[cummings66]

They are within their rights to fail a tank that's been painted because they don't know how the paint was cured.

The inspection standards basically say that air dryed paint is the only acceptable paint on a tank, if in doubt you'll ship it off for hydro. But that's more for a tank that's been stripped and repainted.

Basically they just need the documentation it was done the right way, lacking that you're out of luck and it's going to cost you. I would assume that if a tank had a VIP sticker on the tank after it was painted that all would be well, but it would depend on many factors.

If you want it done I'd suggest contacting the dive shop who does your VIP's and talk with them and the air brush artist, get things right the first time, and in writing.