Can we talk about how PDR tools can mess up your paint if you're not careful?

I was working on a Honda Civic hood last Tuesday and tried a shortcut I saw online - using a smaller tip to pop a dent without heat. The dent came out fine but it left a tiny crack in the clear coat that spread over 3 inches by the end of the day. Now I've got to respray that whole panel for a customer who wanted a quick fix. Has anyone else ran into this issue with cold paint and aggressive tool pressure?

2 comments

2 Comments

alices167h ago

Oh man are we really acting like this is some huge problem? I've been using PDR tools for years and never had clear coat crack like that. Sounds like you're blaming the tool when it was probably your technique or that dent was already compromised. Cold paint can be tricky but you gotta work it slower and let the metal relax between pushes. I've seen guys go ham on a dent thinking pressure fixes everything when really it's about finesse. Plus a tiny tip doesn't automatically mean disaster you just have to support the surrounding area better. Maybe test your methods on scrap panels before jumping into customer work.

lee_bailey656h ago

Wait hold on youve been using PDR tools for YEARS and never had clear coat crack? That seems hard to believe. I been doing this about 8 years now and Ive had it happen a handful of times even when I thought I was being careful. One time I was working on a 2018 Honda Accord hood and the clear just spiderwebbed right in front of me. It was 65 degrees in the shop too not even cold. I think youre either super lucky or youre not looking close enough with the right light.

-1