A method for filling cooling holes in a component of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The component may include a plurality of first cooling holes penetrating the wall of the component. The method may comprise the steps of exposing the outer surface of the component, filling the plurality of first cooling holes of the component with a filling agent, curing the filling agent to block the passage of air through the cooling holes, and applying a thermal barrier coating over the surface of the component. The method may further include installing a second plurality of cooling holes, the second plurality of cooling holes penetrating the thermal barrier coating and the wall of the component and allow air to pass therethrough.