What is bumper dent repair?
A bumper cover that has been pushed in by a low-speed knock often has no broken paint — the plastic has simply deformed. Warming the area evenly and applying pressure from behind allows the plastic to return toward its moulded shape. This is a different skill from metal PDR, and the result depends on the type of plastic, the paint condition and how sharply the cover was deformed.
Dents suitable for this service
- Pushed-in bumper corners with intact paint
- Soft deformations from parking knocks
- Bumpers that have popped out of their clips (refitting)
When PDR may not be suitable
- Cracked, split or torn bumper covers
- Scratched or scuffed paint (needs refinishing)
- Sharp creases in the plastic
- Bumpers with broken mounting tabs
Benefits
- Avoids a full bumper respray for a simple deformation
- Original paint kept where the plastic is undamaged
- Quick turnaround
How Dry Denter assesses the damage
Photos must clearly show the paint surface. Any scratch, scuff or crack means the bumper needs refinishing and we will tell you so.
Repair process
- Photo assessment of the paint surface
- Bumper cover partially released from its clips if needed
- Area warmed evenly
- Pressure applied from behind to reshape the plastic
- Cooling and refitting
- Inspection
How long does it take?
Typically 30 minutes to 1.5 hours when the cover does not need to be removed.
Common questions about bumper dent repair
Can PDR fix a dent in a plastic bumper?
Not in the way it fixes metal. Undamaged plastic can sometimes be reshaped with heat. Anything with cracks or scratched paint needs conventional plastic repair and painting.