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.

When looking for ways to add a pleasant fragrance to their home, a lot of people get confused between wax warmers and candles. Some people like the traditional scent and feel of a candle, while others prefer the safety and convenience of wax warmers. There are several differences between wax warmers and scented candles, which we have discussed in detail below. The one you choose will depend on your personal preference and what exactly you are looking for.

If you've ever had a cold or flu, you know how crucial it is to relax and drink plenty of water, but did you know that consuming zinc can also help? Zinc is an essential mineral found in every cell of our bodies. It helps regulate growth and development, fights infections, builds strong bones, and supports the immune system.While zinc deficiency has long been associated with poor health outcomes, recent research shows that increasing the amount of zinc in your body can actually enhance your overall health, and even reduce the risk of certain diseases.While taking a supplement for something you get naturally through diet may seem strange, zinc supplements are both safe and beneficial. To get your hands on an ideal option for yourself, we have listed the most effective zinc supplements of 2022 below!

The feeling of being too hot or overheating during the night can cause discomfort and disrupt quality sleep. If you find yourself waking up during the night to flip your pillow over, this is just for you.Although room temperature and bedding play a significant role in creating the ideal sleeping environment, your pillow also contributes to your comfort. Something designed specifically for breathability or temperature control regulation can reduce sweating, improve relaxation, and enhance your overall quality of sleep.The most comfortable cooling pillows in 2022 come with various features, allowing you to choose something that suits your liking with firmness and composition while staying cool.

Who doesn't love summer? From beach parties, wholesome picnics, adventurous hikes, to family BBQs in the backyard, summer is a delightful season to look forward to. But what's not so great is the risk of sun damage and sunburns. Many people who are somewhat conscious about skincare like to stay inside to avoid the scorching sun on super hot days, but that's no way to live. A face sunscreen with a strong enough protective layer will allow you to enjoy complete summer freedom no matter how hot it gets!But choosing a sunscreen can get pretty complex when you start to research the different qualities, types, SPFs, and brands. But don't worry! We've evaluated many popular products and have shortlisted some of the safest, most effective sunscreens you can find in 2022. We've also prepared an all-inclusive buying guide to guide you through every detail so that you can make an informed purchase decision. Let's get started!

It is easy to forget self-care in the busy lives we lead, which can affect you both mentally and physically. This is why it is so important to take some time out of your day to pamper yourself. But to do so, you need self-care tools that will help you achieve that goal.So, to better facilitate your daily self-care regime, we have made this guide to buying the top self-care boxes in 2022. These boxes contain all the things you will need to revitalize and give you a glowing look. They also make for a great gift item for Mother’s Day or birthdays.A self-care box is essentially a package that includes a variety of beauty items. This package-style deal gives you value for your money, and you also don't have to look for each item individually. It is an easy and time-efficient way of getting all you need to give yourself the care you deserve.