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The 5 different types of paintless dent repair technicians.

The 5 Types of Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) Technicians

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is an art form, not just a skill. Over the past decade, I traveled the country meeting some of the world’s best—and worst—PDR technicians. Through this journey, I learned that not all techs are created equal. Some are true masters of their craft, capable of restoring a vehicle to perfection, while others barely scratch the surface of what PDR is supposed to be.

At Eco Auto Body, we only work with the best of the best—technicians whose expertise can’t be found at your average body shop. The only way to meet these elite techs is to travel, see them in action, and witness their work firsthand. Unlike the average dent tech on a body shop payroll, the top-tier professionals are constantly chasing hail, working at factories, dealerships, and high-end body shops as independent experts.

Here’s a breakdown of the five different types of PDR technicians you’ll find in the industry.


1. The Master Craftsman

These are the Picassos of PDR—artists who can sculpt metal back to perfection without a trace of damage left behind. They’ve honed their craft for decades, working in high-end factories, dealerships, and alongside the best in the industry. Their repairs are undetectable, their speed is unmatched, and they can tackle extreme damage that most techs wouldn’t dare touch. These are the professionals I’ve sought out, the ones whose skills are so rare that they run their own businesses and are always in high demand.


2. The Experienced Hail Chaser

Hail storms create a unique market for PDR, and the best techs in this category are constantly on the move. These technicians travel the world, following severe weather patterns and setting up temporary repair shops at dealerships and insurance-preferred locations. While not all hail chasers are elite, the top ones can repair hundreds of dents on a single vehicle in record time, maintaining factory quality. These guys are fast, efficient, and skilled—but only the best of them reach Master Craftsman status.


3. The Standard Body Shop Tech

Most body shops don’t have high-level PDR technicians on payroll—and there’s a reason for that. The best PDR techs make far more money working independently, so body shops typically hire mid-level or entry-level technicians who handle basic dents and minor door dings. While they can do decent work, they often lack the skill, precision, and speed required for more complex repairs. If you’re taking your hail-damaged car to a standard body shop, there’s a good chance they’re outsourcing the PDR work to an actual hail chaser or a seasoned independent technician.


4. The Low-End "Quick Fix" Tech

Then there are the so-called "technicians" who barely know what they’re doing. These guys are the stick-figure painters of the PDR world—capable of removing some dents but often leaving behind distortions, cracked paint, or an uneven surface. They typically work at low-cost repair shops or attempt mobile dent removal with no real training. These are the ones you want to avoid at all costs because their mistakes can cause permanent damage to your vehicle.


5. The Hack Job Corner-Cutter

At the very bottom of the barrel are the outright scammers—the ones who promise quick fixes but have no real skill. They might claim to do PDR, but their work is sloppy, rushed, and often involves shortcuts that damage the integrity of your car. These are the people who leave customers regretting their decision and give PDR a bad reputation in the wrong hands. They cut corners, don’t finish jobs properly, and often disappear after taking your money.


Why We Only Work with the Best

At Eco Auto Body, we don’t settle for anything less than Master Craftsman-level technicians. We’ve spent over a decade traveling, vetting, and working alongside the best PDR techs in the world. Our team isn’t made up of body shop employees or quick-fix techs—we bring in the elite professionals who live and breathe this craft.

When it comes to hail repair, don’t trust just anyone with your vehicle. Choose the experts who treat PDR like the art form it truly is.

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