What Is PDR? Common Questions About Paintless Dent Removal

What Is PDR (Paintless Dent Repair)?

PDR stands for paintless dent repair, also called paintless dent removal. It is a way of taking a dent out of a car panel by working the metal back from behind, so nothing is filled, sanded or resprayed and the factory paint stays original.

• What it fixes: dents, dings and creases where the paint over the dent is unbroken.
• How it is done: a trained technician uses specialist tools to reshape the metal from behind the panel.
• Where: at Impact Dents in Perth, Mark does it at your home, workplace or another agreed spot.

For a full walkthrough, see how the PDR process works step by step.

More Common Questions About PDR

What types of dents can PDR fix?

PDR works well on most minor to moderate dents where the paint is intact and the metal hasn't been overstretched. Common repairs include:

• Door dings from car parks
• Hail damage across bonnets, roofs and doors
• Boot and bonnet dents
• Creases from reversing mishaps or minor contact
• Roof dents from falling branches or debris

PDR isn't suitable when the paint has cracked or chipped, when the panel has been previously repaired with filler, or when the metal has been severely deformed. In those cases, traditional panel work is needed. If you're not sure, send a photo and you'll get an honest answer before any work is booked.

What dents can’t be fixed with paintless dent repair?

Paintless repair works when the paint over the dent is unbroken and the metal has not been stretched. It is not the right repair when the paint is cracked or chipped through to the metal, when a panel has stretched, when it has been repaired before with heavy filler, or when a section needs replacing. Those are body shop jobs.

Results on a sharp crease depend on how far the metal has stretched. Mark will tell you which one you are looking at from your photos, before any work starts.

How much does PDR cost?

Cost depends on the size, location and complexity of the dent. At Impact Dents, small dents up to 2cm are removed from $250, medium dents of 2 to 5cm from $350 and large dents or complex creases from $500. See our Perth dent repair cost guide for a breakdown, or request a quote based on photos of your specific damage.

In many cases, the final price is less than an insurance excess.

Is PDR better than going to a panel beater?

For a dent with the paint still intact, usually yes. Nothing is filled, sanded or resprayed, so your car's original paint stays as it is, which a traditional panel repair cannot offer. The full PDR vs panel beating comparison breaks down the differences in detail, including cost, paint matching and resale impact.

The main exception is when the damage is severe, the paint is already broken, or structural repair is needed. In those cases a body shop is the right call, and a good PDR technician will tell you that upfront rather than attempt a repair that won't hold. At Impact Dents, Mark assesses the damage from photos and gives you an honest answer before any work is booked.

Does PDR affect my car's resale value?

PDR protects resale value rather than harming it. Because the factory paint stays intact, there's no repainted panel for buyers or valuers to detect. A vehicle repaired with PDR looks and measures the same as one that was never damaged.

Traditional panel repairs, even well-executed ones, leave evidence. Repainting can reduce your car's resale value because buyers and dealers use paint thickness gauges to identify non-factory finishes, and any deviation becomes a negotiation point.

How long does a PDR repair take?

It depends on the job. The size and location of the damage make the biggest difference.

There is no need to leave your car at a workshop.

Is Impact Dents a mobile service?

Yes. Mark comes to your home, workplace, or any agreed location across the Perth metropolitan area. You don't need to drop your car anywhere or arrange alternative transport. Our mobile car dent removal service in Perth covers the full metro area, from Butler in the north to Mandurah in the south, and inland to Mundaring.

Will the dent be completely invisible after PDR?

The aim is to make the dent undetectable to the naked eye in normal viewing conditions. Results depend on how severe the dent is, where it sits and whether the metal has stretched, and you will get an honest expectation before any work starts.

Will PDR damage my car’s original paint?

No. When it is done correctly on suitable damage, PDR is paint-safe and does not disturb the factory finish. If the paint is already compromised, Mark will confirm whether the repair is suitable before work begins.

Do you repair scratches as well as dents?

Impact Dents removes dents without touching the paint. If the paint is scratched, cracked or chipped, the dent itself can often still come out, but paint repair may still be needed afterwards. Mark will tell you which applies from your photos.

Can PDR fix hail damage?

Yes, and hail is one of the jobs it suits best. Hail dents are shallow and the paint over them is normally unbroken, which is exactly what paintless dent removal is built for. Mark does the repair at your home or workplace. See hail damage repair in Perth.

Do you work with insurance companies?

No. Impact Dents does not deal with insurance companies. Every repair is quoted to you and paid for directly, so you have the repair figure in hand before you decide anything.

How should I prepare for a mobile repair?

If you can, wash the car so the dent is clearly visible, then park in a safe spot with enough room to get to the damaged panel. Good light and clear access help the repair run smoothly.

What payment methods do you accept?

Cash, credit and debit cards, and bank transfer. Card payment can be taken on the day of the repair.

How do I get a quote?

The easiest way is to send photos of the damage. Include a few angles in good natural light and Mark will come back with an honest assessment and a clear price.

Get a free quote →