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.

Shaving your bikini line, especially during swimsuit season, requires constant maintenance. Going to the salon for professional waxes is expensive and time-consuming. Luckily, several at-home waxing kits promise up to eight weeks of smooth bikini lines. Trusted hair removal brands like Sally Hansen and Veet have been developing and improving at-home waxing kits for years, so you know they are safe and many are now “ouch-less.” These at-home bikini waxes kits were chosen because they have nourishing natural botanicals like chamomile and black walnut oil, and contain glyceryl rosinate, which makes the bikini wax ofter and more pliable, allowing it to stick to your hair rather than to your skin. We've also included a buying guide below that breaks down some important things to think about before picking a bikini wax kit out; read on to figure out the right one for you!

Serums are a great way to achieve silky, smooth, static-free hair and you only need a dime-sized amount every time you use it so these products can last a long time. Almost everyone can benefit from using a hair serum, no matter if you have straight, curly, coarse, or fine. However, oily hair types might not benefit because serum can easily complicate already-oily hair.The hair smoothing serums on this list were specifically chosen because of different key factors that help make your hair healthier overall. Ingredients like algae extract, vitamin E, and hydrolyzed wheat protein protect your hair from damage from heated styling tools, and silk polymers and silicone help to keep your hair smooth. We've broken down these key ingredients, as well as other factors to keep in mind when picking out a new hair smoothing serum; read on and use the buying guide below to pick one out for you!

While a tan can look healthy and gorgeous, not everyone wants to spend their time baking in the sun or visiting a salon. The sun’s harmful UV rays can damage your skin— potentially causing skin cancer— and tanning salons are expensive. Tanning beds still use harmful UV light, so that isn't even the safest option. But, with the best self tanner in 2022, you can ensure you have a gorgeous tan without taking any of the risks from exposure to harmful rays. Whether you want a deep tan or a light bronze, there is a self tanner for you.

Nail Polish is such an inexpensive and easy way to update your style and take your look from "good" to "amazing." The color options are endless and there are so many brands to choose from. How will you know which ones will last the longest and shine the brightest? Consider all of the things you do from day to day, the last thing you want to think about is your nail polish chipping or flaking off. All of these formulas are made with durable quality and long lasting results. There is a perfect brand for both you and your budget. We've compiled the best nail polishes in 2022.

Eyebrow pencils are like the icing on the cake when it comes to makeup. They add the finishing touch by filling in sparse spots, adding definition, and enhancing the color of your natural brows. Beyond adding color, many eyebrow pencils contain conditioning ingredients to promote healthy brows, and leave a polished, groomed appearance behind. If you don’t want to play a guessing game, there are plenty of brow pencils that come in universally flattering hues, so you can make the most of your brows - regardless of skin tone or brow color. Check out our list of the best eyebrow pencils in 2022.