If I have a darker shade of paint, can I have it changed & lightened to 3 shades lighter on the color sample chart?

What three things should a painter always have with him?

Can you stain a fiberglass exterior door a light color such as golden oak without it looking like plastic when you are done?

I want to repaint the clothes rod in my closet. It is metal and I don’t know what paint would work best? I know the hangers will scrape against it, is there a paint that can hold up to that abuse? What are the steps for preparing the rods?