Paintless Dent Repair PDR Techniques and Methods 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary goal of the 'pushing' technique in PDR?
- To remove paint from the dent
- To push metal back to its original position from behind (Correct answer)
- To create a new dent for reference
- To apply heat to soften the metal
Correct answer: To push metal back to its original position from behind
The pushing technique in PDR involves applying pressure from behind the panel to restore the metal to its original position without damaging the paint.
Question 2: What does 'blending' refer to in PDR?
- Mixing paint colors
- Feathering the repaired area so it matches surrounding metal contours (Correct answer)
- Applying filler material
- Sanding the panel smooth
Correct answer: Feathering the repaired area so it matches surrounding metal contours
Blending in PDR means working the metal edges of a repair so the transition between repaired and undamaged areas is smooth and invisible.
Question 3: Which PDR method uses a rod inserted through an existing opening rather than drilling access holes?
- Glue pulling
- Tap-down technique
- Port access technique (Correct answer)
- Panel popping
Correct answer: Port access technique
Port access technique involves routing PDR rods through pre-existing openings such as window frames, door jambs, or light housings to reach dent areas.
Question 4: When should a PDR technician use the 'tap-down' method?
- When a low spot exists in the metal
- To flatten high spots or crowns around a dent (Correct answer)
- To stretch the metal further
- When glue tabs fail to bond
Correct answer: To flatten high spots or crowns around a dent
The tap-down method is used to flatten raised high spots or crowns that form around the perimeter of a dent during the repair process.
Question 5: What is 'overpush' in PDR terminology?
- Applying too little pressure to a dent
- Pushing the metal beyond its original position creating a high spot (Correct answer)
- Using too many tools on one panel
- Pulling a dent with excessive glue force
Correct answer: Pushing the metal beyond its original position creating a high spot
An overpush occurs when the technician pushes the metal past its correct level, creating a raised high spot that then requires corrective work.
Question 6: Which technique is most appropriate for repairing a large shallow dent on a door panel?
- Aggressive single-point pushing
- Slow graduated pressure from the center outward (Correct answer)
- Glue pulling only, no rod work
- Heat and quench method exclusively
Correct answer: Slow graduated pressure from the center outward
Large shallow dents respond best to slow, graduated pressure applied from the center outward in a spiral or grid pattern to gradually work the metal back.
