A method of fabricating and repairing a gas turbine component having a plurality of cooling holes defined therein is provided. The method includes determining a parameter of a first cooling hole defined in the gas turbine component, and generating a tool path for forming a protective cap around the first cooling hole. The tool path is based at least partially on the parameter of the first cooling hole. The method also includes directing a robotic device to follow the tool path, and discharging successive layers of ceramic slurry towards the gas turbine component as the tool path is followed such that the protective cap is formed around the first cooling hole.