In many forums and message boards across the web, I have encountered many individuals asking, does Paint less dent repair really work? From reading through these message boards and forums, I have noticed that many still don't see PDR as a great way to remove dents and dings without repainting their cars.

If you frequent this website, you probably already know that paintless dent repair and removal works. You may have also noticed that the misconception that PDR does not work is brought upon by “dent masters” who did not go through proper training or worse, do not know what they are doing.

Paintless Dent Repair is an Art

PDR is more than a quick fix for dents and dings on car doors. It is an art and science that requires attention, precision and skills. True, most PDR training will give the dent student all the information he needs so he can perform even the most complicated actions and steps he needs to take to fix a dent or ding, but to actually master these steps, and become an excellent paintless dent repairer, the dent master has to “master” these steps with accuracy. This can only be done through practice, experience and then more practice.

What Can't PDR Fix?

Mostly, PDR is used to repair small to large dents that are not too deep, this includes dings and hail damage. However, keep in mind that a small percentage of these types of dents and damage can't be fixed through PDR for a number of reasons such as damaged, cracked or broken paint work. Major collision damage can't be fixed through PDR and neither can large dents, large creases or dents that are too deep and in difficult to access areas.

On Becoming a Paintless Dent Master

Anyone who has the interest of becoming a PDR technician can do so by learning through training with a private paintless dent repair company.

Some TAFEs offer a short course in PDR but in my experience most of the teachers are not knowledgeable in actual paintless dent repair, only in panel beating (two very different repair techniques).

These days video tutorials on YouTube and DVD/digital training options are great as they can be done at your own home, in your own time and at your own pace. They can teach you the basics and get you started.

One on one and small group training through private companies are great for beginning and intermediate paintless dent technicians as it offers hands on learning with an expert.

Before starting any of these training options, you must understand that PDR is a simple process but it does require hours and hours practice, dedication and work to master. You should also do your homework and make sure you are getting a recognized and well known trainer from within the industry. Look for a trainer who spends more time working than teaching and has been in the industry full time for years. You want to make sure you are getting an expert repairer training you for your money, not someone who makes their living from teaching it but has barely touched a car in their lives, or is unknown in this very small industry.

Once you have mastered the skills and techniques in paintless dent repair you will then be able to monetise your knowledge in different ways; the most common is through selling your services to car shops, private car owners, insurance companies or becoming a contractor to a larger company and many more. Want to learn PDR at your own phase, at the comforts of your home? Learn PDR through this DVD training set.