What are you painting?
As I have learned and as many have said after I painted my roof you aren't going to get the best quality in a paint can unless you spend some money.
I remember that many were stating that you need to make sure there is a hardener in the paint and see if you can find one that's actually a three stage so you have a prime, your paint and then your clear coat. I wasn't looking for this when I was looking before so not sure if it's available.
Read some of the notes the boys had.
http://www.ca.dsm.org/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=371629&page=14