What you used, is it water based? Latex paints seldom really harden very
much. You might want to consider using an Alkyd Oil based paint.
Leon

I used Rustoleum's Painter's Touch ...
http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGBrand.asp?bid=3

I used the "Expresso" color, but label is same ...
http://www.rustoleum.com/cbgimages/d...SatinHoney.pdf

Cleanup with mineral spirits, so I'm guessing there is some oil in it.

I can only find a matte and gloss finish in the same product line and
really wanted a semi, but my major concern is the scratching.

Could it be since it is a little colder in the basement that it is
retarding the drying? (50-60 deg) Can says dry in 24 hours.