This 6-day curriculum is designed to transform a novice into a technician who understands that Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is 10% pushing metal and 90% “seeing” the metal.
The structure follows a “Crawl, Walk, Run” philosophy, moving from basic optics to complex textures, and finally to the business of estimating and access.
See It Before You Fix It
Before you can repair a dent, you must first learn to truly see it. This foundational session introduces the PDR industry and the science behind metal memory—understanding the why behind every repair.
In the afternoon, students dive into lighting theory, mastering fog versus line setups and how reflections reveal the true shape of damage. You’ll learn how light bends across a dent, how to adjust your visual angles by moving your perspective—not just your tools—and how to consistently find the true center of damage.
The day concludes with a live demonstration, where the instructor performs a clean repair while students observe entirely through the reflection board—training your eyes to read metal like a professional.
The Tool is an Extension of Your Arm
Develop control, precision, and confidence by understanding how to properly use your tools. This session focuses on tool selection and ergonomics—when to use a brace tool versus a whale tail, and how positioning affects your efficiency and results.
Through hands-on technical drills, you’ll learn the difference between pry and twist techniques, applying the correct leverage based on panel shape and access. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of tip selection, using blunt tips to move mass and sharp tips for fine detailing and finishing work.
The session concludes with finishing techniques, including an introduction to sanding and polishing to correct surface imperfections like peel and restore a clean, professional finish.
Managing the Ocean & the Anchor
Learn how to control both the mass (“ocean”) and the depth (“anchor”) of a dent for precise, controlled repairs. This session builds consistency through repetition, starting with half-dollar dents to develop accuracy and confidence.
You’ll learn how to identify and manage depth by recognizing the “pit” and the surrounding “low,” while avoiding common mistakes like creating high spots from over-pushing. From there, you’ll tackle creases—the most challenging repairs in PDR—learning how to carefully “unzip” them from the ends toward the center.
The session also focuses on access mastery, teaching you how to locate and utilize factory openings, work around wiring and obstructions, and maximize leverage to perform efficient, effective repairs.
Fixing What You Can’t Get Behind
Learn how to repair dents when traditional access isn’t possible by mastering adhesive-based techniques. This session covers the fundamentals of hot glue, including temperature control, proper tab selection, and executing a clean “snap” for effective pulls. You’ll also be introduced to cold glue methods, allowing you to move larger amounts of metal without relying on heat cycles.
As your skills advance, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of how to read tension in the metal. Learn eyebrow reading to identify crowned edges around a dent, and apply tension mapping techniques—using a knockdown to release pressure before making your push. These methods give you greater control and precision when working even the most restricted repairs.
Put your skills to the test in a real-world environment designed to build confidence and consistency. During the Friday Challenge, students work on a panel with multiple types of damage, applying everything they’ve learned throughout the week.
This session emphasizes mindset as much as technique. You’ll learn the principle of “Slow is Fast,” reducing choppy, inconsistent work by developing control and precision. Focus is placed on refining your touch—learning to feel the tip of the tool through the panel for accurate, controlled movements.
The day also introduces the fundamentals of estimating PDR work, including an overview of the PDR Matrix and how to price repairs based on size, depth, and material type such as aluminum versus steel.
The Hidden Side of the Trade
Go beyond the tools and techniques and learn what truly separates a technician from a professional. This session focuses on the decision-making, access skills, and business mindset required to succeed in the PDR industry.
In the morning, students explore the relationship between conventional repair and PDR—understanding the threshold of a total loss and when PDR becomes the smarter financial solution. You’ll also learn R&I (Remove & Install) fundamentals, including how to safely remove headliners, door panels, and tail lights to gain proper access without causing damage.
The afternoon session shifts to reflection and growth. Through a round-up discussion, students review the week’s successes and mistakes, reinforcing key lessons. You’ll also gain insight into building a career in PDR—whether that means developing a steady local route or pursuing high-revenue hail opportunities.
This session also delivers a critical industry warning: learn how to filter out misinformation and avoid bad habits by maintaining a high, forensic standard in your work.
Student Takeaways:
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