What Is Paintless Dent Repair?
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is a craft. Due to its quick (10-20 minutes per repair) and inexpensive (no product cost) nature, PDR has rapidly become the desired body shop alternative.
PDR replaces the need to take an automobile to a body shop, leaving it for several days (sometimes longer!) and spending hundreds of dollars getting a ding or dent repaired. Now, thanks to PDR, repairs can be performed quicker, for less money, and conveniently at a customer's home or office. Paintless dent repair is revolutionizing the world of ding and dent repair!
How Does Paintless Dent Repair Work?
To perform a paintless dent repair, a skilled technician uses metal rods and picks to massage out minor dings and dents in the finish of an automobile. To perform this, a technician will work on the dent from the inside of the panel. In simpler terms, the ding or dent is pushed out. Average repairs usually only take 10 - 20 minutes, from start to finish (for an experienced technician).
How Do You Gain Access To A Ding or Dent?
The method used to access a dent depends on the location of the dent. The following is a look at some of the common ways to access a dent for removal:
Doors:
- Roll the window down and access through the window ledge opening.
- Access through existing manufacturer opening in the door jam area.
- Take the door panel off.
- Drill a hole in the door jam and finish by inserting a silicone covered plug-which will prevent corrosion and provide for a factory look.
Rear Quarter Panel:
- Access through a manufacturer opening or vent in the rear door jam area.
- Access through the trunk (removal of inside trim sometimes is required).
- Access by removing the tail light assembly.
- Remove part of the inner wheel well shell and access the dent from wheel well.
- Drill a hole in the rear door jam and plug when finished.
Roof:
- Remove or lower the headliner.
Front Fender:
- Access through the engine compartment.
- Access by removing the headlight assembly.
- Remove part of the inner wheel well shell and access the dent from wheel well area.
Hood:
- Access by removing any covering or protective material from the inside of the hood.
NOTE: In most situations a dent technician can avoid drilling a hole.
What About Dings and Dents Located Under Braces?
Most of the dents found under braces can be accessed and removed. First, the adhesive between the brace and the metal must be cut loose. To do this, a thin putty knife is slid between the adhesive and the metal. Once the adhesion is removed, a thin hand tool can be used to repair the dent.
What Percentage of Dings and Dents are Repairable?
Percentages of possible repairs will depend on the dent technician's level of skill and experience. But generally speaking, 80 - 90% of the minor dings and dents found on a vehicle are repairable.
What Dings and Dents Cannot Be Repaired?
Most dings and dents can be made to look "better". However, there are some problem repairs. Here is a list of some problem areas:
- Deep Dents - On very deep dings and dents, the metal is often pushed too deep for a complete repair.
- Dents Near the Edge of Panels - Dents found near the edge of body panels or right on a seam make access impossible.
- Dings and Dents with Deep Creases - Usually, only a skilled dent repair technician can repair creased dents, depending on the severity of the crease. In many cases a 100% repair is not possible.
How Large of a Dent Can Be Repaired With Paintless Dent Repair?
The most important aspect of paintless dent repair is not the diameter but the depth. Often very large, shallow dents can be removed.
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