If the dent's paint is cracked, the sheet metal is stretched, or the crease is sharp, the repair is done with paint; in this case, the sheet metal is reshaped, body filler and primer are applied, and the panel is painted. If the paint is intact and the dent is soft, paintless methods are used in some shops. We do not do paintless dent repair (PDR) in our workshop; we perform painted bodywork dent repair, and minor dents are usually completed in 1–3 days.
Should dents be repaired painted or paintless?
This is determined by the dent itself. If the paint is intact, the sheet metal is not stretched, and the dent is soft, some workshops use paintless methods. If the paint is cracked, the crease is sharp, or the sheet metal is stretched, the repair is done with paint. We do not do paintless dent repair (PDR) in our workshop; what we do is painted bodywork dent repair.
We state this clearly upfront because going to the right workshop from the start saves time. If you are looking for paintless dent repair, you should have it done at a shop specialized in that work. If your dent requires painting or if a paintless attempt did not yield satisfactory results, you can come to us.
Which dents typically require paint?
- Dents where the paint is cracked, peeled, or scratched.
- Sharp creases or folded dents; the sheet metal is stretched in these areas.
- Damage along panel edges, around trim moldings, or at body seam joints.
- Panels that have previously had body filler and paint.
- Double-walled sheet metal areas where the backside cannot be reached.
- Dents where rust has started.
In these cases, the panel is straightened, body filler and primer are applied, and it is painted in an oven-baked paint booth. We use digital color matching for paint matching.
How is painted dent repair performed?
- Inspection/assessmentThe depth of the dent, condition of the paint, and surrounding sheet metal are checked. Inspection at our workshop is free of charge.
- Reshaping the sheet metalThe dent is restored as close to its original form as possible using suitable tools from behind or outside the sheet metal.
- Body filler and sandingAny remaining irregularities are filled with fine body filler, then the surface is sanded smooth.
- PrimerPrimer is applied to protect bare metal and body filler, then sanded down.
- Paint and clear coatThe panel is painted in a dust-free paint booth with baking. We use PPG and Standox paint.
- Final checkThe panel is inspected under natural daylight; if needed, the surface is polished and the vehicle is delivered.
A minor dent is typically completed in 1–3 days. Moderate damage affecting multiple panels takes 5–7 days. For detailed information, you can visit our bodywork repair page.
Can car dent repair be done at home?
There are many DIY methods circulating online, and some can indeed work on small, soft dents. However, they also carry risks. Below, we summarize the most common methods and why you should be careful as general information.
| DIY method | What is done? | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Hot water and cold water | Hot water is poured onto the plastic surface and pushed from inside | May work on plastic; usually ineffective on sheet metal and can damage the paint |
| Hair dryer and dry ice | Heat and sudden cold are applied | Paint can crack, sheet metal can stretch |
| Suction cup | A suction cup is attached to the dent and pulled | Sometimes effective on wide and soft dents; risk of surface damage and paint cracking |
| Glue pulling kit | A pull tab is attached with hot glue | Improper use can pull off paint or over-pull the sheet metal creating high spots |
| Hammering from behind with a hammer, spoon, or wood | Straightened by tapping from behind | Stretches the sheet metal, cracks paint, and leaves marks |
General recommendation: before trying a DIY method on a vehicle where the paint is intact and the dent is soft, and where you want to avoid value loss, show a photo of the dent to a professional. A failed attempt can turn a simple dent into damage that requires repainting.
Warning: Heating, pulling, or hammering can cause micro-cracks in the paint. These cracks may not be visible immediately, but over time they emerge as bubbling and rust. Once rust begins, the panel requires painted repair.
Repair or replacement?
If the sheet metal is torn or excessively stretched, installing a new panel may be the healthier option. In such cases, we first inspect the vehicle and explain the time and cost of both paths side by side. If repairing the part is feasible, we try that first.
| Situation | Typical recommendation |
|---|---|
| Soft, rounded dent, paint intact | Paintless method may be possible (not offered at our shop); if paint is needed, painted repair |
| Sharp crease, cracked paint | Painted repair |
| Damage along panel edges or around trim moldings | Painted repair, sometimes panel replacement |
| Torn sheet metal | Panel replacement and paint |
| Numerous dents (such as hail damage) | Painted repair or replacement on a panel-by-panel basis |
Hail, door dings, and shopping carts: typical dents
The cause of the dent affects the repair method. Generally, the following are common:
- Door dings: Usually round and shallow. If located at the edge of the door, the sheet metal may be creased; in this case, the paint cracks.
- Shopping carts and bicycles: Leave scratches and shallow indentations. If the paint remains intact, it can often be resolved with minor work.
- Hail: Produces numerous small dents, often across all upper panels. Requires evaluation on a panel-by-panel basis.
- Collisions: Sheet metal gets stretched and crumpled; requires painted repair or panel replacement.
Because hail damage involves a high number of dents, turnaround time and cost are calculated based on the number of panels. If the vehicle has hail damage, each panel must be assessed individually.
How does the panel look after painted repair?
In a well-executed painted repair, the panel surface matches the surrounding areas in both color and gloss, with no noticeable transition lines at the edges. Paint depth gauges will detect the painted area during inspection, but it is invisible to the eye. In poor workmanship, however, halos along edges, orange peel texture, or color mismatches will be apparent.
Questions to ask regarding repair quality: Was the sheet metal actually reshaped or simply filled over with body filler? How thick is the filler layer? Was primer applied? How many layers of clear coat were sprayed? Ask the workshop for clear answers to these questions.
How is dent repair pricing determined?
