I treated the CF hood I received back in April like a regular car part. I wash and wax it. Its a clear coat, and now 5 month later, it still look new. I would say one thing, treat it like any other part on your car, keep it clean. If I was someone that was planning on leaving it with the CF look, I would throw an extra clear coat on it in about 18 months, thats what a lot of the guys I see at car show recommend. I myself will get it painted Black in March 11.