Working of Paintless Dent Repair | Pros and Cons

Introduction to Paintless Dent Repair: 

Paintless Dent Removal is generally called Paint-less Dent Removal. It uses the environment-friendly method to repair and restore the body of the vehicle body. The vehicle can be restored to the factory-like condition in less time and at a minimal cost. This method can be used to remove dents from vehicles, body creases, and removes hail damage. 

The paintless dent repair process consists of four basic steps that are mentioned below:

1. Assessing the Damage caused
2. To gain entry to the dent
3. To get a better look at the dent
4. To apply a small amount of pressure to work out the dent 

If you’re thinking of selling up your car, then getting autobody paint to refinish is one of the factors which actually helps you in increasing the resale value of your car.

Working of the Paint-less Dent Repair:

Process and Techniques in PDR:

1. Assessing the Damage caused

The initial step assessing the damage. The position of the dent, its size, and how to reach that position has to be assessed. After the assessment of the damage and determining if it can be removed efficiently using PDR, the area around the dent has to be prepared for repair.

2. To Gain Entry to The Dent

The backside of the dent has to be accessed before starting the actual PDR process. It involves the removal of the taillights, body panels, or in some cases, interior panels. We need to get through a pathway to the dent for initiating PDR.

 Once access to the dent is obtained, PDR can be performed. It requires a lot of precision and expertise.

3. To Get a Better Look at the Dent

A special light board can be used to get a better look at the dent. The board displays the shadow of the dent, which lets us know where to place the tools precisely. The tools are applied on the back end of the dent to get the body back to its original form.

4. To apply a small amount of pressure

Special tools are used to massage the exterior carefully back to its original form. 

More About Paintless Dent Repair:

Places where Paint-less Dent Repair:

Paintless Dent Repair removes various types of dings, dents, and body creases. It is a special technique used to restore the vehicles to the condition as they were when bought from a factory; it is a quick and cost-effective process. PDR is an amazing solution to help restore the vehicle to its original form. Dents of all sizes, also hail damages can be treated using PDR.

Time Taken to perform PDR:

The standard paint-less dent repairs are time efficient and are completed on the same day itself. However, the time taken may vary depending on the severity of damage (viz. size, the number of dings, dents, or creases, positioning on vehicle). Hail damage could take some days as it takes a longer time to remove the damage completely on the vehicle.

Differences between Paint-less Dent Repair and Traditional Dent Repair:

The traditional dent repair fills the dents with body filler or paint. It is then painted to match the exterior of the rest of the vehicle. This procedure can make the vehicle look new but it does not repair the actual dent sustainably. So, it is not considered to be a long-term solution. Traditional Dent Repair is expensive, time-consuming, and impacts the resale value of the vehicle.

On the other hand, Paint-less Dent Repair does not require fillers or sanding. Most people find PDR to be an inexpensive and effective alternative to getting minor repairs done at a body shop.

Also See: How to choose the right auto body shop

Pros 

• Time-efficient: It takes less than a day to complete the PDR process. Thus, saving time and hassle. 
• Cost-effective: PDR involves fewer labor costs. It does not need extra materials; so, the overall cost is reduced.
• Environmentally friendly: It does not involve the use of chemicals; thus, it is environment-friendly.
• Retained car value: It does not use fillers; the vehicle looks as if it is bought now; the value of the car is retained.
• Insurance claims: Most insurance companies cover PDR.

Cons

• It can only repair accessible areas: It repairs accessible areas easily. However, an expert technician can be appointed to repair the inaccessible areas.
• It has limited repair options: It is not a good option for scratched paints on the vehicle.
• It can repair steel and aluminum only: Plastic Bumpers cannot be repaired using PDR. PDR repairs vehicles with aluminum and steel bodies.
• There are risks of Further Damage: PDR may risk further damage to the car; as the paint might chip during the repair process. Though the chances of it happening are negligible.

Also See: How to remove dents from Car Door Panel

FAQs:

• Does PDR work?
  Yes, it does work for intact surfaces and some shallow dents.
• Can PDR be done at home?
  Yes, PDR kits are available in the market and can be used to obtain effective results.
• How long does it take for paintless dent repair?
  On the off chance, if your damage does qualify for Paintless Dent Repair, the process will take just an hour or so for a single dent. For hail damage, the procedure generally takes between 1-3 days. This will rely upon the degree of damage to the vehicle.
• Can all dents be repaired?
  Not all dents can or ought to be suctioned out. The suction method might not work when the dent is large. Also, if the panel itself has any cracks, the whole panel should be supplanted, rather than removing the dent.
• Will my dents be 100% gone?
  If the dents are minor, then yes. The more profound the dent, the more troublesome it is to fix. Indeed, even on larger dents, most people are amazed at the results.
• Will PDR help me with selling MY CAR?
  Ever hear the platitude “Image is everything”? A great many people judge a vehicle by its appearance. In the event, if it looks great they accept that it has been all around dealt with. Utilized vehicle sellers and wholesalers know this.
  They additionally realize what they spend on PDR will make them many occasions over what they spend, and will assist them with selling the car quicker. In case you’re selling your vehicle, PDR is probably the most ideal approach to get as much as possible, increasingly intrigued purchasers, and a quicker sale.