[billium]

had a garage queen (red) that was driven a few thousand miles a year. Spent endless hours perfecting the paint and applying countless coats of Zaino (this was before the additive allowing mutliple coats per day). Multiple sets of stand mounted halogens, etc.

I bought a higher end "breathable" cover, elasticized around the bottom, thinking it would keep the dust from building up. Problem was, dust would still find its way under the cover and I'd marr the finish everytime a removed, replaced the cover.

Finally went with no cover and California Car Duster. Now have a black garage queen which shows much more than previous red car. Still stick with the same CCD followed by a QD swipe. Just let the very tips of the CCD sweep across the finish (don't lay the thing on the finish and swoosh around like a mop on the floor) - I'm happier with this set-up than with a cover.

Water on the cover combined with high humidity is going to be a bigger issue than no cover. It will keep the dampness against the finish and take much longer to dry. I have the same issue with garage door dripping on car hood, but a quick blot with a clean towel and wipe with QD is all it takes.

That being said, and depending on your level of OCD, a freshly painted black car may be near impossible to keep prisitine. It does get dusty between drivings/cleaning, a black car will either increase your tolerance for this or put you in a padded cell. Welcome to black and welcome to Autopia.