A method for restoring thickness to load-bearing components of gas turbine engines, and for repairing a honeycomb structured gas turbine engine component. A surface of the component such as the backing surface of a honeycomb component after honeycomb removal is roughened and cleaned. A selected build-up material is deposited onto the substrate by high velocity oxy-fuel deposition or low pressure plasma spray. The component is heat treated to enhance the bond between the deposited material particles, and between the deposited material and the substrate by diffusion.