The Evolution and Impact of Paintless Dent Repair Lighting on the Industry
06/05/23 22:05
Paul Whitehorn, Mdiv.
PhD Canidate, Liberty University
Introduction:
The evolution of paintless dent repair (PDR) lighting over the past two decades has revolutionized the industry by significantly improving visual clarity, technician safety, and overall repair quality. The introduction of LED lights, mobile tech shades, and color-changing technology has enabled technicians to work more effectively in various lighting conditions, expand their skill sets, and deliver outstanding results, ultimately transforming the PDR landscape and setting new standards for the future.
Over the past 20 years, the paintless dent repair (PDR) industry has undergone a radical transformation in terms of quality, primarily due to advancements in PDR lighting. No other tool has had such a significant impact on the industry, as effective dent repair relies heavily on visual clarity. In this article, we will explore how PDR lighting has evolved and why it plays such a crucial role in the repair process.
The Importance of Lighting in Paintless Dent Repair:
Paintless dent repair technicians often prefer working in dim or dark rooms, as these conditions accentuate the PDR light and provide the best visual picture for them to manipulate and repair dents. Insurance agents assessing hail damage without PDR lights or proper shading may overlook damage, which is reflected in the almost comical assessments they give their clients for initial pricing, this example highlights the importance of adequate lighting in the inspection and repair process.
From Plastic Boards to LED Lights:
Before the introduction of LED lighting, PDR technicians relied on partially transparent plastic boards with a single line and fade to allow sunlight to pass through, generating a reflection on the vehicle panel that served as their work image. This method had drawbacks, including flooding, which diminished visual clarity as unwanted light also struck the panel, causing the image to fade. Additionally, technicians were exposed to secondary UV rays, posing a serious risk to their eyes. Some technicians developed various forms of Photokeratitis, a medical term for corneal damage caused by UV radiation from sunlight or other sources, such as tanning beds. This, along with other factors, shortened the careers of many technicians, often limiting them to less than ten years in the industry.
The advent of LED lighting has benefited younger technicians by eliminating the harmful UV exposure to their corneas, significantly extending their professional longevity. This increased career span has allowed these technicians to develop their skills far beyond what their predecessors could have imagined. Consequently, modern technicians are now able to repair dents four times larger than those tackled by technicians a generation ago, all while maintaining impeccable quality.
Modern PDR lights provide a crisp and bright sight picture, even in "snow blindness" or "white flooding" conditions. In these situations, technicians can use Mobile Tech Shade to shade the dented area and the light source. As someone who works in Florida, I always make sure to have two umbrellas with me - one for the panel and board, and one for myself. Using both of these tools together is essential to enable features such as dimmer switches. When your eyes are in lower lighting, and the pupil gets bigger, it is called pupillary dilation or mydriasis. This physiological process allows more light to enter the eye, helping to improve vision in darker conditions. When the pupil dilates in low light conditions, it allows more light to enter the eye, improving vision in darker environments. However, when the lights are suddenly turned up, the human eye takes time to adjust to the brighter environment. This period of adjustment is known as the "adaptation period" or "light adaptation." During this time, the pupils constrict to reduce the amount of light entering the eye and protect the retina from excessive brightness. The initial moments when the lights are turned up, and the pupils are still dilated provide a brief window of heightened visual clarity, which is critical when finishing the last 5% of a Paintless Dent Repair. To put it simply, newer lights with dimmer switches and shades allow technicians to benefit from dilation, which was not possible a decade ago.
Innovations in PDR Lighting:
One of the most significant innovations in PDR lighting in the last five years, other than dimmer switches, has been the introduction of color-changing lights. White and amber are the most universal colors, but certain panels may require different colors to provide the best visual picture. For example, red panels can be challenging to work on, but using yellow light – the opposite color on the color wheel – can improve visibility. By referring to the color spectrum wheel, you can easily determine the ideal color for your PDR light. This can help reduce eye strain and shorten repair time.
Conclusion:
The evolution of paintless dent repair lighting has had a profound impact on the PDR industry, contributing to significant improvements in the quality of dent repairs. With enhanced visibility, technicians can more accurately assess and repair dents, ensuring better results for vehicle owners. As the industry continues to advance, we can expect further innovations in PDR lighting to enhance the repair process even more.
