Paintless dent repair (PDR) – how to repair dent in car

Paintless dent repair (PDR) is a method used to remove minor dents and dings from the body of a vehicle without the need for traditional bodywork and repainting. PDR is a popular and cost-effective technique for repairing minor dents caused by various factors, such as hail damage, door dings, minor collisions, and other sources of shallow, non-creased dents. 

Here’s how paintless dent repair typically works:

Assessment: The process begins with a careful evaluation of the damage. A trained PDR technician examines the dent’s size, depth, and location to determine whether this technique can be used to repair the dent.

Access Points: To access the backside of the dent, the technician may need to remove specific interior panels or trim pieces. In some cases, they can access the dent through existing openings, such as through the trunk or behind door panels.

Manipulation: Using specialized tools, often made of stainless steel or plastic, the technician gently massages or pushes on the backside of the dent. This process requires precision and skill, as the technician must apply just the right amount of pressure to slowly reshape the metal without causing any damage to the paint or finish.

Gradual Progression: PDR is a gradual process, and the technician will work incrementally to restore the damaged area to its original shape. They may make multiple passes over the dent, gradually reducing its size and depth.

Quality Control: Throughout the repair process, the technician continuously checks the progress to ensure that the dent is correctly reshaped and the paint remains intact.

Final Inspection: Once the dent is successfully repaired, the technician conducts a final inspection to confirm that the damage is no longer visible and the vehicle’s appearance is restored.

Paintless dent repair offers several advantages:

Cost-Effective: PDR is often less expensive than traditional bodywork, primarily because it eliminates the need for paint and extensive labour.

Time-Efficient: Repairs can typically be completed much faster than traditional methods since there is no need for painting or drying time.

Preservation of Factory Finish: PDR maintains the original factory paint finish, which can be essential for preserving a vehicle’s value.

Environmentally Friendly: PDR produces less waste and uses fewer chemicals than traditional repair methods.

It’s important to note that paintless dent repair is best suited for shallow, non-creased dents on certain vehicle parts, such as the hood, doors, roof, and bumpers. Deeper or creased dents, as well as extensive damage, may require traditional bodywork and repainting.

If you have minor dents or dings on your vehicle, Reclamet Repair and Refinish can help determine whether this technique is suitable and cost-effective for your specific repair needs.