood filler, popsicle stick, expanding foam) with mixed results. I’m thinking there should be a slick way of doing this. For example, something like a hollow door anchor with a head that could be sanded flush.
Any good techniques out there?
-Don
Replies
boxing gloves for the puncher?
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
I've been welding all day, what is YOUR excuse?
a piece of 3/4" ply behind the hole.I use a screw in the center of the plywood to pull it tight inside the door and use dabs of hot glue and yellow glue (don't forget to remove the screw : ). Cut the hole perfectly square first with a utility knife.
Install luan to fit using PL adhesive or dabs of hot glue and yellow glue. I use Minwax 2 part epoxy wood filler over the whole shabang when done. then sand and paint. Takes all of ten minutes. I defy you to find the repair.
Be well
a...
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I've been welding all day, what is YOUR excuse?
Don,
How big a hole(s) are you talking about?
WSJ
How big a hole(s) are you talking about?
Small. Like holes made for hollow door anchors. The big ones are easier. I do what Andy Clifford said, but mine are not as invisible as I'd like.
-Don
A new slab is 40-50 bucks, and maybe an hours work mortising for hinges and drilling the lockset. And you can paint it prior to hanging to boot.
Edit, the price for a whole prehung unit is 50-60, a new slab is maybe $30.
I never met a tool I didn't like!
Edited 7/13/2005 5:37 pm ET by NickNuke'em
I've wondered whether these "holeless" auto dent fixers could use their suction devises to pull the broken veneer out.
Drywall Mud
Cover the hole with a framed mirror:-)
One of those little cocktail umbrellas, loaded with mud.
What Andy says. Instead of the Minwax, I use Bondo...same stuff. It's like doing a drywall patch. You get good at it after the first few.
I have used the expanding foam on hollow paneled doors. carve it flush with a utility blade after it dries, then go over it w/ mud or wood putty, carving grain lines after that dries. Problem is you waste a whole can of foam unless you have some other gaps to fill..
Growing up as the middle of 3 boys who would kick holes in hollow doors, we would take the door off, switch around the hardware and rehang it flipped over. My Dad never noticed any of them till he went to sell the house. I was OK at patching drywall by the time I was 8 or 9.