[Bob Parmenter]

Todd,

In addition to following the painter's recommendation because it's what he's used to, you also increase your chances of not hearing the dreaded phrase "It didn't come out right because I used what YOU wanted". Assuming you're going to get some warrantee of quality for both application and material, you don't want to give anyone an out. The painter is responsible for his application, the manufacturer for the material, but most manufacturers won't back their product if the painter is not "certified" in the use of their product.

As for Geary's comment on time for hardening, it sounds like the finish wasn't baked, though he didn't indicate one way or the other. Modern catalized paints can be air cured, but are designed to be baked. The higher temperature causes a cross-link at the molecular level that ensures a durable finish, air cure won't achieve that level of cross-link. Typical bake cycles are 140f to 170f for 45 min to 1 1/2 hours depending on manufacturer. Some will advocate chemical accelerants that each manufacturer offers (implying endorsement of their use) for use when heat is not available, but my personal experience with them has been poor. You can do it right, or right now, your choice.