It is probably the depth of the color and also the sheen level I think that is causing the problem. I couldnt live with the roller marks, I would go the flat route. Although with my red walls, the painters used BM ultra flat and we still see roller marks. Hopefully one more coat tomorrow will solve the problem and maybe deepen the color too. I thought the shade was dead on to the paint chip, but when it dried it is still not quite deep enough.

I don't have an answer for you, but if you specifically requested SW Pro Classic, he owes you a re-do with the right material. You researched this thoroughly. You told him what you wanted. You are entitled to two coats of the paint you specified. (After that, unfortunately, you're on your own.) This just annoys the carp out of me....and it's why I usually buy my own paint and often encourage my clients to do the same.

Thanks amysrq, and I agree. But this guy is an old friend who really will do whatever I ask. When we were discussing the high gloss mirror like finish, and I said I read that this was "the one to use" to get it right, he said he would definately do some research with the paint guys at the store and find out what to use. He is NOT one to try and cut corners, especially not on my job. I send him way too much business, plus the personal relationship too.

He really feels strongly that it's the gloss causing it. In fact he said he even thought about applying a clear laquer over it (wasn't sure he meant the "dead flat" or what is currently up there, but again, he worried about roller marks.

Sorry, but what is "MAB"? Also, what kind of roller did the painter use? I believe different qualities and different naps might impact the roller marks. Alternatively, can you have someone professionally sand smooth and then spray the ceiling rather than use a roller? I would imagine that might give you the glossy smooth coat you want.

pricklypearcactus, first--love the name, and the margaritas we make with that syrup:
{{!gwi}}

But I digress....

M.A.B. is a "business unit of Sherwin Williams" according to their website. I just don't know what the quality of paint is like compared to a SW Pro paint.

Ooh yum! Ship some of those margaritas on over here! Thanks for clarifying.

Could you not ask the top guys at SW about the difference and see what they say.
I would think someone at SW should know the answer .

I think two years ago MAB acquired SW or vice versa. MAB started carrying the SW paint chips. I was just by the store the other day and I think the MAB store now says SW on it.

MAB in the Midwest was a painter's paint store selling basically to the trade. Perhaps the two paints are interchangeable between the two labels?

I have used the MAB paints in the infamous Restrained and Mannered Gold and loved the paint. It helps that our store lets you buy at the trade price once you have purchased with a painter through them.

Is this a professional painter or just somebody that does painting as a side job?

I'd be wondering if it isn't the roller. Rollers come in different naps. Using the right roller for the right project makes a whole lotta difference.
I'd also take a peek at how the guy is putting the paint on. Is he over rolling it? Meaning is he putting the roller in the tray and then on the ceiling and trying to cover as much as possible when what he should be doing is getting it up and on and not trying to make it cover so much area.
It may also simply need a second coat.
And I agree with whoever said you should get the two coats of what you asked for. There may not be a whole lot of difference in the two formulas BUT it may be just enough to affect the final outcome. It's why you PAID for the one you asked for.