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

PDR technicians must see extremely subtle surface irregularities that are only revealed when reflected light distorts across the panel, making specialized reflective lighting essential for accurate work.

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

LED light bars positioned to create a raking reflection across horizontal panels reveal surface distortions as wavy or broken lines in the reflection, allowing precise identification of dents and progress.

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 PDR reflection board (or PDR light) has alternating contrasting stripes that create defined lines when reflected in the panel, and any dent causes those lines to distort, revealing the damage's exact shape.

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

As a dent is repaired, the wavy or distorted lines in the reflection board's image progressively straighten; when all lines appear straight and smooth, the repair is complete.

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 and dark-colored vehicles absorb light rather than creating crisp reflections, making dents significantly harder to visualize and requiring more precise lighting setup and positioning.

Paintless Dent Repair Practice Test

Paintless Dent Repair Practice Test

Paintless Dent Repair Lighting and Visibility in PDR