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Car accidents are never expected but they occur a lot. They can result in dents, scratches, and other damages to your vehicle. If you’ve recently experienced a dent, you might wonder how body shops fix them. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the process and techniques used by body shops to fix dents.
Assessing the Damage
The first step in fixing a dent is to assess the damage. The body shop technician will check the size, depth, and location of the dent to determine the best approach. They may use a special light to see the damage more clearly and determine the extent of the damage. Once they have assessed the damage, they can decide on the best course of action.
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)
If the dent is relatively small and there is no damage to the paint, the technician may choose paintless dent repair. This technique involves using specialized tools to push the dent out from the inside of the panel. This process can be done without having to remove any trim or panels. This technique is faster, less expensive, and maintains the original finish of the vehicle.
Traditional Dent Repair
If the dent is deeper or there is damage to the paint, traditional dent repair may be necessary. This technique involves using a combination of pulling and tapping to reshape the metal. The technician may also use a filler material to fill any gaps or imperfections in the metal. After the repair, the technician will sand and paint the area to match the rest of the vehicle.
Body Filler
Body filler is a common material used in traditional dent repair. The technician will apply the filler material to the damaged area and then sand it down to create a smooth surface. The filler can also be used to fill any small imperfections or scratches in the metal. Once the filler is applied and sanded, the technician will paint the area to match the rest of the vehicle.
Painting
Painting is an important step in repairing dents. The technician will match the color of the vehicle and apply the paint to the repaired area. They will use a spray gun to apply the paint in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. After the final layer is applied, the technician will buff and polish the area to create a smooth finish.
Final Inspection
After the repair is complete, the technician will perform a final inspection to ensure the repair was done correctly. They will check for any imperfections, scratches, or areas that need further attention. Once the final inspection is complete, the vehicle will be ready to be returned to the owner.
Conclusion
Overall, fixing dents requires a combination of skill, experience, and specialized tools. Body shops use a variety of techniques to repair dents, from paintless dent repair to traditional dent repair. At the end of the process, the repaired area will look as good as new. If you have a dent in your vehicle, take it to a trusted body shop to have it repaired professionally.
