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.

If your mattress no longer feels as soft or supportive as it once did, you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars replacing it — look into a mattress topper instead. Mattress toppers provide sleepers with greater comfort and support to improve sleep duration and quality throughout the night. But with dozens to hundreds of options out there at all times, how do you find the best mattress topper? We can help! We did the research and compiled a list of the five best-rated mattress toppers of 2023. Whether you need better support or just some additional softness, we’ve got you covered.Price Legend:$: 200-300$$: 301-400$$$: 401+To create our list of top mattress toppers, we considered factors such as material, softness, comfort level, and durability. Check out our list below for the best mattress pad for your bed!

Your hair dryer is a vital tool in your hair-styling arsenal that helps you avoid vulnerability to wet hair damage and turns limp, lifeless locks into voluminous curls. With the best quality hair dryer, you can achieve a wide range of looks thanks to various attachments, like concentrators and diffusers. Choose the wrong one, and you could end up with singed ends, frizz, tangles, noisy operation, and more. There are hundreds of options on the market, so what’s the best hair dryer, and how do you know?Bestcovery has done the research for you so that, in 2023, you understand what makes the best hair dryer on the market and can make the best decision for your hair type. Let’s dive into the best hair dryers of 2023.Price legend$: 0 - 100$$: 101 - 200$$$: 201+

If you shave your face, then you know that finding the right electric shaver can be easier said than done. Each model has its own capabilities and drawbacks, but it can be hard to decipher which models deliver on their promises, let alone which one is best for your face. With so many options on the market, we took a look at five of the best facial shavers on the market in 2023, so you decide for yourself which one is the perfect fit for you!

An accurate bathroom scale is necessary for anyone who values maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Regularly weighing yourself can help you monitor progress toward your weight loss or fitness goals and can also serve as a warning sign if you start to gain or lose weight unexpectedly; sudden weight gain or loss can indicate a health condition, such as thyroid problems, diabetes, or heart disease. In this article, we share our top picks for the best bathroom scales of 2023 based on a range of factors, including smart features like Bluetooth connectivity, mobile app integration, and fitness tracking capabilities. We have also looked at more traditional scales, focusing on accuracy and ease of use. Here are our recommended bathroom scales for 2023.Price Legend:$: 0 - 75$$: 75 - 150$$$: 150+

If you struggle with stress, restlessness, or anxiety like so many others, high-quality, restful sleep may be difficult to come by. Fortunately, when weighted blankets entered the market, they provided a solution to those long, frustrating nights of insomnia. Could a weighted blanket be your key to better sleep?Weighted blankets are designed to weigh down your body and imitate the feeling of being hugged, which has a calming effect on the nervous system — but not all weighted blankets are created equal. There are many options available today that come in different materials and styles, each with its own features and benefits. With the market for weighted blankets expanding rapidly, knowing which one to choose can be challenging.That's why we've conducted extensive research and testing to bring you a comprehensive guide to the best weighted blankets on the market in 2023. We'll break down the key features to look for, offer insight into the materials, and provide recommendations based on our testing and analysis. Whether you're a hot sleeper, have specific weight preferences, or are looking for a certain design or fabric, we have you covered. Read on to find the perfect blanket to help you get a better night's sleep.[Price legend]$ 0 - 75$$ 75 - 150$$$ 150+Below, we’ve listed our top choices for the best weighted blankets based on their comfort, durability, weight, size, and overall effectiveness in promoting better sleep, to name a few. You’ll find options ranging from budget-friendly to luxuriously high-end.