I painted mine and I put clearcoat. I've put cans, Mcdonald's cups, etc and no chips or scratches. I would recommend clearcoating it. Good luck.

00 Contour SE
Alot of mods and counting

2000 Contour Zetec ATX
Hector
Mods...I got em'
"Contour grills, Contour bills, check out the oil my Contour spills."
2.SLO = 17.6 at 80mph
My profile