A Kent studio where finish matches character.
Twelve years protecting paint across East Kent. Started mobile, grew deliberately into a full-service studio — ceramic, detailing, SMART repair and restoration under one roof.
Built the studio we wished already existed.
Karman started because the options weren't good enough. Hand car washes left swirl marks. Body shops quoted weeks of downtime for a kerbed alloy. Ceramic specialists wouldn't touch interior work.
We built one studio that does all of it properly — and refuse to scale beyond what the team can finish by hand. That's why we cap weekly bookings, photograph every job in daylight, and quote from photos before you commit to anything.
Vehicle work customers are genuinely proud of — whatever the age, whatever the condition.
Our mission, in one line.
Same hands on every car — mine.
I'm Ian Pentland. I set up Karman in 2020 when a hobby turned into a day-to-day business. We're not a franchise — never have been — and you'll get the same person every visit, from quote through to handover.
Between 9am and 6pm I'm hands-on with customer cars, often around noisy equipment, so calls usually get returned in the evening. Text, WhatsApp or email tends to be quicker if you need a same-hour reply.
- Independent, family-run since 2020
- Pure-water mobile rig + East Kent studio
- Same operator on every job
- Will quote anything with wheels
A look at recent work.
A snapshot of cars on the bench in the last few months — ceramic, machine polishing, mobile valets and full details.
A method built around outcomes, not hours.
Four principles that decide how every car gets quoted, processed and handed back.
Look first, sell second
Every quote starts with a photo and a question — what does this car need, not what can we sell.
Match the process to the car
A daily-driven estate and a weekend GT need different work. We scope each job to the vehicle, not a price list.
Work in daylight, photographed
Every stage documented under correction lighting. You see the same finish we hand over — not a flattering filter.
Hand back better than expected
Guarantees in writing, aftercare guidance, and a maintenance plan if you want the finish to stay that way.
Four values that shape every job.
Craft over volume
We cap the weekly diary on purpose. Your car isn't competing for ramp time with five others — it gets the hours it actually needs.
Honest assessment
If a £180 enhancement is right for your car, that's what we'll quote. We don't sell £1,400 corrections you don't need.
Professional-grade only
Approved installers for every coating and repair system we use. Manufacturer-backed guarantees in writing — never high-street kit.
Same hands, every time
The person quoting your car is the person finishing it. No production line, no junior handoffs, no surprises on collection.
The standard, in their words.
“Found Karman after a bad experience at a chain valeter. Night-and-day difference — they treat the car like it's their own.”
“Quoted me less than I expected and explained why. That's rare. The finish was better than the day I collected the car.”
“Used them for a lease return last year and a new car protection package this year. Wouldn't go anywhere else now.”
Part of Karman Group.
Sister company Karman Prestige buys vehicles outright — useful when a service turns into a sale, or when you'd rather skip the part-exchange dance. Same standards, same honesty, one introduction away.
- Trade-grade valuations, no obligation
- Decision inside 24 hours
- Collection arranged across the South East
- Settlement and finance handled in-house
Come and see the studio.
By appointment. Bring the car, see the work in progress, and we'll talk through exactly what's right for it.