You could still find all the good old stuff in CT up until 1995 or so, Hot Raspberry, Pastel Aqua, Sunset Orange, Daisy Yellow and aqua turquoise were 1$ a can at a long gone auto supply store on Whalley Ave. New Haven(another instance where a time machine would be helpful)
I do not think you could call the people abusing fancy paints "art fags" .. "art fags" is more of a compliment like they have some artistic talent.