I have to ask the OP what issues he had with so many different paints, of such different make-ups, that he still could not find happiness?
No way all of them could have been "too dark"....unless he himself mixed them that way.
Scott, there are far easier ways to get what you want / need than guesswork and more trial-by-error...and somehow I can't fathom that through all those other trials you were simply guessing.
Of at least Silver Fire I know you were not doing so because as of April you were giving that application it's shot with some assistance by me. Did it too turn out too dark for your Panny? What ratio of Colorant did you settle on? Did you make any attempt to lighten it up with additional "White"?
The Panny 200 in a dedicated Theater will perform splendidly with a Neutral Gray/Poly Mix of a N8.0 level. That PJ needs a bit of contrast help, so that shade will do that. But if your using the Panny on "Low lamp", then a 8.5 would suit your purpose better. Go for anything that is 9.0 up and your not doing anything much "Gray-wise" anyway.
Your a Painter? Well then you know that a well sprayed surface will be a much more exacting surface than a Roll job. But just the same, a Pro should be able to thin his paint just enough to use Finish rollers, and get himself a almost glassy smooth surface. Glassy smooth is fine, as long as no sheen accompanies it. With the Panny's Smooth Screen feature, you should be looking at nothing but "image" if you can knock out such a surface.
But.....I, and many others, would like to see your posted missive about how any/all the aforementioned DIY applications came up short. You grouped several together there and gave all the same axe, so let's hear about the "why & how come".
With a "Please" tossed in of course.....
