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What Is Cold Glue PDR?

Cold glue paintless dent repair (PDR) is a technique that uses low-temperature adhesive to pull dents from a vehicle's body without damaging the paint. Unlike hot glue systems, cold glue is formulated to bond quickly at ambient temperatures and release cleanly — making it ideal for, aluminum, steel and situations where heat could cause issues.

At Metal Medic PDR Tools, cold glue is one of our most popular product categories because it gives technicians more control, especially on shallow dents and dings were precision matters most.

What You'll Need

• Cold glue sticks (matched to ambient temperature)
• A heat source such as a torch or heat gun
• PDR glue tabs (sized to the dent)
• A dent lifter or slide hammer
• Wax and grease remover
• A PDR light or reflector board

Step-by-Step: Using Cold Glue for Dent Repair

Step 1: Assess the Dent

Before applying any glue, inspect the dent under a PDR light. Identify the deepest point, the edges, and any high spots. Cold glue works best on dents with a clean, smooth perimeter — sharp creases may require additional techniques.

Step 2: Clean the Surface

Wipe the dent area thoroughly with wax and grease remover, we do not recommend isopropyl alcohol as it can degrade cold glue. Any wax, oil, or debris will prevent the glue from bonding properly. Let the surface dry completely before proceeding.

Step 3: Select the Right Tab

Choose a glue tab that covers the majority of the dent without overlapping the edges. A tab that's too small concentrates pull force in the center; too large and you risk pulling the surrounding metal. For most door dings, a medium round tab works well. For elongated dents, use an oval or rectangular tab.

Step 4: Apply the Cold Glue

Load your cold glue to the face and around the edges of your tab and kneed well. Press the tab firmly onto the center of the dent, twist right 90 degrees, back left 180 and back right 90 and dwell for 2-3 seconds to ensure a solid bond.

Step 5: Pull the Dent

Apply slow, steady pulling force — avoid jerking or over-pulling. Watch the dent under your PDR light as you work. Make small, incremental pulls rather than one large pull to avoid creating a high spot.

Step 6: Remove the Tab and Clean Up

Remove any residue with wax and grease remover. Once the dent is level or high, check the repair under your light and knock down any remaining high spots with a tap-down tool.

Cold Glue Tips from the Field

• Temperature matters: Cold glue performs best between 60–85°F. In colder conditions, warm the panel slightly with a heat gun before applying.
• Multiple pulls beat one big pull: Patience is the difference between a clean repair and a high spot you'll spend 20 minutes chasing.
• Keep tabs and glue clean: Clean contaminated cold glue with wax and grease remover and store in a cover.

Shop Cold Glue Products

Ready to stock up? Browse our full selection including the Sticky Gum Cold Glue and our complete cold glue collection — including temperature-specific formulas and professional-grade tabs trusted by techs across the country.