Lighting and Visibility in PDR Flashcards
6 cards from real Paintless Dent Repair practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Lighting and Visibility in PDR flashcards as text
What is the advantage of a portable PDR light system over a fixed shop light?
Answer: Portable systems allow the technician to work on-site at dealerships, insurance lots, and mobile service calls
Portable PDR lighting enables mobile technicians to work in the field at dealerships, insurance storage lots, or customer locations, greatly expanding business opportunities beyond a fixed shop.
How does sunlight affect PDR visibility compared to artificial PDR lighting?
Answer: Sunlight is unpredictable, creates harsh shadows, and moves as the day progresses, making consistent visualization difficult compared to controlled artificial PDR lighting
While natural light can help visualize some damage, it is inconsistent, shifts with time and weather, and creates shadows that complicate PDR work, making controlled artificial PDR lighting more reliable.
What is 'fluorescent lighting reflection technique' in PDR?
Answer: Using shop fluorescent tube lights as reflection sources by positioning the vehicle so tube reflections run across the repair area
Many shops use existing fluorescent tube lights as improvised reflection boards by carefully positioning the vehicle so the tube reflections align with the repair area, revealing dent distortions.
How does a PDR technician use backlighting for working on complex curved surfaces?
Answer: Placing a light source behind the panel (inside the door or quarter panel) allows the light to silhouette dents and reveal subtle surface variations not visible with front lighting alone
Placing a light inside a panel cavity allows the light to shine through the metal and silhouette dents from the back, revealing subtle damage that front-facing reflection boards might miss.
What is the purpose of 'glare reduction' in PDR lighting setups?
Answer: Controlled glare highlights dents but excessive random glare obscures them; glare reduction focuses the useful reflection and eliminates confusing stray light
While a specific controlled reflection reveals dents, excessive random glare from surrounding light sources confuses the view; positioning lights to minimize stray glare keeps the working reflection clear and useful.
How do PDR technicians working outdoors compensate for varying sunlight conditions?
Answer: They use portable tents, canopies, or position the vehicle in shade to create controlled lighting conditions, then supplement with portable LED boards
Outdoor PDR technicians use canopies, shade, or vehicle positioning to block direct sunlight and then use portable LED reflection boards to create consistent, controllable working light.