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Hi @sue62,
You might like to read through this previous discussion on How to fill and match a hole in an architrave? I've provided advice in there on how to fill a hole with a dowel.
The very first step before doing any work around an old switch hole is to ensure that the electrical circuit has been fully isolated and made safe by a qualified electrician. You should never attempt to fill or handle holes near live wiring, as even seemingly small repairs can be dangerous if the circuit is still live. Once safety is confirmed, you can then proceed with cutting a dowel to fit, gluing it in, sanding, and finishing as described.
Filling a round electric switch hole with a dowel is possible, but it’s important to set expectations: achieving a seamless, invisible repair is very difficult, especially on varnished or stained timber like Meranti. You could drill a dowel to fit snugly in the hole, glue it in with wood glue, and once dry, sand it flush with the surrounding surface. After that, timber filler or putty can help smooth minor gaps. However, even with careful sanding and filling, the patched area will likely remain visible once stained or varnished, because matching grain and colour exactly is tricky.
If the varnish is faded or worn, a full recoat after scuffing the surface can help blend the repair slightly, but a perfect match is unlikely. For the cleanest, most visually consistent result, replacing the section of moulding or architrave is often the easier and more effective approach.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
