What is paintless dent repair?
PDR is a skilled trade, not a product. Instead of filling and repainting a dent, a technician uses specialized tools and controlled pressure to gently push and massage the metal back to where it started. Because the paint is never sanded, filled or sprayed, the panel keeps the original finish it had from the factory. It's the same technique dealerships and manufacturers use to prep and recondition vehicles.
What PDR can (and can't) fix
Great candidates:
- Hail dents · door dings · parking-lot dents · minor body-line creases · larger dents where the paint is still intact.
Not a fit for PDR:
- Dents where the paint is cracked, chipped or scratched (those need paint work).
- Sharp creases on very tight body lines or badly stretched metal — sometimes only partly improvable.
We always tell you honestly which category your dent falls into — before any work starts. And we're straight about outcomes: bigger, sharper dents improve a lot but may not come out to a perfect 100%.
Our tools & technique
Two main approaches, chosen to suit each dent:
- Push-to-paint — We access the back of the panel and push the dent out from behind with metal rods and precise pressure.
- Glue pulling — For panels we can't reach from behind, we attach tabs to the surface with glue, pull the dent out, then tap it level — all without touching the paint.
The PDR process, step by step
- Assess — Size, depth, location and paint condition. Free estimate, honest expectations.
- Prep & access — Remove trim/liners as needed, or set up glue tabs.
- Massage the metal — Slow, controlled work under proper lighting until the metal returns to shape.
- Refine & inspect — Read the panel under reflection, fine-tune, and hand it back for your inspection.
More detail on our process page.
How long, and what it costs
Most single dents are a same-day job; multi-dent or hail work can take a little longer. Price depends on the number, size, depth and location of the dents — not a fixed menu — but PDR is almost always cheaper than a body-shop repaint because there's no paint, filler or parts. Send a photo for a quick quote, or see what repairs cost.
PDR vs a traditional body shop
| Paintless dent repair | Body shop repaint | |
|---|---|---|
| Factory paint | Kept | Sanded & resprayed |
| Typical cost | Lower | Higher |
| Typical time | Same-day–days | Days–weeks |
| Resale impact | Protects value | Repaint on record |
Table is general guidance, not a promise — every vehicle is different.
Why Calgary Paintless Dent Repair
Hands-on work by PDR Bro and Dent Reaper — the two techs who own the shop — in Calgary's auto hub. Honest assessments, factory-smooth results, out-of-pocket pricing with no runaround. Meet the technicians.