Does PDR Hurt my Cars Paint?
The Paintless Dent Repair process can seem pretty harsh to your vehicles finish. Does it harm the clear coat?
Truthfully, there are some risks to the repair process that is PDR. These risks include: clear coat fractures, glue tabs pulling paint, and dimpling from the knockdowns and hammers. However, all three of these risks can be mitigated by an experienced technician. Let me tell you how.
Clear Coat Fracturing
Clear coat and the base coat layer of paint can be surprisingly flexible. Consider how it weathered the impact that created the damage! Now its only logical that it can return to the previously stamped position without further damage.
This unique problem is solved with one simple step: Applying heat to the panel. Heat guns are commonly used to achieve this. Keeping the temp 75-125 degrees Fahrenheit grants the finish the mailability needed to reshape the steel or aluminum. An experienced tech knows when a dent warrants heat, and whether to apply it as the first step in the repair.
2. Glue Tab Pulled Paint
Glue pulling has become a prominent method in the industry of Paintless Dent Repair. It allows for repairs that were previously not possible due to access to the backside of the panel. Glue pulling does have its limitations though. Dents that are deep or stretched are generally not repairable via this method since the glue does not bond well enough to the panel to withstand the pulling force needed. This is also a good thing.
Glue pulling can apply enough concentrated power to a single, tiny portion of the panel that it can actually separate the strong bond between the paint and primer. This problem can also be mitigated with heat and reduction of force applied to the glue tabs. While pulling factory finish clear and paint off the vehicle is HIGHLY unlikely, it is not unheard of. The real challenges posed to this method are with re-finished panels. Panels repainted due to previous repairs do not have the same strong bond that comes from the factory. A skilled PDR tech can tell if a panel has been repaired by inspecting the quality of the clear coat. While there are risks to glue pulling, the rewards are worth it.
Retaining the durability of the factory paint at the slim chance of pulling paint, is overall better than opting to have your vehicle resprayed, with no hope of keeping your car “all original”.
3. Hammer and Knockdown Marks
One of the most jarring steps to a proper PDR repair is the knockdown work. This work involves using special punches and hammers to slowly release tension in the panel with precise and repeated blows. While seemingly harsh and loud, this is a critical step in the repair. The only danger lies in the upkeep of the knockdowns, and the applied pressure of the PDR tech. A PDR master can safely tap down any high spots and pressure points without marring the clear coat of the vehicle. The pieces in immediate contact with the paint are made of materials such as: nylon, wood, leather, and highly polished steel. These materials; in the hands of professionals, leave no dimpling or blemishes.
While there are inherent risks to any repair process, the risks involving PDR are overshadowed by the benefits.
