What Actually Happens During Paintless Dent Removal (PDR)
Most drivers have never set foot inside a bodyshop, so paintless dent removal can feel like a black box. Here's exactly what we do at Pro Touch Accident Repair Centre from the moment you drop your car off to the moment you collect it.
Step 1 — Free Visual Assessment
We start with a no-obligation inspection. A qualified technician at Pro Touch Accident Repair Centre will:
- Examine the damage in natural light and under workshop lamps
- Check for hidden structural or paint issues
- Identify the correct repair method (full panel vs SMART vs blend)
- Take photos for your record and any insurance file
You'll get a written quote on the spot. No hard sell, no surprises.
Step 2 — Booking & Courtesy Car
Once approved, we book you in at a time that works around your week. Most paintless dent removal jobs are completed within 1–3 working days. If you need a courtesy car, just ask when you book — we'll have one waiting at Unit 2 Lex Building, Cranes Close, Basildon, Essex, SS14 3JB.
Step 3 — Preparation
This is where craftsmanship begins. Our technicians:
- Wash and decontaminate the affected area
- Mask off surrounding panels, glass and trim
- Sand back the damage to a sound surface
- Apply primer and guide coats where needed
Skipping prep is the single biggest cause of repair failures elsewhere — we never cut this corner.
Step 4 — The Repair Itself
Depending on the damage, this involves:
- Filling and shaping for dents and deeper scuffs
- Colour matching using a digital spectrophotometer to your exact factory shade
- Spraying in a temperature-controlled, filtered booth
- Baking the paint at 60°C for a factory-grade finish
For ADAS-equipped vehicles we also recalibrate any sensors disturbed during the work — non-negotiable on modern cars.
Step 5 — Quality Control & Handback
Before you collect, every car at Pro Touch Accident Repair Centre is:
- Inspected under multiple light sources
- Polished and machine-buffed where required
- Cleaned inside and out
- Road-tested if mechanical work was involved
You'll receive a written guarantee covering the repair for as long as you own the vehicle.
How Long Does Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) Really Take?
| Damage Severity | Typical Turnaround | |---|---| | Light scuff / single panel | 1 day | | Multiple panels | 2–3 days | | Structural / accident damage | 5–10 days |
We always give you a realistic timeline upfront. If anything changes, you'll hear from us before the day is out.
Why Process Matters More Than Price
A cheap respray that bubbles in 12 months costs you twice. The Pro Touch Accident Repair Centre process is built around BS 10125 standards and uses manufacturer-approved materials throughout. That's why insurers, fleet operators and OEMs send work our way.
Ready to Get Started?
Bring your car to Unit 2 Lex Building, Cranes Close, Basildon, Essex, SS14 3JB for a free, no-obligation quote — or call 07759 275968 and we'll book you a slot that fits around your week.