If you’ve often wondered if there’s an alternative to repairing a dented or creased panel without requiring the re-application of paint, the answer is yes.
Inconsiderate drivers and at times poor car park space planning often result in a collection of visually unappealing panel dings and dents, including creases.
Simply put, paintless dent removal is the practice of repairing or eliminating the superficial damages on the exterior metal-based panels of a car using either a push or pull technique.
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| In paintless dent removal, the dented panel is massaged back to its original shape without the need of a paintwork refinish using specialised tools. |
In essence, the dented panel is massaged (or pushed) skilfully back into its original shape without the need of a paintwork refinish using specialised tools.
There are of course certain limitations to paintless dent removal (otherwise known as PDR), like in situations where the paintwork has been perforated, panel edges, over-fatigued panels and structural pliancy.
In short, it depends on the size and depth of the damage and where it is located.
One of the alternate methods used in place of massaging the metal panels back into shape is through a process known as “glue-pulling”, which as its name suggests involves the application of glue with a heat gun, flexible plugs and a slide hammer or lifter.
Both push and pull methods might look a lot more daunting than they really are. The key factor, other than skill and experience, is patience. Loads of it.
It is a process that cannot be rushed and intense concentration is required as it involves two simultaneous surfaces being affected at the same time, the automotive sheet metal and delicate paintwork layers. Balance is essential.
A third and mostly kept discreet technique in PDR involves a drill-bit to access tight crevices and structural frames.
A hole is drilled through the sheet metal in situations where the inner panel is inaccessible.
This allows a pry bar to be inserted for the panel pushing to begin. Once the panel is massaged back into place, the affected panel where the hole was perforated is applied with a self-etching primer.
Usually in this instance, the client would have to decide if this is appropriate or if a trip to the body-shop is required for paintwork refinishing.
I’m not a proponent of this particular technique of drilling, preferring to retain the integrity of the sheet metal and would opt for a paintwork refinish instead.
Your mileage may vary according to your requirements so weigh the pros and cons carefully.
PDR is a skill-set acquired over time as it not only requires a solid understanding of dent-removal techniques but more importantly deft hands and years of experience.
There are no more than a handful of PDR technicians in the country with the ability to restore complex panels to their original condition.
Before we begin any paintless dent repairs, we will perform a thorough assessment to determine if any dents or creases can be removed 100% and if they are accessible with the specialised tools.
This allows the client to understand what can be achieved via paintless dent removals, as opposed to paintwork refinishing and to determine its practicality.
The next time you have your car maintained at a service centre, check with them if they offer paintless dent repair facilities and you might be able to correct that unsightly dent you’ve had on your door at the same time.
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Check out www.autodetailer.co for more information.