snookums2: I used BM's satin impervo oil-based for the cabinets (once I switched from SW). I'm in California, and had read that it was no longer available, but not true! My BM guys that I've worked with for years swear that it's still the best, along with cabinet coat (couldn't use in my application because I neede a dark base) and a couple of high-end brands. I had concerns about the VOCs around my kiddos, but we decided to open every window and keep them at the grandparents' for a couple of days, so I felt ok about using it. As a side note, I used far less paint with the oil; actually the entire can, so maybe it balanced out from an environmental perspective?:) I agree that when comparing paint lines, you must do an "apples to apples " comparison. Still, I have successfully used BM's lowest grade "ultraspec" and have been thrilled every time. Totally my opinion, but I think BM covers better than SW and has better consistency. I have also used Aura in a few rooms, and for me it was streaky, dried waaaay too quickly to get even coverage, and was over priced. Frankly, I find it over-hyped, but again, just my opinion.

Hopefully Lori will chime in here. I was leaning toward Shoji also, but it looked just slightly peach in my space (in a way I didn’t love), when I tried samples in various areas. We have large windows, and are surrounded by trees, though, which makes a difference! I went back for White Duck, which is very similar, and think it’s going to work. That said, I did SW ceiling bright white, flat, on all ceilings. Then, Pure White, in semi gloss on trim and doors. Those both seemed to work fine when I was leaning Shoji, and now also with White Duck. I’m not a pro, so don’t listen to me without reading through some of the other threads here about Alabaster, color theory, etc., and without seeing how it looks in your space.

I suggest you check out this LINK to Sherwin-Williams site. Click on a color to see its name and how it looks in a room. Other than High Reflective White, Snowbound is perhaps their lightest "white" though Ibis White and Arcade White are also quite light.

First, any decent breakfast sandwich can get an account at Sherwin Williams and get a discount, so there is that. Since it is rental property, welcome to the property maintenance business, just name your company and fill out the app. Next, the paint at Lowes used to be SW paint, but it is my understanding that when SW bought out Valspar they actually just rebranded the Valspar paint as the SW HGTV line. So far as I know, the Duration line is not sold in Lowes and it is an excellent exterior paint. While the list price on the Duration paint is around $90 per gallon, it is pretty easy to get it for less than $70 per gallon with an account.