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Repairing Hollow Core Doors

DonCanDo | Posted in General Discussion on July 13, 2005 02:44am

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

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Replies

  1. User avater
    Sphere | Jul 13, 2005 03:11pm | #1

    boxing gloves for the puncher?

      Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

    I've been welding all day, what is YOUR excuse?

  2. andybuildz | Jul 13, 2005 03:29pm | #2

    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...

    The secret of Zen in two words is, "Not always so"!

    When we meet, we say, Namaste'..it means..

      I honor the place in you where the entire universe resides,

    I honor the place in you of love, of light, of truth, of peace.

    I honor the place within you where if you are in that place in you

    and I am in that place in me, there is only one of us.

     

     


     

     

    1. User avater
      Sphere | Jul 13, 2005 03:42pm | #3

      lost yer number my man..email me?

      I'll be back this afternoon..gotta get a new tarp, the riff raff is getting in..(birds)...Eddy ate 3, an the DW is getting frantic.  Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      I've been welding all day, what is YOUR excuse?

  3. WorkshopJon | Jul 13, 2005 03:51pm | #4

    Don,

    How big a hole(s) are you talking about?

    WSJ

    1. DonCanDo | Jul 13, 2005 04:29pm | #6

      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

      1. User avater
        NickNukeEm | Jul 14, 2005 12:36am | #7

        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

  4. User avater
    rjw | Jul 13, 2005 03:58pm | #5

    I've wondered whether these "holeless" auto dent fixers could use their suction devises to pull the broken veneer out.


    View Image
    Sojourners: Christians for Justice and Peace
  5. doodabug | Jul 15, 2005 02:53am | #8

    Drywall Mud

  6. medicmike | Jul 15, 2005 03:20am | #9

    Cover the hole with a framed mirror:-)

    1. DanH | Jul 15, 2005 06:17am | #11

      One of those little cocktail umbrellas, loaded with mud.

  7. JerBear | Jul 15, 2005 05:43am | #10

    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.

  8. hmj | Jul 15, 2005 01:40pm | #12

    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.

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