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 extending through 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 with a polyimide, curing the polyimide to block the passage of cooling fluid through the plurality of first cooling holes, and applying a thermal bather coating over the outer surface of the component. The method may further include the step of installing a second plurality of cooling holes in the wall of the component wherein the plurality of second cooling holes penetrate the thermal barrier coating and the wall of the component and allow cooling fluid to pass therethrough.