I get some emails once in awhile regarding newbies starting PDR on their own. I also get newbies asking me questions about how they can get better. I wish I could give a clear and detailed answer but it’s almost impossible because PDR is a feel and physical approach with lots of factors. What I mean is, besides visual, I instruct my trainees’ about leverage points, how much pressure they are using, the type of tool tip applied, how they read the reflection and so on.
PDR demands so many details between just the ordinary steps of pushing and knocking down the highs. Moving the board, cross checking and staying eye level are just a few more factors about learning and doing PDR on a daily bases. Understanding details between pushing and knocking down develop better habits and boost the learning curve much faster. You really have to know the “why” factor to do these things or you’ll find yourself becoming very inconsistent. I also forgot to mention, time is another big factor. It’s also one of the most important besides patience itself.
Tool usage and access points are crucial when it comes to one on one PDR training. Feeling how a certain type of tool goes against a brace or on a steel or aluminum panel are very different. I can explain it on video but can’t guide you step by step through your own pushes. More important, I can’t prevent you from making mistakes and developing bad habits. But with one on one PDR training, I can.
I can’t stress enough though, PDR is meant to learn one on one. Sure I offer DVD’s and soon digital downloads but there is no substitute for the physical aspect and over the shoulder learning. I do my very best showing and demonstrating tremendous detail in my videos but it’s not quite the same. I’m sure you may think, why is Myke telling me this because he sounds like he doesn’t want me to purchase his videos? Or does he want me to just attend his PDR training? To be honest, I would like you to do both. 🙂 Yet, I understand for most, it’s not an option to fly to San Diego and learn in person. However, the DVD’s are a great start if that is your only option.
Just keep in mind, paintless dent removal will be the hardest and one of the most challenging things you will learn. PDR taught correctly will push you to do your best, even when you want to give up. One thing I CAN”T teach is your passion and dedication. It’s either you have it or you don’t. Money is often a false motivation for people to get into PDR but they soon learn PDR demands you to give back to it. So don’t base your decision on a PDR tech you saw make good money in a certain amount of time. Most likely he has years of experience, training and suffering to get where he is at today. It’s often not as easy as it looks.
I hope my factors of one on one PDR training help you either way. So if you are still getting into paintless dent removal, just be prepared to get your butt kicked. It’s not an easy road but if you work hard, dedicated and have passion about the art of PDR, you’ll make it. Just don’t base your decision on the money itself, because you will only have two chances.. Slim and none.