Paintless Dent Repair Lighting and Visibility in PDR

Question 1

Why is specialized lighting essential for PDR work?

Accepted Answer

PDR requires seeing precise surface reflections to detect subtle dents and monitor progress that is invisible under normal ambient light

Answer

Lighting is only needed for nighttime repairs

Answer

Standard shop lighting is sufficient for all PDR work

Answer

Lighting only matters for customer presentations

Question 2

What type of lighting is most commonly used by PDR technicians for working on horizontal panels?

Accepted Answer

LED light bars positioned at a low angle to create a raking reflection across the panel surface

Answer

Standard fluorescent shop lights directly overhead

Answer

Daylight balanced photography lights positioned above the vehicle

Answer

UV black lights to highlight paint thickness variations

Question 3

What is a 'PDR light' or 'reflection board' and how is it used?

Accepted Answer

A long panel with alternating light and dark stripes used to create precise reflections that reveal dent topology on body panels

Answer

A light used to cure UV adhesive glue tabs

Answer

A light attached to PDR rods to illuminate the panel interior

Answer

A portable floodlight used when working outdoors

Question 4

How does a PDR technician use reflected lines to determine repair progress?

Accepted Answer

They monitor whether the distorted lines in the reflected board are straightening as the dent is repaired

Answer

They count the number of lines visible in the reflection

Answer

They measure the distance between reflected lines with a ruler

Answer

They photograph the lines at fixed intervals

Question 5

What is the challenge of working on a black vehicle compared to a white vehicle in PDR?

Accepted Answer

Dark paint absorbs light rather than reflecting it clearly, making dents much harder to see in reflection boards

Answer

Black vehicles have softer steel than white vehicles

Answer

White vehicles have thicker paint that is harder to preserve

Answer

Color has no effect on PDR lighting requirements

Question 6

Why do PDR technicians position themselves at different angles around the vehicle during repairs?

Accepted Answer

Different viewing angles reveal different aspects of the dent's remaining damage that may not be visible from a single position

Answer

To avoid blocking traffic in the shop

Answer

Repositioning is required by OSHA regulations

Answer

Multiple positions are used to rest between pushing sessions