How to fill and match hole in architrave?

[mody_moozy]

Hello,

We had the switch moved from the architrave to plaster and now thinking of a way to fill in the hole and match (as similar as possible) the current architrave. I'm not sure what type of timber to use, best way to fill the hole and match the stain/varnish.

Please advise, thanks!

Hole to be filledCloser lookArchitrave of another room

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @mody_moozy. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about repairing a hole.

To be honest, it's unlikely you'll be able to achieve an unnoticeable repair to that hole, especially given its size and location. Even if you were to cut a perfectly sized dowel to plug it, or fill it with timber filler, it would still stand out—particularly once stain or varnish is applied. Matching the grain and finish precisely is extremely difficult in this sort of spot.

The timber appears to be Meranti, which was commonly used for architraves and skirting boards, so if you do decide to replace the moulding, that would be a good match to look for. In many cases, replacing the entire length of the moulding will actually give a far better result visually and may not be much more effort than attempting a fiddly repair.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[mody_moozy]

Thanks for the advice, Mitchell.

I don't mind if it's a somewhat different, my priority is a smooth surface but it's hard to visualise how much it would stand out if I repair the hole. Maybe I can try it and if it's too obvious/ugly I'll cover it up with a switch or replace the entire length like you said. Or perhaps I'm really underestimating how poorly it will look...

While on the topic, should I reapply varnish to all of the home's architraves? If so, what's a suitable product?

[MitchellMc]

In the best-case scenario, it might look similar to the below, @mody_moozy.

If the varnished surface has faded or is in poor condition, you could recoat it. However, to do so, you'd typically need to scuff up the surfaces to remove any sheen from them before overcoating with new varnish.

Remember that pulling off the whole trim section and replacing it is likely just as much work. The trim should just be nailed on, and you can remove it with a pry bar. Then you just need to nail a new section on and varnish it.

Mitchell

[R4addZ]

hi @mody_moozy 

Have you considered just buying a brown blank architrave plate and screwing it on to cover the hole. If Bunnings don't have one, they will be able to order one in for you.

[mody_moozy]

Thanks for the photo @MitchellMc. That is more noticeable than I expected, and I probably couldn't do it half as good. I'll have to rethink if it's worth replacing the entire length or just covering it with a switch.

Thanks for the suggestion @R4addZ. A brown blank plate would be ideal but I can't seem to find anything like that online. Can only find the larger blank switch plates that go on plaster, not architrave sized ones.

[R4addZ]

Hi @mody_moozy 

You would have to try an electrical wholesaler to find these. They are made for the heritage market and are available however you may have to buy two items, an unloaded switch plate (this is a plate with a hole in it which you can insert standard mechanisms into such as a switch or an ethernet socket etc) and a blanking insert which fills the hole. Only if you can't get the blanking plate though.

[R4addZ]

Hi @mody_moozy 

see here

https://www.powerpointsandswitches.com.au/products/hpm-linear-architrave-1-gang-switch-cover-plate-o...

These are cover plates which go over the plain white grids (main plate) you would need to contact them about the blanking inserts though.

[EricL]

Hello @mody_moozy 

Just in case you are interested, there are blanking plates available at the store as well such as the DETA Single Architrave Switch - White, DETA Architrave PAL Outlet  and the HPM EXCEL 1 Gang Architrave Switch - 1 Gang. Please note that they will need to be ordered as blanking plates at the special orders desk. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[R4addZ]

@EricL 

Those are not architrave sized cover plates or wall plates.

Edited to add that @EricL  has updated the links