Getting a dent in your car is annoying. It doesn’t matter if it’s from a shopping trolley, hailstones, or a small bump in the car park – you need to get it fixed. At Infiniti Motor Group, people ask us about the best way to repair dents all the time. Should you go for paintless dent removal or traditional bodywork? Let’s look at both options.
What is Paintless Dent Removal?
Paintless dent removal does exactly what the name says. We fix dents without touching the paint. Our technicians use special tools to gently push the dent out from behind the panel. It’s like massaging the metal back to its original shape.
This method works well when:
- The paint isn’t damaged or scratched
- The dent isn’t too big or deep
- The metal hasn’t been stretched too much
- We can reach the back of the panel
What is Traditional Body Work?
Traditional bodywork is the older way of fixing car damage. We fill the dent, sand it smooth, add primer, and repaint the area. It takes more steps but can fix almost any type of damage.
We use this method when:
- The paint is scratched or chipped
- The dent is very large or deep
- The metal is creased or stretched
- There’s rust or corrosion
How Do They Compare?
Time
Paintless dent removal wins here. Most jobs take just a few hours. You might even wait while we do it. Traditional bodywork takes several days because paint needs time to dry properly.
Cost
Paintless dent removal costs much less. We don’t need paint or filling materials, so you only pay for our time and skill. Traditional work needs expensive paints, primers, and more labour hours.
End Result
Both methods look perfect when done right. With paintless dent removal, you keep your original paint. That means no worries about colour matching. Traditional work looks just as good when done by experts, but there’s always a small chance the new paint might not match exactly.
Environmental Impact
Paintless dent removal is much better for the environment. We don’t use any chemicals, paints, or solvents. Traditional bodywork uses various chemicals that need proper disposal. According to the government’s hazardous waste guidance, reducing chemical waste in car repairs helps protect our environment.
Your Car’s Value
Paintless dent removal keeps your car’s original value better. Insurance companies and buyers prefer original paint. When you sell your car, having original paintwork throughout helps you get a better price.
When Should You Choose Each Method?
Choose Paintless Dent Removal When:
- The dent is smaller than a £2 coin
- The paint isn’t damaged
- The dent is shallow and round
- It happened recently (fresh dents are easier to fix)
Choose Traditional Body Work When:
- The paint is scratched or chipped
- The dent has sharp creases
- There’s rust around the damage
- The dent is very large or deep
How We Do Things at Infiniti Motor Group
At our insurance-approved bodyshop in Barking, we check every dent carefully. Our technicians always recommend paintless dent removal when possible because it’s faster and cheaper for you. But we never cut corners on quality.
If traditional bodywork is needed, our team uses proper equipment and manufacturer-approved methods. We work directly with all major insurance providers, so the process is easy for you.
Want to know if your dent can be fixed with paintless dent removal? Look at our dent removal services to see what we can do.
Making the Right Choice
The best repair method depends on your specific dent. Here’s our simple advice:
- Get it checked quickly – Fresh dents are easier to repair with paintless dent removal
- Don’t try DIY fixes – You might make it worse and rule out paintless dent removal
- Ask the experts – We’ll give you honest advice about the best option
- Think about your budget – Paintless dent removal is almost always cheaper if it’s possible
Remember, a small dent today could become a bigger problem tomorrow if water gets in and causes rust. It’s always better to fix damage quickly.
The Simple Truth
Both paintless dent removal and traditional bodywork have their place in car repairs. Paintless dent removal is great for small dents where the paint isn’t damaged – it’s quick, cheap, and better for the environment. Traditional bodywork is needed for more serious damage.
The key is getting expert advice about which method suits your particular dent. At Infiniti Motor Group, we’re committed to doing excellent work and giving you great service, whichever method we use.
Got a dent that needs fixing? Contact us today for a free check. We’ll tell you honestly which repair method will give you the best results for your budget.
