Paintless dent repair (PDR) is a method of repairing dents, dings, and hail damage on a vehicle without the need for sanding, painting, or other traditional body repair techniques. PDR is often faster and less expensive than traditional body repair methods, and it can be used on a variety of surfaces, including aluminum, steel, and other metals.
The process of PDR involves using specialized tools to massage the metal back into its original shape from the underside of the panel. PDR technicians use a combination of tools, including rods, picks, and reflector boards, to access and repair the dent from behind the panel. PDR can be used to repair dents on a variety of surfaces, including doors, fenders, hoods, and roofs.
PDR is not a good fit for all types of damage, however. It is generally best suited for dents that are smaller than a basketball and that are not located on sharp creases or near the edges of panels. PDR may not be effective on dents that are too large or that have damaged the paint. In these cases, traditional body repair methods may be necessary.