Resources · Practical guide
A practical guide to paintless dent repair (PDR)
What paintless dent repair is, when it works and when it does not, how we assess a dent before quoting, how long each job usually takes, what happens with hail and insurance, and how to take photos for a quote. Written by David, a PDR technician since 2014.
- PDR technician
- Since 2014
- Warranty
- 24 months in writing
- Quote
- Free from a photo, < 2 working h
- Payment
- Card, cash, Bizum, bank transfer
What is paintless dent repair?
It means returning the panel to its original shape by pushing it from behind, with no filler or paint, so the factory paint is kept.
The technician reaches the back of the dent through openings in the panel itself or by removing trim, and uses rods of different shapes to push the metal in very short passes. Where there is no access from behind, the dent is pulled from outside with tabs glued to the paint (glue pulling). The whole job is guided by a reflection lamp: the straight lines it projects onto the panel bend where there is a dent and become straight again when the surface is right.
Because the paint is not sanded or resprayed, the car keeps its original finish. More detail under paintless dent repair (PDR).
When does paintless dent repair work and when does it not?
It works when the paint is intact and the metal has not stretched too far; it does not if the paint is broken, the impact has stretched the metal over a body line or the part is plastic.
Usually works
- Parking dents and door dings, even deep ones.
- Hail dents, even many of them.
- Dents on bonnet, roof, wings, doors and tailgate with access from behind.
- Aluminium panels, with more heat, more time and not in every case.
Does not work or falls short
- Cracked or chipped paint, or a scratch down to the primer.
- Metal stretched over a body line or a very sharp crease.
- Panel edges and double-skinned or reinforced areas with no access.
- Previously repaired panels with a lot of filler underneath.
- Plastic parts, such as most bumpers.
There is a middle case: a dent that can be taken to 90-95% without paint and would need a small touch-up to be perfect. If we see that in the photos, we tell you before starting.
How is a dent assessed before quoting?
We look at six things: the state of the paint, size and depth, position, access from behind, panel material and any previous repairs.
- Paint: if there are cracks or chips, paintless repair alone is not enough.
- Size and depth: a wide, soft dent is often easier than a small, sharp one.
- Position: on a body line, next to an edge or over a reinforcement it gets harder.
- Access: if the back can be reached we use rods; if not, glue pulling.
- Material: aluminium takes longer than steel.
- History: filler from an old repair prevents working the metal.
To check the paint yourself, look at the dent in low-angle light from several directions and run a fingertip over it: if you feel an edge or see the layer underneath, the paint is broken. We explain it step by step in can a dent be removed without paint?
How long does each type of repair take?
As a guide, a parking dent takes 45 to 90 minutes; a coin-sized one, 30 to 60; a large dent on a bonnet or roof, 2 to 5 hours.
| Type of damage | Typical time | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Coin-sized dent | 30–60 min | Access from behind |
| Door ding or parking dent | 45–90 min | Whether there is a crease |
| Large dent on bonnet or roof | 2–5 h | Size and whether trim must come off |
| Aluminium panel | A little longer than steel | The stiffness of the material |
| Hail | From one day to four or five | Number and spread of dents |
What happens with hail and insurance?
If your policy covers hail, you file a claim, the loss adjuster assesses the damage and the PDR technician repairs it; we prepare the panel-by-panel dent map used to assess and quote.
Not every policy covers hail: fully comprehensive policies and those that include weather damage usually do. Check the terms before filing a claim. A hail-damaged car with few dents is usually ready in a day; one with more than 150 across roof, bonnet and tailgate, in four or five.
Replacing the roof is only considered for very large dents, broken paint or badly stretched metal. More under hail damage repair, hail insurance claims and the article what to do if your car has hail damage.
How should you take photos for a quote?
With two or three good photos we can tell you whether it can be repaired without paint, how long it takes and what it costs, within two working hours.
- Take the photos in daylight, in the shade or under cloud; direct sun hides dents.
- One photo from a distance showing the whole panel, to see where the dent is.
- One photo at an angle, where you can see the reflection of a straight line (a kerb, a window frame) bending.
- One close-up of the paint, if you think it may be damaged.
- Send them on WhatsApp to +34 673 50 67 93 with make, model and where the car is.
To see how long each case usually takes, read how long dent repair takes; for the most common dents, door dings and parking dents.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about paintless dent repair
Will it look as it did before the dent?
For most dents with intact paint, yes: we check the result with you under the reflection lamp. If we expect it to reach 90-95%, we tell you beforehand from the photo.
What warranty does the repair have?
24 months in writing, at the workshop or on site.
How can I pay?
By card, cash, Bizum or bank transfer.
Who does the work?
David, a PDR technician since 2014, with hail seasons across Europe and more than 1,300 vehicles repaired since the workshop opened.
Free quote from a photo
Can you send us a photo of the dent?
We reply with a fixed quote within two working hours, with no obligation.
Take 2 or 3 photos in daylight: one from a distance showing the whole panel and one at an angle where you can see the reflection bend. That is enough for us to tell you whether it can be repaired without paint, how long it takes and what it costs.
- C. Valgrande, 10, Nave 1, 28108 Alcobendas (Madrid)
- +34 673 50 67 93
- info@varillerocoche.es
- Monday to Friday: 9:00–14:00 and 15:00–18:00
Tell us what happened to your car
We reply with your quote by phone or WhatsApp. You can attach up to 3 photos of the dent here or, if you prefer, send everything via WhatsApp.
Last updated: . Written and reviewed by David, PDR technician and founder of Varillero Coche.