To answer the question - "what's wrong with $35/gallon paint?" There is a reason that it is $35/gallon. There are federal regulations regarding automotive paints - the VOC content, paint application (where, how ventilated, etc.) to name a few as well as state regulations (especially in CA).
Talk to any good professional painter and they will tell you that "coverage" - solids content is very important. $35/gallon paint will not give you that.
My recommendation is that you find a reputable paint distributer in your area - PPG, BASF, Sherwin-Williams, DuPont who will provide the support you will need and purchase your paint from them.
Just my opinion - I have only been doing this for 18 years.
