How PDR Works: Step-by-Step Process for Dent Removal

Paintless dent repair (PDR) is the gold standard for removing dents, dings, and hail damage while preserving your car’s original paint. But have you ever wondered how it actually works?

At Autoworks of Nashville, we’ve perfected the PDR process to ensure fast, effective, and flawless dent removal. Whether your car has hail damage, door dings, or bumper dents, here’s a breakdown of how PDR restores your car’s body to its original shape—without sanding, fillers, or repainting.

Step 1: Dent Assessment & Inspection

✔ Our certified PDR technicians examine the dent’s size, depth, and location.
✔ We check for paint damage, stretched metal, or creases to determine if PDR is possible.
✔ Using LED reflection lights, we map out the exact dent shape for precision repair.

💡 Not all dents qualify for PDR—if the paint is cracked or the damage is too deep, alternative repair methods may be required.

Step 2: Gaining Access to the Dent

Once we determine PDR is the best solution, we carefully access the back of the dent.

✔ If the dent is on a door panel, hood, or trunk, we remove interior panels or liners.
✔ For tight spaces, we use special access points or glue-pulling techniques.
✔ We ensure zero damage to nearby parts, wiring, or components.

💡 PDR is a delicate process that requires precision, patience, and the right tools!

Step 3: Massaging the Dent Out

Using specialized PDR rods and hand tools, we gently push the dent out from behind the panel.

✔ Our experts use controlled pressure to restore the metal to its original position.
✔ We work slowly, shaping the metal without cracking or damaging the paint.
✔ For larger dents, we combine multiple techniques to get a smooth, factory-like finish.

💡 This is where skill and experience matter—our PDR specialists have years of hands-on training!

Step 4: Glue Pulling for Surface Dents

If we can’t access the back of the dent, we use the glue-pulling technique.

✔ A special PDR glue tab is applied to the dent’s surface.
✔ We attach a pulling tool to gently lift the dent outward.
✔ Once the metal is reshaped, we remove the glue without affecting the paint.

💡 This method is ideal for deep dents on body panels, roofs, and hoods!

Step 5: Precision Finishing & Polishing

Once the dent is removed, we refine the repair area for a flawless finish.

✔ We check for any micro-imperfections and make final adjustments.
✔ A polishing process restores the panel’s shine to match the rest of the car.
✔ You get a dent-free, showroom-quality finish—like the dent was never there!

💡 With PDR, your car’s original paint remains 100% intact—no repainting required!

How Long Does PDR Take?

One of the biggest benefits of PDR is the quick turnaround time compared to traditional repairs.

📞 Need a quick repair? Call us today to schedule an appointment!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can PDR fix all dents?
A: PDR is best for dents with intact paint. If the paint is cracked or the dent is too deep, a body shop may be needed.

Q: Does PDR work on aluminum panels?
A: Yes! Aluminum panels require specialized PDR techniques, but we have the tools and expertise to restore them.

Q: Will PDR damage my car’s original paint?
A: No! PDR is completely non-invasive and does not damage or affect factory paint.

Q: How much does PDR cost?
A: Pricing depends on dent size and location—but PDR is always cheaper than body shop repairs.

Request a Free Estimate

Schedule Your Paintless Dent Repair with Nashville’s PDR Experts!

Now that you know how PDR works, it’s time to say goodbye to dents and dings for good! At Autoworks of Nashville, our PDR specialists provide fast, affordable, and flawless dent removal—without the hassle of repainting.

📞 Call Now: 615-872-0075
📍 Visit Us: 2843 # C Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
🌐 Website: www.autoworksofnashville.com

🚗 Get back to driving a dent-free car—schedule your appointment today!