In the glow of a shop light, a repair technician studies the curve of a fender, where every reflection exposes the depth and shape of every dent and ding. Paintless dent repair isn’t rushed. Instead, it’s the slow play between light, metal, and skill. Often referred to as PDR, it is where craftsmanship meets science. It’s fast, efficient, and, when done right, leaves no trace that damage ever existed.
A lot of dings and dents come from hail damage, and Colorado gets its fair share. Drivers here are no strangers to hailstorms, which occur on average eight times a year. So, it’s safe to say just about everyone has been caught in a hailstorm at least once and has the little dents and dings to prove it.
Paintless dent repair in Denver is a fairly common service. In this article, we’ll break down how long quality paintless dent repair takes and why one PDR shop is better than the rest.
Who Benefits from Knowing the Stages of Paintless Dent Repair
It’s helpful to know how long your vehicle will be in the shop for PDR, as you’ll need a ride in the meantime. Sometimes, your insurer will cover the cost of a rental, but regardless of your options, it’s good to know how long the process takes. This article is for anyone who needs to have their car repaired, including:
- Drivers with hail damage who want to know how long the repair will take and what to expect along the way
- Anyone who wants to understand what’s covered and to feel confident discussing the process with their adjuster
- Fleet owners who need to plan repairs and keep vehicles on the road with as little downtime as possible
- Everyday drivers who want to choose a shop that does the job right the first time
Knowing the stages of paintless dent repair helps every kind of driver make better decisions and avoid surprises.
The Stages of Paintless Dent Repair
Paintless dent repair may look quick from the outside, but every smooth, factory-level finish follows a precise sequence of steps. Understanding these stages provides a better understanding of timing and why a careful repair always pays off in the end.
Inspection and Estimate
Every repair begins with a complete examination of the damage. The technician examines the dents under special lighting to determine their depth and to assess the integrity of the paint. This step determines if dent manipulation is even possible and, if so, how long it might take. Hail damage typically involves dozens or even hundreds of minor dents, so this first stage can take some time. A good inspection is the difference between a perfect finish and a visible ripple later on.
How long it takes: Most inspections take about 30 to 60 minutes for a single car with minor dents, although heavy hail can extend the time to a couple of hours if there’s extensive roof or hood damage.
Accessing the Dent
PDR starts with positioning because the actual repair takes place from behind the dent. For example, if the dents are on a door panel, the door will have to be removed, and if they’re on the roof, the headliner will have to be removed. The estimate takes into account the location of the dents and the additional work required to access them. These access points are what make paintless dent repair possible because they allow the technician to slowly massage the dent out without disturbing the paint.
How long it takes: Depending on the vehicle and the location of the dents, this step can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.
The PDR Repair Process
This is where the real skill and art come in. Not all PDR technicians are created equal, which means some are more skilled than others. The technician works from behind the dent using specialized rods and tools. Since reflecting light exposes dents, technicians work with a strong light source directed towards the dent as their guide. They gently massage the metal back into place until the surface reflects the light evenly. Too much pressure can cause the metal to stretch, while too little pressure means the dent never entirely disappears. Experienced PDR techs develop a feel for it, reading the reflections in the light like a map.
How long it takes: Small jobs with just a few dents can be done in a couple of hours. Complete hail repairs often take one to three days, depending on the number of panels and the extent of the damage.
Quality Check and Reassembly
After every dent is repaired, each one is carefully inspected under bright lights from several angles. The results must be flawless. Once the repair passes inspection, all panels, trim, and interior components are carefully reinstalled. This last step matters just as much as the repair itself; a rushed reassembly can cause rattles, gaps, or scratches that undo the work you just paid for.
How long it takes: Quality checks and reassembly typically take one to two hours, depending on the vehicle and the extent of the access required.
Quick Reference for Paintless Dent Repair Timeline
Most paintless dent repairs are completed within one to three days. Minor dings can be finished the same day, while complete hail damage repairs may take a few days. The time required depends on the number of dents and their accessibility, but when done correctly, the result appears as if the damage never occurred.
| Stage | Description | Typical Time |
| Inspection and Estimate | Initial evaluation under lights to assess damage and confirm PDR suitability. | 30–60 minutes; up to 2 hours for heavy hail |
| Accessing the Dent | Removing panels or trim to reach the back side of each dent. | 30 minutes–3 hours |
| Repair Process | Pushing and massaging the metal back to its original shape with specialized tools. | 2 hours–3 days (depending on dent count) |
| Quality Check and Reassembly | Inspecting surfaces and reinstalling panels to factory alignment. | 1–2 hours |
The Fastest and Best Paintless Dent Repair Experts in Denver
Paintless dent repair is the ideal solution for minor dings and dents caused by hail, everyday driving, and city parking. However, it does have its limits. Some dents have already caused the paint to crack or peel, or are just too deep. In that case, traditional dent repair methods are necessary. The beauty of PDR is that you can skip the paint booth, which protects the value of your vehicle.
In the 1980s, Mile High Dents was the first auto body shop to hire skilled technicians and offer this service. Over the years, other local shops have offered it, but we remain the leader in local PDR due to our trained technicians, cutting-edge methods, and high-quality products.
If you have dents and dings on your vehicle’s roof, hood, or side panels, call us at (720) 772-0133 or schedule a free inspection online. PDR is our specialty, and no one does it better than Mile High Dents.
At Mile High Dents, we specialize in paintless dent repair (PDR) for all types of vehicles across the Denver metro area. Whether you’re dealing with hail damage, an annoying door ding, or a larger dent, our expert technicians restore your vehicle to like-new condition without repainting, sanding, or fillers.
