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.

There are several reasons why a person might choose to drink oat milk instead of dairy alternatives. For example, if you are lactose intolerant, you may be searching for a tasty dairy replacement. Good news for you - oat milk tastes great in tea and coffee, on cereal, and can also be used to replace cow’s milk in various baking recipes.Many studies show that animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gases. Dairy milk uses about 8 times more land than any of the plant-based alternatives. The amount of water needed to produce cow’s milk is much higher than the amount needed to produce oat milk. It takes over 160 gallons of water to produce 1 quart of cow’s milk and it takes a little over 12 gallons of water to produce the same amount of oat milk. Basically, if you care about the environment, you should consider making the switch if you haven’t already.Not only does it have a lovely creamy taste, in time, the majority of oat milk drinkers don’t miss dairy milk at all. In fact, the popularity of oat milk has grown exponentially in the last few years, creating a large variety of brands and flavors to choose from. To help you find a drink that suits your taste buds, we have created a list of the best oat milks in 2022. Check it out below! If you want to do further research, we've compiled an oat milk buyer's guide as well.

The keto diet is one of the most popular eating trends among American men and women who are determined to shed their excess weight and get into great shape. The ketogenic routine involves very low carb intake while replacing them with healthy fats. This reduction in carbs eventually makes your body go into a metabolic state known as ketosis.Similar to the Atkins and other low-carb diets, keto can lead to some pretty dramatic results, especially if you’re looking to shed a lot of weight over a few months, or if you suspect you have a gluten intolerance. If you are a breakfast lover, this does not spell doom and gloom. In fact, there are numerous delicious ket cereals on the market today. Sure, you’re going to have to ditch the PB on toast and bacon sandwiches for the foreseeable future, but you can still enjoy a delicious (and convenient) breakfast meal thanks to these handy products.Let’s face it, cereal isn’t cheap at the best of times, unless you’re buying store-brand corn flakes which, you know, you can’t really eat on a keto diet. To help you make a decision, we have collected some of the top keto cereals on the market in our handy buying guide below. We’ve also taken the time to break down some important factors for you to consider before making any purchase.

Glowing facial skin is often a sign of healthy living, and while it comes naturally for some - others, not so much. Every skin expert knows that exfoliation is a simple trick to getting dazzling, spotless skin, which is why it is an integral part of every skincare routine. Facial exfoliation is a way of peeling old, rugged skin off your face, and as simple as it may sound, this procedure will make your face shine brighter and better.Exfoliation today is way better and safer than it used to be, and the best facial exfoliation pads in 2022 listed in this buying guide take it up a notch. The best thing about these exfoliation pads is that they combine mechanical (abrasive surface) and chemical action (active ingredients) to deal with facial skin blemishes.Exfoliation pads are typically infused with potent face cleansing substances like lactic, mandelic, or glycolic acids, generally known as alpha-hydroxy acids or salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid. These chemical agents have been found to increase collagen production, improve facial skin tone, eliminate dark spots, and reduce breakouts - and thanks to exfoliating pads, you get to apply some or all of them on your face.There’s an exfoliation pad for every skin, no matter the sensitivity or tone. And luckily for you, this buying guide has information on everything you need to know about these face scrubbers.

Acne is the worst! They leave you feeling self-conscious, insecure, and unable to have fun or be yourself. However, the really awful thing about dealing with acne is trying to get rid of it with a product that doesn’t work. If you’ve been there, we totally get it. Everyone’s skin is different, and what works for someone else may not work for you. So, to give you the best chance at getting rid of that acne, we have compiled the best acne treatment kits in 2022.

If you are a hardcore weightlifter or just your average gym enthusiast who knows how to take care of yourself when exercising, you’ll know the importance of a recovery drink. Usually, in the form of a shake or smoothie, recovery drinks are full of essential amino acids and proteins which are slowly released into the body over several hours, aiding your recovery and turning your body into an efficient, muscle-building temple.If your aim is to tone up, post-workout recovery drinks should be a compulsory part of your exercise routine. Not only do they help you build muscle, but they also boost your immune system and even improve your bone structure. Of course, you can make your own shakes with supplements, powders, and natural foods. But who has time for that? Many companies provide pre-made recovery drinks which give you absolutely everything you need with minimal fuss.Need help choosing the perfect drink for you? We’ve compiled a list of the very best recovery drinks in 2022, as well as some nifty tricks for choosing the right recovery drink on the fly.