Protecting new paint

This isn't about an antique car, but I thought who would know better about protecting new paint than people who restore cars. I just bought a new 2003 Mitsubishi EVO in black. Having had black cars in the past, I know no other color looks so terrific when new, and no other color seems to age as quickly or shows imperfections as much. So I'm wondering if any sort of aftermarket 'clear coat' etc might be worth while. Also, I've seen an Acura with one of those stick one clear 'bras' covering the front hood area, mirror housings etc which are most subject to stones etc. Are these worthwhile, or do they cause trouble of their own? Are any of these solutions things I might apply myself, since 'treatments', especially at the dealer, tend to have huge markups.

TIA

I don't like those 'bras,' vinyl, leather or clear plastic, on my cars. Water tends to get behind them and will dull/damage the paint. I've seen it happen on two of my friends cars. As far as keeping the shine, any good wax will keep your car looking good for many years. Try Mother's, Meguires, Liquid Glass, Zymol or some other good wax. Take a look at this site and you might get a few hints, http://www.corral.net/tech/maintenance/detail.html Best thing is to get yourself a *good* ORBITAL buffer. Don't get one of those grinder type buffers unless you want to burn your paint! With a good orbital buffer it's almost impossible to burn the paint while waxing the

Tranch-Thanks for the reply & link, very interesting site. I have used Mother's & Meguires waxes, and I agree in general about 'bras'. I would never consider using the strap-on kind that hook in the fender wells etc., the type I was thinking of basically appear to be thin sheets of clear plastic material, about 1/64 or so thick, 'glued' in some manner to the hood, front fender & front of the mirror areas. You don't even notice them unless you're up close. I'd never seen one until a used (2002) Acura RSX I test drove had the treatment. Assuming the glue itself does no harm, the panels are removable, they stay in place until you did remove them (so nothing can get underneath) and they don't yellow etc., seems like it could be a good idea if properly implimented.

Re: buffers, can you recommend a specific model (perhaps Craftsman has a good one? Yeah, I know, their power tools 'ain't what they used to be'. One reason I don't wax as often as I should is health related, I really just can't do all that rubbing!

Thanks again,

Dan