Straight answers to the questions we hear most. No pressure, no jargon — just the information you need to make a confident decision.
How long does a ceramic coating take?
Standard ceramic coating jobs are drop off at 9:30 AM with pick up the following day at 11:30 AM. Vehicles requiring extra work such as heavy paint correction may take additional time — we will let you know upfront. All services are by appointment only.
How long does Ceramic Maintenance take?
Ceramic Maintenance typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Timing depends on vehicle condition and the work needed. All services are by appointment only — call or text us at 808-216-4525 to schedule.
How much does ceramic coating cost?
Our packages start at $700 for the DuraSlic 4-Year, $900 for the DuraSlic 5-Year, and $1,200+ for the Jade Obsidian Graphene 7-Year. Our C6 Permanent Coating starts at $2,200. We also offer Fabric Guard ($80+) and Standard Rust Proofing (starting at $350) as add-ons; the Inner Frame Rail Upgrade is an additional $100. Vehicle condition and size affect final pricing.
What's the difference between the coating packages?
DuraSlic 4-Year is the Smart Value / Lease Option for shorter ownership plans. DuraSlic 5-Year is the mid-tier option with manufacturer-backed warranty support and Carfax registration under the applicable written terms. Jade Obsidian Graphene 7-Year is CAA’s Flagship / Most Popular choice for most customers. DuraSlic Xtreme 7-Year is the Harsh-Environment / Low-Maintenance Specialist, starts at $1,400, and emphasizes long-term hydrophobic, oleophobic, chemical, and environmental resistance under its applicable written terms; larger vehicles and condition-specific preparation are quote-based. C6 Permanent is the Enthusiast / Long-Term Option and is not positioned around the same traditional manufacturer-backed warranty program as Jade or DuraSlic.
Compare ceramic coating packagesDo you do paint correction before coating?
Yes — and it's not optional if your paint needs it. Coating over damaged or contaminated paint permanently seals that damage in. Every vehicle gets a full decontamination wash, clay bar treatment, and panel inspection. If correction is needed, we do it before any coating goes on. Most shops skip this step. We don't.
How do I take care of my vehicle after coating?
Your coating is cured enough at pickup for normal driving and rain exposure, and it will continue to harden over the following weeks. Do not wash or use soaps or detergents for the first two weeks. After two weeks, CAA recommends proper hand washing in the shade on a cool surface with ceramic-safe automotive soap and clean wash media, followed by thorough drying. If you cannot hand wash, contact CAA for an appropriate maintenance option for your installed coating.
Read the complete coating aftercare guideDoes ceramic coating prevent water spots?
No coating completely prevents water spots. Hawaii hard water and sprinkler water can leave calcium and mineral deposits when they sit on a hot surface and evaporate. Ceramic coating creates a highly hydrophobic protective surface that helps water bead and shed more easily, but washing on a cool surface and drying thoroughly still matter.
Learn about water-spot inspection and correctionDoes ceramic coating protect against rock chips?
No. Ceramic coating is a chemical protection layer — it protects against UV, oxidation, bird droppings, acid rain, and salt air. For rock chip protection, you need Paint Protection Film (PPF). If you're concerned about chips, we're happy to refer you to a PPF installer.
Why does ceramic coating matter more in Hawaii?
Hawaii is one of the hardest environments on vehicle paint in the country. Year-round UV radiation near the equator accelerates oxidation and fading. Ocean salt air speeds up corrosion. Vog (volcanic smog) deposits mild sulfuric acid on your paint surface. Hard irrigation water leaves mineral deposits. Acid rain is a real concern. A quality coating creates a barrier against all of these — without it, unprotected paint deteriorates faster here than almost anywhere else.
Read the Hawaii vehicle-protection guideWhat does the warranty cover?
Manufacturer requirements depend on the installed system and are separate from CAA’s condition-based maintenance recommendations. Current CAA-held Jade paperwork requires an annual inspection by an approved or certified installer within 30 days before the anniversary date. DuraSlic 5-Year includes a manufacturer-backed warranty and Carfax registration under its applicable written terms. Current CAA-held DuraSlic Xtreme 7-Year paperwork requires inspection and maintenance every six months by a DuraSlic Certified Installer and hand-wash maintenance. Final coverage is determined under the applicable written manufacturer warranty terms.
Review warranty, registration, and claim supportDo you offer discounts for multiple vehicles?
Booking multiple vehicles? Save $100 on the second vehicle and $150 on each additional vehicle when booked together.
What services do you NOT offer?
We specialize in paint protection coatings — we don't do rock chip repair, full carpet or seat extraction, or full paint resprays. For collision repair or full repaints, we refer customers to Oka's Auto Body or Kuroda Auto Body in Waipahu. For deep interior extraction, we can point you to a full-service detail shop.
Who applies the coating?
Every coating is applied by Kolu or Darrell — both certified and experienced applicators. Kolu has 30 years in the automotive industry and Darrell brings over 14 years of hands-on experience. Every vehicle is handled from prep to final inspection by one of them personally. One vehicle at a time, properly prepared and properly protected.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Come in for a quick 15-minute inspection and we will assess your paint, walk you through the options, and recommend the right package for your vehicle and budget. No pressure, no obligation. Call or text 808-216-4525 to schedule.
Do I need to do anything before dropping off?
Nothing at all. Just bring your vehicle in at your scheduled drop-off time and we handle everything from there — full decontamination wash, clay bar, paint inspection, and correction if needed. All prep is included with every coating service.
Is the shop enclosed and climate controlled?
Yes. Our shop is fully enclosed and climate controlled. Coatings are applied indoors in a clean, controlled environment — no wind, no dust, no direct sun during application. This matters for the quality and longevity of the final result.