Common Questions About Paintless Dent Removal

Common Questions About Paintless Dent Removal — Answered

If you've never used paintless dent removal before, it's natural to have questions. Here are the ones Perth drivers ask most often, with straight answers.

What is paintless dent removal?

Paintless dent removal (PDR) is a technique for removing dents, dings and creases from vehicle panels without sanding, filling or repainting. A trained technician uses specialist tools to gently reshape the metal from behind the panel, restoring it to its original form while leaving the paint surface completely undisturbed.

It's faster, cheaper and cleaner than traditional panel repair, and because the factory paint stays intact, it's better for your car's long-term value. For a full walkthrough, see how the PDR process works step by step.

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.

How much does PDR cost?

Cost depends on the size, location and complexity of the dent. At Impact Dents, pricing is transparent and flat-rate based on dent size, no hidden extras or surprises. See our full PDR pricing guide for a breakdown, or request a quote based on photos of your specific damage.

In most cases, PDR costs less than your insurance excess, which means no claim, no paperwork, and no premium increase.

Is PDR better than going to a panel beater?

For most everyday dents, yes. PDR is faster, more affordable, and preserves your car's original paint, which a traditional panel repair cannot. The full PDR vs panel beating comparison breaks down the differences in detail, including cost, timeframe, 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.

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?

Most repairs are completed in one to four hours depending on the size and number of dents. Hail damage involving multiple dents across several panels may take longer but is usually still completed in a single visit.

There's no drying time, no waiting for parts, and 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 PDR service covers the full metro area, from Joondalup in the north to Rockingham in the south.

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, usually within 24 hours.

Get a free quote →