Sharp dent?
Bring the HEAT!

We've all seen the sharp dent specter loom out at us like a bad dream with a predictable outcome; The white Camry with the 2 inch crease on the top of the fender, the oxidized Mercedes with the 4 inch crease in the hood near the latch reinforcement, or the door ding with a center that resembled an inward cone.
Two options: 1) Leave it low and reduce the risk for clearcoat "spider-cracks", or, bring the center up straight and forthright and hope the paint stays intact, with the possibility of wet sanding. But who needs this undue stress?
Here's another idea: Heat. A good quality heat gun applied to the center and nearby surrounding areas of the dent can make the clearcoat more giving and flexible with your best intentions, thereby reducing the risk of cracking and bettering your chance for a good result. Best method of operation: Bring the heat gun near the damaged area, use your fingers to test the surface temperature of the panel when applying the heat; WARNING!: You do NOT need alot of heat here, just enough to warm the panel like a hot, summer day in the desert, not "nuclear" hot! Too much heat can ruin paint so use caution and be careful! Once you have warmed the damaged area, begin pushing. Be slow and steady, and do not rush the process! Also try to stress- relieve the perimeter with your tap down to allow the center to release and come up while pushing the stresses of the dent to the perimeter.
With care and skill you should see excellent results.If you do not have a heat gun, we offer a good example currently on promotion for only $19.95 plus shipping. Happy pushing!

Brian Jump, December 2001
1-714-630-2286