If you've owned a vehicle for any period of time, you're likely familiar with the constant risk of cosmetic damage that any vehicle faces. Vehicles are exposed to the risk of being vandalized, rear-ended, and damaged by other means every day. A common result of these incidents is the unsightly appearance of dents in your vehicle's body. When experiencing issues with vehicle denting, seeking help and repairs can be difficult and costly.
There are two common types of vehicle dent repair. These types are known as paintless dent repair and traditional dent repair. Each option carries with it several advantages and disadvantages, making each option more or less useful for particular circumstances. When deciding between these two options, you'll have to consider your insurance coverage, the repair cost, and the extent of the needed repairs. In this basic overview, you'll learn the key aspects of each option to determine which choice is right for you.
Paintless Dent Repair
Paintless dent repair involves repairing a vehicle dent without sanding, bonding, and painting. To perform a paintless dent repair, a technician uses specialized tools and techniques to massage the dented metal back into its original form without the need for bodywork, heavy-duty equipment, repainting, or replacing parts of the vehicle. As a result, paintless dent repair is a non-invasive repair option and does not void warranties.
Because the repair takes advantage of the existing metal and paint of a vehicle, paintless dent repair is a quick and cost-effective means of repairing vehicle dents. In fact, the process can be completed in as little as 15 minutes. Paintless dent repair is typically covered and favored by insurance companies as it is inexpensive and effective. However, the use of non-invasive tools and techniques does mean that paintless dent repair can not be used on scratched paint, sharp dents, or extensive vehicle damage.
Traditional Dent Repair
Traditional dent repair typically involves extensive bodywork like sanding, bonding, painting, and panel replacement. To perform a traditional dent repair, a technician sands off the paint on the affected area. They then pull the dent until the area becomes workable. The area is hammered back into its original shape and prepared with a primer. Any remaining defects are then smoothed out by applying filler material for a polished look. If this process isn't enough to repair the vehicle, replacement panels are ordered for the vehicle.
As a result of the extensive labor and supplies required for traditional dent repair, it is far more extensive and time-consuming than paintless dent repair. The process typically takes two or more days. Traditional dent repair involves customers paying large sums out of pocket and can sometimes void warranties. However, it has the added advantage of being very effective at repairing damaged paint, sharp dents, and extensive vehicle damage.
If you find yourself needing vehicle dent repair services, you'll now have a clear idea of which dent repair option is right for you. For more information, contact a dent repair service.
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