Paintless dent repair (PDR) is a way of fixing dents without paint, filler or sanding. The technician works the metal back to its original shape from behind the panel, so the factory paint stays on the car. Done well, the dent is gone and nobody can tell it was ever there.
The two ways it is done
Pushing. Special rods and tools reach behind the panel and slowly massage the dent out, a little at a time.
Glue and pull. Where there is no access behind the panel, a tab is glued to the dent and a sliding hammer or puller gives it brief, controlled tugs until the metal comes back.
A common myth is that PDR means suction cups. It does not. The trade has moved well away from that idea.
What PDR is best for
The ideal job is a small dent, from the size of a 5c coin up to a 50c coin. That is exactly what hail leaves behind, and it is why PDR is the main way hail-damaged cars are repaired. It is not panel beating, and it is not the right fix for scratches, large creases or badly stretched metal.
Why it is worth it
It keeps your original paint, which matters for resale value. It is usually much faster than a panel shop. And there is no respray to match or fade.
Got a dent, or want to learn?
If your car has small dents or hail damage, get a free hail dent repair quote. If you want to learn the trade, see our 1-on-1 hands-on PDR courses or the PDR Course Online.