How to fill cabinet hole & install a new handle?

[shaz26]

hello everyone! i’m new to renovations here so please bear with me.

i need to fill these holes on my cabinet door, because i bought a new handle and theyre smaller than these.

whats the best way to fill these? the exterior of this cabinet door is very glossy and smooth (theyre even kinda reflective). so i’m not sure how to fill & repaint those!

if you could suggest any products (including sand paper etc cos i have nothing). that would be great! thank you so so much!

 

[EricL]

Hello @shaz26 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about filling in your door handles. 

Generally, if you had a standard timber door, I would recommend Parfix 500g Ready To Use Multipurpose Filler to fill in the holes. Once the filler cures you can sand it down and then spray paint the surface in the same colour. One of the things that might hold you back is the cover of the door itself. If it is vacum laminated, you won't be able to paint the door as paint does not adhere very well to laminated surfaces.

However, if it is a 2-pac painted door, it will be extremely difficult to match the colour and finish of the door. I propose doing a close investigation as to what type of covering your door has.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @shaz26 

I have often thought about this type of issue, When I was drilling handles for my kitchen years ago I was very concious of what would I do if I messed it up. That shiny surface tends to make me think its a vacummed door covering so will be hard to fill and cover without it being noticable.

However the two ideas (make that three) I have thought of in the past and just now may help you out.

The first idea

Is to mount a plate over both the holes, Not a great look but could be matched with the style of the new handles maybe.

The second idea

I had was to insert into the existing hole some dowel Porta 6 x 6mm 1.2m Clear Pine Dowel (you just need to the right size plus allow for glue)

cut square end. Then maybe using an undercoat of white and ontop a white styled nailpolish that matches your door. It will be noticiable but im heading towards a nice looking repair that shows up as a round circle on the door. You could practice on the dowel first before inserting to see if the colour match works.

Third idea

Using something like these Hafele 5mm Hole Cover Caps - 100 Pack to insert into the holes.

Also Surface Gard 8mm Clear Round Rubber Bumper - 25 Pieces So you will notice it but it will be a clear line. 

Least favorite selection Taskmaster 10mm White Screw Caps - 100 Pack 

I think it will be hard to fill and colour/paint because of the makeup of the door. Thats why I am suggesting to cover and "look" tidy.

Extra idea - Use one of the holes for your new handle, will leave only one hole to cover.

Dave

[Dave-1]

Morning @shaz26 

Just came across another idea from the Big blue F social media place, cant steal the pic as its someones But you know those ceramic coloured draw knobs? the ones that look moroccan? How about picking one or two that may match the kitchen and using the handle to cover the existing hole?

Dave

[Nailbag · Accepted solution]

Hi @shaz26 

Both @EricL and @Dave-1 have already offered a couple of great suggestions. Another to consider is using this Poly Fine Gloss Filler which actually leaves a gloss finish that may require no further colouring?

Apply some painters tape to the front side, then tap something stiff on top to prevent the filler from pressing through. Then fill the backside with the Poly product and smooth off with a putty knife. Then carefully wipe around the hole of any marks.

Nailbag

[shaz26]

amazing thank you so much everyone for the replies!! appreciate it.

 i’m probably gonna try the gloss filler or the multipurpose filler first, and work my way from there.

one more question - i just got my new handles and turn out theyre only 0.5cm off the existing holes. should i cover the hole with filler first, then redrill it? or should i drill first, put the handle then fill the excess hole with filler?

also - any recommendations on drills is appreciated!!

 

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @shaz26 

Wooooo ok I have another idea that may get you out of trouble.

Depends on how long those screws for the handles go through the door? 

If they are long enough then you could use a black flat washer between the door handle and door. Its 5mm differance between the hole spacing so you could in theory cover the second hole with the edge of the washer? Pinnacle M8 Black Flat Washer - 12 Pack You just need to make sure the center hole is smaller then the diameter of the handle Then no filling would be needed!

Dave

[EricL]

Hi @shaz26 

That's a fantastic suggestion from @Dave-1. But if you still decide to drill just have a look at this guide - How to choose the right drill for the job. In regards to the drill bit, make sure to choose a good quality one such as Kango or Full Boar brand.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[shaz26]

thank you so much for all your help!

in the end, i used the Poly Fine Gloss Filler. and then drill holes on top of it.

 now my problem is…the holes are not straight. see photo. 

is there any tool that can help me make sure the holes are straight? (apologies again for the newbie question!!)

 

 thank you so much!