If you fill it in right with the wood putty and then sand it (prime and paint) you won't be able to see it. We installed a new window frame and we can't see all the nail holes.

What kind of finish is on the cabinet now? Are they painted or varnished?

As part of this project, are you repainting the cabinets?

If the cabinets are finished wood and you're trying to match the stain color with woodfill, it's a challenge.

Would some type of backplate work out?

Here is a link that might be useful: {{!gwi}}

There's a type of putty called Durham's Rock Hard Putty. That's what my cabinet maker uses and recommends. My cab maker also said to overfill just slightly. This putty doesn't shrink.

Here is a link that might be useful: Durham's Rock Hard Putty

I've used various brands and my favorite is Elmer's Wood Putty in the tub. Stuff is very durable. Our cabs are 30+ years old and before I painted I had to fill in a spot on where the oak laminate had worn off from years of water running down the counter at the sink. It was in a spot that came to a point. I built it up with the putty, even shaping the corner/point with it. Leveled as best I could, then sanded flush when dry. You can't even tell that the 'corner' in the wood design is actually putty. Painted it 3 yrs ago, wiping, etc. has not compromised it at all. It's good stuff!

Thanks everybody for the responses.

I am sanding, priming, and painting these cabinets. They are pickled oak. I will try putting more wood putty in or buy something different.

The trick is in the application. Do not try to apply it with a smooth finish - that is done in the sanding step. Glob it on and completely fill the hole. Let completely dry. THEN, sand smooth. (Same when filling holes in wall. The smoothing is in the sanding, not in the filler application.)

It might take a few applications to fill the hole completely in.

Yes, I had to do mine in layers as well, think it took about 3. Didn't do any subsequent layers till prior layer was completely dry and sanded. But still kept it level as I worked (less sanding later).