What's Dent Repair?

You shouldn't assume that a dent or ding will cost thousands or hundreds of dollars to repair. Paintless dent repair (PDR), or paintless dement removal, can be done using many methods to fix minor body flaws. It is possible to quickly and inexpensively fix a variety of surface problems. But, keep in mind that it is called "paintless" because it doesn't cost anything. PDR is not recommended for anyone who has done more damage to the paint than can be easily buffed out. PDR may be the right choice if the paint appears intact but there are door dings or other defects to the body Mobile Repairs Manchester.

Body shop professionals often use PDR to repair hail damage, small creases, and door dings. This process can be used to fix bumper indents. This is called "push-to-paint" and it can be used for preparing a panel for the paintless dent repair. It all depends on the flexibility of the paint (older cars work best) as well as the metal's stretching capabilities. PDR works best for small damage. However, even large issues can be compatible.

The Method to Madness

Although it may seem magical, PDR has been around since 1983 when Natalio Balderrama from Europe's Dent Wizard International brought it here. There are many methods that can be used to remove dents from the inside or under panels today. You might also use glue and tabs to remove dents. You might also need to shrink or tap down high-heeled metal. This is a good option for aluminum and steel, and trusted technicians will flawlessly blend the paint color and texture.

Push to paint is an option if the damage is too severe. This involves pushing the most metal up. This can help you save time and money. These two methods will not cause paint to crack or chip. If the paint is in poor condition, too old, or too cold, however, cracking can occur. If there is any doubt, a quality mechanic will not take the chance.

Honing the Skills

To see the exact deformation, technicians use fluorescent or LED lighting. This allows them to properly push the metal up. This skill is extremely difficult and requires professionals to push the metal in the correct place. Although a special tool known as a PDR reflectorboard is used, it takes years to master these PDR skills.

As with most things, there will be some trial and error. Unskilled technicians can cause more damage than good. This is why it's important to only choose a shop that has proven success and experience. Ask for the name of the technician, their experience in PDR, and their success rate when getting an estimate on auto body repairs.