I notice that almost all of the threads here are about using filling. I've been looking into PDR and it seems like it's more of a "years of experience/work of art" type of deal. I wouldn't mind being able to do my own PDR and I have a few hand-me-down tools. It looks just like a simple heat->pull->push->repeat till desired results.

 

I have seen a ton of PDR done (including at the Dent Wizard school) and I have never seen heat (or dry ice) used in the process.

It is lighting, tools and skill (mostly skill).

I have also seen plenty of bad PDR repairs done by supposed "professionals" where an inexperienced tech has over-pushed the dents to the point that it looks like 36 grit sandpaper.

I'm not saying you can't learn, but get yourself a practice panel and I think you will find that "simple" does not cover it.

I think a 2 year apprenticeship is pretty common.

That said I would much rather have a quality PDR job than paint/filler...

 

pdr requires drilling holes to most pdr companies not all but most.

pdr is a good way to go, you'll need a board fluorescent in color with a centerline. it does take practice, and a knack to lay off when your about to break the paint.

lot of pdr guys make their own picks.

if you want it to come out good leave it to a professional, if you want to learn it practice at using the light, finding the point of the pick when you make your drag, getting the bullseye of the dent, and don't break the paint.

 

your likely to end up with alot of high spots, (nipples) on your panel if you dont know what your doing. and like previously stated, no heat. Lighting and skill. If a professional can screw it up in a heartbeat...no offense, but you prob will.

 

technically PDR is what a regular and skilled professional in any body shop would do with hammers and picks...

the BIG difference is, PDR guys use a lot of plastic/rubber hammers and picks, and many of which that are specially designed to fit into tight areas... so they dont scratch anything etc etc... but the there is still a huge learning curve as to how a dent can be pushed out to begin with... its not always as simple as simply pushing a dent out from behind. but can still be self taught

 

You can't use a hammer and dolly in PDR at all. You'll mar or crack the paint. And PDR is paintless dent removal.