The short answer
It depends on whether the paint is broken. Paintless dent removal (PDR) works the metal back into shape from behind without spraying, so it only suits dents where the paint is intact — typical car-park dings, hail damage and shallow creases. It is usually the lowest-priced fix, at roughly £50–£150 for a small dent and £200–£300 for a larger one. A panel repair with respray is needed where the paint is cracked, scratched or the dent is sharp or on a body line; it involves filling, priming and spraying, and often costs £450 or more per panel. As a rule, unbroken paint points to PDR, broken paint points to a panel repair.
The choice usually comes down to one thing: is the paint broken? That single question decides whether the cheaper paintless route is even possible. Here is how the two compare.
At a glance
- PDR — small dent~£50–£150
- PDR — larger dent~£200–£300
- Panel repair + respray~£450+
- PDR suitsunbroken paint, shallow dents
- Panel repair suitsbroken paint, sharp / edge damage
How the two methods compare
Paintless dent removal uses specialist tools to massage the dent out from behind the panel, leaving the original factory paint untouched. Because there is no filler, primer or spraying, it is faster and lower-priced — but it only works where the paint is unbroken and the dent is accessible. A traditional panel repair fills and reshapes the damage, then primes, sprays and lacquers the panel to match. It handles damage PDR cannot, such as cracked paint, deep gouges or dents on a sharp body line, but it costs more and takes longer because of the paint stages.
| Factor | Paintless dent removal | Panel repair + respray |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | ~£50–£300 | ~£450+ |
| Paint | kept original | filled & resprayed |
| Suits | unbroken paint, shallow dents | broken paint, sharp / edge damage |
| Time | often same day | usually a few days |
General comparison for guidance. Sources: Checkatrade dent repair and ChipsAway pricing guides.
How to tell which you need
- Run a finger over it: if the paint is smooth and unbroken, PDR may be an option.
- Look for cracks or scratches: chipped, cracked or scratched paint means the panel needs filling and spraying.
- Check the location: dents on a sharp body line, edge or close to trim are harder for PDR and may need a panel repair.
- When unsure: a specialist can assess the damage and tell you honestly whether the paintless route will work before any work starts.
Not sure which repair you need?
We'll match you with a vetted bodyshop or mobile repair specialist who assesses your damage and tells you honestly whether paintless dent removal or a panel repair is the right route.
Frequently asked questions
Is paintless dent removal cheaper than a panel repair?
Usually, yes. PDR typically costs around £50–£150 for a small dent and £200–£300 for a larger one, while a sprayed panel repair often costs £450 or more. PDR only works where the paint is unbroken, though.
When can't paintless dent removal be used?
PDR cannot be used where the paint is cracked, chipped or scratched, where the dent is very sharp or on a body line, or where the damaged area cannot be reached from behind. Those cases need a filled and resprayed panel repair.
Does dent removal damage the original paint?
Done correctly, paintless dent removal leaves the original factory paint intact because the metal is reshaped from behind without spraying. Keeping the original paint can help protect the car's value.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific car and damage. They are guidance, not a quotation.