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.

The eye area is home to a host of beauty concerns, and the one cosmetic product that can fix most of these issues is concealer. These products conceal dark circles and lend a brighter appearance to the skin above and below the eyes. They are the best first step before applying other eye makeup. Whether you opt for cream, liquid, powder, or a stick, concealers range from lightweight to heavy-duty. As an added bonus, they help other eye makeup stay in place longer. Check out our list of the best under eye concealers in 2022.

As much as we all like to look our best, makeup needs to come off when you’re ready for bed. A makeup remover is the perfect solution in getting your skin fresh and clean without leaving any trace of makeup behind. It doesn’t matter if you have oily, combination, dry, sensitive or acne prone skin; there is a makeup remover that is right for you. There are many varieties of makeup removers but keep in mind that it’s best to find the one that fits your skin’s needs. The best one for you will not only remove the makeup with ease but it will be convenient to use, economical and good for your skin without irritating it or causing you any stress. So check out our list of the best make up removers in 2022 to learn more.

Sunscreen is a must if you plan to be in the sun at all. Not only do the sun’s harmful UV rays cause uncomfortable burns, premature aging, and wrinkles, but they can also eventually cause skin cancer. With a high SPF sunscreen, you have more protection from these damaging rays and can still enjoy your time doing whatever it is you love to do in the sun.For more information on what to look at in selecting the best sunscreen, we have listed below the best sunscreens in 2022 available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy. From sprays designed to stay on in water to high-SPF lotions, there is a sunscreen for everyone.

Flat irons are not just for curly heads of hair anymore. New technology has made these tools one of the most popular and sought-after styling companions due to their versatility and the ability to enhance hair without causing damage. There are so many options to choose from that it can be overwhelming, but we're here to help you with the basics. Super frizzy and static-prone strands need ionic heat to tame strands and lock in moisture, while tourmaline helps the tool glide smoothly over hair creating tons of shine. Titanium is built for durability, and ceramic models are a bit cheaper yet yield great results. No matter what you need it for, we have listed the best flat irons of 2022 for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.

A good electric shaver can help quickly take much of the fuss and muss out of the daily ritual of shaving. With the right electric shaver, you won't have to worry about shave creams or gels, and you won't have to worry as much about painful and annoying nicks or cuts from blades that are going dull. The trick to making this the best possible upgrade lies in finding the right shaver for you. You've got to factor in skin type, comfort, ease of use, and more to ensure that you end up with a better experience than you are leaving behind by moving to an electric shaver. Based on factors like price, quality, versatility, and effectiveness, we've put together this list of the best electric shavers in 2022 on the market today.