The most important part of any paint job is called surface preparation. I don’t care how good a pint you buy or how much you spend on it, if you don’t have a good surface to apply it to, it’s not going to last. That means that the surface has to be properly primed as well, as the primer is what bonds the substrate and the paint together. While it is possible to paint many surfaces without priming them first, it’s not advisable. There are several things that primers do, which paints aren't really designed to do. While many manufacturers are now advertising their paints and “paint and primer in one,” the reality is that those paints still don’t do as good a job as a true primer will.Quality paints are designed for coverage. More than anything, that means putting a thick coat of high pigment, high solids paint on the surface, which will cover up whatever is underneath it in one coat, so that you don’t have to go back and do it again. At the same time, these paints are designed to remain somewhat flexible, so that they don’t crack and bubble over time. An unprimed surface causes serious problems with the paint being able to cover well. Most substrates used in construction are porous, so some percentage of the paint soaks into the substrate and is not available to provide cover and weather protection. The more porous the surface is, the less paint remains on the surface to cover and protect from the weather. Primers are designed very different than paints; with the main goal of soaking into the substrate and sealing it. By doing that, they make it possible for the paint to stay on the surface, where it can provide the most protection to the building. Another reason for using primer is that not all substrates are compatible with all paints, or even with any paint at all. Aluminum, for example, doesn't bond well with any paint. By using a special aluminum primer, you create a chemical bond with the aluminum substrate, providing a good surface for the paint to adhere to. Properly primed aluminum will allow the paint to last for years longer than applying paint directly to the aluminum substrate. Some primers also provide a stain hiding capability, which is often necessary when repainting a home. Mold and mildew, water stains and children’s artwork on the wall are all serious problems which paints have trouble covering. It is not the color of these stains that causes the problem, but rather the fact that these stains actually seep through the new paint, staining it. A sealing primer dries fast enough to prevent that, trapping the stain in the substrate. When picking a primer, you have to be cognizant of the reason you are priming. For new construction, this is usually to promote good adhesion and long paint life. Those reasons can apply to repainting as well, plus the problem I just mentioned about stains. You must also be sure to understand the substrate you are painting over, as that makes a huge difference in primer selection. Checkout our top picks for the best paint primers in 2022.

If there's one kitchen essential tool you need, it is a well made saucepan. A saucepan is important because they are very versatile and great for any job that doesn't require a large pot. It isn't difficult to choose the right pan, you just need a few things to look for. The best saucepans in 2022 on this list were chosen because they are heavy duty, have a lid, anywhere from 2 to 5 quarts and have a nonstick interior. Whichever pan you choose, it should make fixing almost anything in it a breeze.

Though fondue is a rather classic and very 1970s dinner party idea, it has made a resurgence in recent years. It serves as more than just an opportunity to indulge in the ooey-gooey tradition of dripping bread into a hot pot of melted cheese. It's a social thing. The fondue pots on this list were chosen because they are electric, have visual appeal, and are highly durable. Take a look at these options, and after you're done, look at the buying guide below. We've compiled a list of important features to keep in mind when picking a fondue set, so use it to help you pick out the right one for you!

Removing adhesive can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. Since adhesives are made of all different manners of organic and synthetic substances, they’re full of different properties and thus, take specially formulated removers to clean them up (unless of course the adhesive you’re working with is waterproof). Since there are many different kinds of adhesives and all are made of diverse materials with different properties, the adhesive remover you buy needs to be able to work with multiple different glues. Every adhesive remover I've listed below can do just that. Furthermore, each of the adhesive removers below can be bought for fewer than $15. There are some very expensive removers out there that frankly have inflated price tags. The removers I have listed below for you are all top quality and cheap, so you don’t have to worry about spending a lot of money. We've compiled the best adhesive removers in 2022.

A caulk gun is an extremely versatile tool, and you'd do well to have one around your home. It’s used to fill in gaps, holes, cracks and make other similar repairs. It works by fitting the gun with a tube of caulk, subsequently using the gun to dispense it. The gun allows you to control how much caulk is dispensed and do so more accurately. While there are several different types of caulking guns available such as pneumatic, electric or manual, I will be focusing on manual guns for the purposes of this list. They’re the type you’re most likely to use (unless you’re a serious professional). That means every gun below has a large, squeezable trigger and a plunger rod that you have to manually operate yourself. Plus, by focusing on manual caulking guns, the price you have to pay for one will be significantly lower. Furthermore, each of the caulking guns I have listed below works with various, if not most, caulking and sealant tubes on the market. That ensures that you’re not stuck with a gun that only works with one brand of caulking, which is a pain and can be expensive. Finally, every gun I’ve listed below has a 10 ounce or 1/10 cartridge capacity. This again, further ensures that you never have to worry about not being able to find a caulking cartridge compatible with your gun.

Pores are necessary for sweating and flushing out toxins from the body, but large pores are often considered unsightly and may cause your skin to appear older. An accumulation of dirt, makeup, and oil buildup can lead to large pores; individuals with oily skin are also naturally susceptible to them. Fortunately, it's possible to shrink pores by exfoliating or using products that minimize their appearance. The following products exfoliate and firm skin to minimize the look of pores, promote a healthier-looking complexion, and transform skin into a smooth base for makeup application. Check out our top picks for the best pore minimizers in 2022.

Many women love a powder foundation because they’re easy to apply, remove and look so natural. help tame oil production, heal skin imperfections or help shield skin from harmful sun damage. Choose from loose or pressed formulas that give you a verity of effects from “dewey” to “full coverage”. All powder foundations are compatible with other products so feel free to layer you blush, bronzer or highlight as you rest assured knowing you makeup will last. You can find powder foundations ideal for any skin type even those who could never wear makeup in the past. Powder foundations are not only geared towards specific skin types such as oily, dry, combination or acne prone but many contain active ingredients designed to better the skin over time.  Powder foundations not only help prepare the skin by hiding flaw and creating a smooth surface for other products, but many work to protect, heal and nourish the skin as they cover. There’s a powder foundation for every skin type and budget but before you make a choice, consult our buyer’s guide provided below which offers a wealth of useful tips and tricks for novices and experts alike. Checkout our top picks for best powder foundations in 2022.

Lip balm is a must for anyone who wants to have smooth, healthy lips. There are many varieties of lip balm available which range in quality, ingredients, and even their taste. Some are formulated to heal dry, damaged lips, while others protect from the suns damaging UV rays. With so many choices, we’ve provided a lip balm buyer’s guide below to help you narrow down which lip balm is best for your personal needs. We've compiled a list of the best lip balms in 2022.

Conditioner plays are major role in hair care, providing necessary moisture and nourishment to all hair types. Without conditioner, hair tends to become damaged from environmental stressors, styling tools, chemical hair dyes, and a variety of other factors. Conditioners are formulated for all hair types and come in various types such as organic and leave-in. Since some conditioners can leave hair greasy and weighed down, it’s important to use the right conditioner for your hair type and needs. Check out our list of the best conditioners in 2022 and the buyer’s guide below to determine which conditioner is best for you.

Today’s shampoos go beyond simple cleansing and are capable of treating a range of hair issues including dandruff, frizziness, and excess oil. Whether you have dry, color-treated hair or oily waves, there are all sorts of shampoos formulated to suit your needs. However, not every shampoo performs according to its claims so educate yourself before making a decision. Check out our list of the best shampoos in 2022 and our buyer’s guide below to determine which shampoo is best for your hair type and styling needs.