Abstract: A method produces hollow gas exchange valves, in particular with a cooling medium introduced into the hollow valve stem. The hollow of the valve stem is preferably drilled from the valve head side and, after the introduction of the cooling medium, sealed again by surfacing. A thin filling piece is inserted to a defined depth into the drilled hole temporarily holding the weld pool of the surfacing weld. By means of surfacing, it is possible to achieve cost savings over other sealing methods. The surfacing is preferably performed by a welding method in which the workpiece is not part of an electric circuit through which the welding energy flows. Preferable methods include gas welding, electron beam welding or laser welding. With these methods, so-called edge effects can be avoided.