A door or fender has a shallow dent
A shallow dent with paint that is still intact may be a candidate for paintless dent repair. Contact us so the panel can be assessed rather than assuming it needs conventional bodywork.
Dent repair
Paintless dent repair in Tempe, AZ
A dent does not always need filler and paint. When the existing finish and panel allow it, paintless dent repair works the metal back into shape from behind.
Serving Tempe · Flat-rate pricing quoted before we start
Overview
Paintless dent repair, or PDR, is used for suitable minor dents and hail damage while preserving the vehicle’s factory finish. An auto body technician works gradually from behind the panel instead of covering the damage with filler and refinishing the area.
The repair starts with an assessment of the dent, the panel and the paint. Size, depth, location and access all affect whether PDR is appropriate. If the damage is not a match for this method, the repair should be discussed using another approach.
Good to know
When to call
A dent appeared without scraped paint
Dents from a parking-lot bump or similar contact can leave the panel pushed inward without obvious paint damage. That type of damage may be suitable for PDR, depending on its position and shape.
A crease is visible in the panel
A crease needs a closer look because the metal has been pushed into a sharper shape. We assess the crease and the surrounding panel before deciding whether paintless dent repair is suitable.
You want to avoid unnecessary refinishing
If the existing finish is intact, PDR may address the dent without adding filler or repainting the panel. The condition of the paint and the access behind the damage determine whether that option fits.
Our process
How the job goes
-
Inspect the damage
We look at the dent's size, depth, edges, panel location and paint condition. We also check whether the back of the panel can be reached with the tools needed for the repair.
-
Choose the repair method
If the dent and panel are suitable, we use paintless dent repair. If the damage does not fit that method, we explain that another type of auto body repair may be needed.
-
Reach the back of the panel
Access may involve working through an existing opening or carefully moving trim or hardware out of the way. The approach depends on where the dent is located and what is behind the panel.
-
Work the metal gradually
A dent rod or similar PDR tool applies controlled pressure from behind the panel. The surface is checked as the metal moves back toward its original shape, with attention to the surrounding lines and finish.
Scope
What the job includes
PDR is quoted after looking at the dent, its location, the condition of the paint and the access available behind the panel. The estimate reflects the repair method selected for the specific damage.
Plan a visit- Dent and paint condition assessment
- Panel access assessment
- Paintless dent repair suitability review
- Controlled metal movement from behind the panel
- Final check of the repaired area
What is paintless dent repair?
Paintless dent repair is a method of moving suitable panel damage back into shape from behind the panel while keeping the existing paint in place.
Can every dent be repaired with PDR?
No. The dent's depth, location, shape, paint condition and access behind the panel all matter. We assess the damage before confirming whether PDR is the right method.
Does PDR require repainting?
PDR is intended for suitable dents where the existing finish can remain in place. If the paint is damaged or the panel does not suit PDR, another repair method may be needed.
How do you know whether my dent is suitable?
An auto body technician examines the panel, the paint and the space behind the dent. That inspection determines whether the metal can be worked back into shape with PDR.
Related services
Other services we provide.
Paint Matching
Paint matching helps a repaired or replacement panel blend with the existing colour of your vehicle.
Collision Repair & Collision Service
Collision repair from licensed auto body technicians, with service options for insured and uninsured customers.
Auto Body Shop Services
Collision damage repaired by licensed auto body technicians in Tempe, Arizona.
Collision repair done right.
Tell us what happened to your vehicle and what damage you can see, then ask D-Fenders Collisions about the repair work and available service options.
