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.

Tanning enthusiasts often reach for tanning lotions to help enhance and accelerate the tanning process. Whether you prefer outdoor tanning or indoor tanning beds, these handy lotions can help you develop your tan faster while extending its lifespan. Many of these lotions can also nourish, rejuvenate, and protect your skin with the inclusion of vitamins, antioxidants, and natural extracts such as hemp seed or green tea. With so many tanning lotions available, it’s important to choose one suitable for your skin type and tanning needs. Refer to our best tanning lotions in 2022 and the buyer’s guide listed below to determine which of these products is ideal for you.

Hair mousse can give you control over your hair regardless of its length, texture, or style with the option of a light, medium, or firm hold. There are wide range of these products available with some mousses designed to define curls and waves while others are for boosting volume or adding a radiant shine. Regardless of your needs, a quality mousse should nourish and condition your hair without ever making it sticky, greasy, or stiff. You can refer to our buyer’s guide below to determine which hair mousse is best for your hair type and style preferences. Checkout our top picks for best hair mousses in 2022.

Hair creams are versatile styling products which can add texture, boost volume, tame curls, smooth waves, and improve your hairs overall look and health. Aside from creating and enhancing hair styles, these best hair cream in 2022 typically leave hair softer, shinier, and more manageable. With so many hair creams to choose from, you don’t want to settle for a product which leaves your hair greasy, sticky, or crunchy. Refer to the buyer’s guide below to help you decide which type of product is best suited to your hair’s needs.

Applying a base coat is an essential part of any manicure since nails require proper preparation before polish application. Without a base coat, nails are susceptible to peeling, chipping, splitting, and discoloration. Base coats can help strengthen, thicken, and fill the ridges in nails to provide an optimal surface for nail polish. Nail base coats also improve the overall health of nails and protect them from damage. For more information on what to look at in selecting the best nail base coats in 2022, refer to the buyer’s guide to help you determine which base coat suits your personal nail needs.

No manicure is complete without the finishing touch of a quality top coat. Top coats are essential to extending the life of your manicure while protecting nail color against chipping, peeling, fading, and denting. Depending on the type of top coat, they can also provide a glossy or matte finish, offer a chip-resistant finish, or dry extra fast for your convenience. Refer to the buyer’s guide below to help you determine which nail top coat is best for your personal nail needs. We've compiled the best nail top coats in 2022.