Frequently Asked Questions About Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)
How much does PDR cost?
The cost of paintless dent repair (PDR) can vary depending on several factors, including the size, location, and severity of the dent. The expertise of the technician and the specific techniques required also need to be taken into consideration when determining the price of the repair. Smaller dents and creases that the technician has easy and direct access to, will generally cost less to repair. Larger or more complex dents with restricted access or where R&R (remove and refit) are required are generally more expensive. As a rough estimate, the cost of PDR for a single dent can range from $120 – $250. Pricing hail damage repairs takes a wide range of factors into consideration, including the extent of the damage, the size of the dents and the number of panels damaged on the vehicle. The vehicles make/model is also taken into account when quoting as various makes and models with specific parts/ materials can restrict access to dents. An example of this is vehicles with aluminium panels take more time as the material does not have a muscle memory and are much more difficult to repair. As a general rule of thumb we tell our clients to expect the cost of hail damage repairs to range between $500- $6,500. In most cases it works in the clients’ best interest to make a claim through their insurance provider for hail damage repairs. Please get in contact with us directly and we can discuss how we can liaise with your insurance provider to organise your hail repair.
It’s important to note that this is just an estimate, and the actual cost/time frame can vary based on a number of factors such as:
-Location of the dent
-Access to the dent
-Size and depth
-Method of repair required (pushing/glue pulling)
-Remove/refit (R&R) Tail lights, laminated window glass, door trims, roof liner, bonnet/boot trims.
What types of dents can be repaired/not repaired by PDR?
Small/medium sized dents: Dings and dents caused by hail, door dings, or small impacts are generally good candidates for PDR.
Creases: Certain types of shallow creases, especially those without sharp edges or deep folds, can be successfully repaired with PDR.
Bodyline dents: Dents that are on your vehicles bodylines generally can be repaired by experienced technicians.
Dents that typically CANNOT be repaired with PDR:
Deep Dents: Dents with significant depth or those that have stretched the metal are often beyond the scope of PDR.
Large Dents: Dents larger than a basketball, especially if they're deep or complex, may not be suitable
for PDR due to high chances of the material being stretched. The likelihood of your vehicle being restored to a factory finish is low, making it unsuitable for PDR repair.
Damaged Paint: If the paint is cracked, chipped, or damaged in any way, PDR may not be the best option. In such cases, traditional repair methods involving painting may be necessary. At Straight Panels we pride ourselves on providing our clients with the highest quality dent removal every time and will always be honest with our clients about when PDR will/will not be the best option for you. We stand by all of the vehicles we repair being restored to the highest quality, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us and one of our technicians will discuss your options with you further.
How long does it take to repair dents/creases & hail damage?
Repairing hail damage on a vehicle can take anywhere from a few hours to several days. However, it's essential to note that these are estimates, and actual repair times can vary based on the factors mentioned below:
-Location of the dent
-Access to the dent
-Size and depth
-Method of repair required (pushing/glue pulling)
-Remove/refit (R&R) Tail lights, laminated window glass, door trims, roof liner, bonnet/boot trims.
Pushing VS glue pulling
Pushing:
Pushing involves accessing the back side of the dent and using specialised tools to gently push the metal back into its original shape. This technique is particularly effective for dents that can be reached from behind the panel, using a variety of pushing tools, such as rods and picks to carefully work the metal and gradually eliminate the dent.
Glue Pulling:
Glue pulling involves attaching a specialised glue tab to the surface of the dent with high quality hot melt glue. A pulling device, such as a slide hammer or mini lifter is then used to gradually lift and reshape the metal from the outside. This technique is often used for dents that cannot be accessed from behind the panel. Glue pulling requires careful application of the glue tab and the precise pulling force to avoid further distortion to the metal and damage to the vehicles paint. Each technique has its advantages and limitations, the choice between pushing and glue pulling depends on factors such as the location, access, size and severity of the dent. Our technicians are highly educated and experienced in PDR techniques and can easily determine which method will achieve the highest quality repair and finish. In some cases, a combination of both techniques may be used to achieve the best results. This will be determined during the assessment and quoting stage of your repair. Please reach out to us and one of our expert technicians will be able to assist you with starting the process of repairing your dent or hail damaged vehicle using the correct methods.
Will a dent reappear after it has been repaired?
Is PDR worth investing in?
Does PDR cause any damage to the existing paint?
of dents and hail damage and have worked on a variety of vehicles, all of which have been repaired with high customer satisfaction.