Straight answers to the questions we hear most. No pressure, no jargon — just the information you need to make a confident decision.
Can I get an estimate for a new or like-new vehicle without visiting first?
Yes. Send the year, make, model, color, general condition and clear photos. Straightforward vehicles may be quote-ready remotely. You can also choose a vehicle size and package in our estimate builder, or select Help me choose for a recommendation. If condition is uncertain, we may request more photos or recommend a free inspection and test spot. Final preparation and pricing depend on the vehicle.
Send photos or build an estimateDoes a new vehicle need paint polishing before ceramic coating?
New or like-new paint can still have fine scratches or other imperfections. CAA assesses the paint and recommends fine polishing or other correction when needed before coating. A new vehicle does not automatically need extensive correction, and an unseen vehicle cannot be guaranteed a final price.
See a published new-vehicle preparation exampleHow 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?
DuraSlic 5-Year indicative estimates are $900–$1,080 for a small vehicle. XL / Van: DuraSlic 4-Year starting at $1,200; DuraSlic 5-Year starting at $1,300, before optional services. For XL / Van DuraSlic 4-Year and 5-Year, window coating is excluded and available as an optional service. Final quote depends on vehicle size and condition. Heavy correction and oversized vehicles require individual assessment. Obsidian XL / Van starting at $1,900. Final quote depends on vehicle size and condition. Oversized or correction-heavy vehicles are quoted individually. C6 XL / Van: call for quote, including selected optional services. Other packages start at $700 for DuraSlic 4-Year, $1,200+ for Jade Obsidian Graphene 7-Year, and $2,200 for C6 Permanent. Fabric Guard starts at $80 and Standard Rust Proofing at $350; the Inner Frame Rail Upgrade is an additional $100. Vehicle size, condition and preparation affect the final quote. All displayed prices are plus tax. Tax will be confirmed in your written quote.
Compare package prices and estimatesWhat'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 plus tax, 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?
CAA cleans, decontaminates and inspects the paint before coating. Correction is recommended where needed to address visible defects; the required preparation depends on condition. We discuss that work and the quote before proceeding.
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 not impact protection and does not prevent rock chips. It can help reduce contamination adhesion and make cleaning easier, but it does not prevent all water spots, etching or damage. Ask us about a PPF installer if rock chips are your main concern.
Why does ceramic coating matter more in Hawaii?
Sun, salt air and mineral deposits can affect vehicle paint in Hawaii. Volcanic emissions may contribute to exposure depending on wind, weather and volcanic activity. Coatings can help make cleaning easier, but regular washing, drying and care remain important; no coating makes paint immune to damage.
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. Start with your vehicle details and clear photos for remote guidance. If the paint needs a closer look, we can recommend a free inspection and test spot. Call or text 808-216-4525; an in-person visit is not required for every initial estimate.
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. We confirm the preparation needed and the quote with you before work begins.
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.