The price for dent repair depends on the size of the dent, the size of the panel, and whether paint is needed. If painting is required, panel painting reference ranges apply: 3,500–6,000 TL for a door, 4,000–7,000 TL for a fender, 5,000–10,000 TL for the hood and roof, and 2,500–5,000 TL for a bumper. Body straightening labor is added after the inspection.
For detailed pricing, you can check our Antalya car painting prices 2026 guide.
The effect of dent repair on vehicle value
A painted panel will show up during vehicle inspection. This does not mean the vehicle was in a major accident; repairing a minor dent with paint will also be recorded as a painted panel. What matters is informing the buyer and ensuring the repair was done properly.
Poorly executed repairs, on the other hand, show themselves over time through sanding marks, paint bubbling, and color mismatches. Therefore, when getting a painted repair done, look not only at the price but also at the surface preparation, color matching, and warranty. We explained what to check upon delivery in our article on car paint delivery checklist.
How to evaluate your own dent?
Examine the dent under side lighting and check the following: Are the edges soft, or is there a sharp crease? Do you see hairline cracks or whitening in the paint? Can the backside of the dent be accessed (inside the door, inside the trunk lid)? Has that panel previously had body filler or paintwork?
If one or more of your answers is "sharp, cracked paint, inaccessible, previously repaired", it will most likely require painted repair. If all answers are "soft, intact paint, accessible", it is a simpler dent. However, seeing the vehicle in person is essential for a definitive assessment.
A quick note for those looking for paintless repair
If you are looking for paintless repair, keep in mind: this method cannot be applied to every dent, and results vary depending on the dent's location, size, and paint condition. It is generally unsuitable for areas where the back of the panel cannot be reached, along edges, and on sharp creases. You should get an assessment from a shop offering this service; however, if the paint has cracked or the dent has sharp creases, painted repair may be unavoidable.
We do not perform paintless dent repair; if the photo you send shows that painting is necessary, we tell you frankly. To avoid false expectations, we give our upfront opinion clearly as "paintless will not work, it requires painted repair".
Frequently asked technical terms regarding dents
- Sheet metal (sac): The vehicle's metal body panels.
- Body filler (macun): Sandable filler material that levels out surface irregularities on sheet metal.
- Primer (astar): A protective base layer applied over bare metal and filler to ensure paint adhesion.
- Clear coat (vernik): A protective, glossy clear layer applied over the base color coat.
- Crease (kıvrım): A sharp line where sheet metal has folded; difficult to straighten.
For more terms, you can check our automotive paint terms glossary.
What should you do for dent repair?
- Photograph the dentTake photos under side lighting, both close-up and from a distance. If there is a paint crack, capture a close-up shot.
- Send via WhatsAppMessage us at 0538 840 42 64; we will reply with an initial evaluation and estimated price range.
- Come for an inspectionThe panel is inspected at our workshop in Kepez Akdeniz Sanayi industrial estate, and we decide whether to repair or replace.
- Approve the scopeFinalize the timeline, pricing, and warranty coverage, and work begins.
Tip: If you plan to sell the vehicle, it is useful to show even minor crease-free dents to a technician before the pre-sale inspection and ask about the repair's impact.
If damage is extensive, take a look at our Antalya bodywork repair page as well.
Frequently asked questions
Is dent repair done painted or paintless?
If the paint on the dent is cracked or peeling, or the sheet metal is stretched, the repair is done with paint: the sheet metal is reshaped, body filler and primer are applied, and the panel is painted. If the paint is intact and the sheet metal is not overly stretched, paintless methods are used in some shops. We do not do paintless dent repair (PDR) in our workshop; we do painted bodywork dent repair.
Can car dent repair be done at home?
It is sometimes attempted at home for small, soft dents where the paint is intact, but there are risks. Heat, suction cups, or pulling kits can crack the paint, stretch the sheet metal, and make the dent bigger. We recommend sending a photo of the dent to get an opinion before trying.
Can a dent be removed with hot water?
On plastic bumpers, heat can soften the plastic and restore its shape, but it does not have the same effect on sheet metal. Hot water and suction cups usually do not work on sheet metal. Excessive heat also damages the paint.
Does dent repair decrease vehicle value?
If the repaired panel is painted, it will show as painted during inspection; this is normal. A poorly done repair reduces value, whereas a properly done repair causes far fewer issues than a visible defect. Showing up on the inspection record does not mean the repair was done poorly.
How many days does dent repair take?
Minor damage usually takes 1–3 days, and moderate damage affecting multiple panels takes 5–7 days. We confirm the timeline during the inspection.
Can the condition of a dent be assessed from a photo?
A photo gives an initial idea. The depth of the dent, sharp creases, and paint cracks are visible in a photo taken under side lighting. The final decision is made after inspecting the vehicle in person.
How much does dent repair cost?
The price depends on the size of the dent, the panel size, and whether paint is required. Our reference prices per panel for painting are 3,500–6,000 TL for a door, 4,000–7,000 TL for a fender, and 5,000–10,000 TL for the hood and roof. The exact price is determined after seeing photos or an inspection.
Is it better to repair a dent or replace the panel?
If the sheet metal is torn or excessively stretched, installing a new panel may be preferable. If repair is feasible, we try that first. We explain the timeline and cost of both options side by side.
Related pages
- Bodywork repair
- Antalya body repair
- Oven-baked car paint
- Antalya car painting prices 2026
- How long does car painting take?
Send a photo of the dent, and we will tell you whether paint is needed and provide an estimated price. Assessment at our workshop is free.