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 you are a runner or hiker, you know the pain that blisters can cause. They can ruin your entire hiking experience. Blisters can form if you wear the wrong type/size of shoes or by pushing yourself to walk or run more than usual. Whatever the cause, they can hurt a lot and you need a quick fix to treat them. That is what blister bandages are for. Our team has prepared this guide to help you choose the most effective blister bandages.Some athletes like to use blister bandages to prevent blisters as well. If you are wondering about their effectiveness in treating and preventing blisters, you have come to the right place. This complete guide will help you find the highest-rated blister bandages and inform you about their importance and effectiveness.

Microfiber dusters have gained popularity due to their ability to absorb dust better than other cloth rags, and for being eco friendly. A lot of companies are manufacturing microfiber dusters due to ever-increasing demand, and it can become overwhelming to pick the right one for your needs. Our team has prepared this guide to help you choose the finest microfiber dusters in 2022, with a list of our top picks, valuable information to help you make the right choice, and tips for using them efficiently. Dust can easily accumulate on surfaces, and it can become difficult to clean every nook and corner without a strong alcohol cleaner. Microfiber dusters help make the job easier because they can absorb even tiny dust particles efficiently, without the need of using a cleaner. You can dust almost any item with a microfiber duster including cars, computers, air conditioners, and televisions.

A bedding necessity, the box spring is the lowest portion of the bed that bridges the gap between the floor and mattress. It not only provides back support and shock absorption, but it can also extend the longevity of your mattress, elevate your bed, and prevent it from premature wear and sagging. Although a box spring isn’t a necessity, some mattress manufacturers make it a condition to use a box spring for a warranty. The old box springs came with internal springs; however, the modern ones use metal rods.Even though a box spring is concealed beneath your bedding and mattress, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be picky about it. It can be the difference between good or bad sleep. When you’re out in the market for box springs, you'll find them in various tiers, types, and features. But we've done all the research for you to make things easy. Read on to find out which of the top box springs on the market are perfect for you.

Matcha is made from the Camellia sinensis plant, just like green tea. It is, however, cultivated differently and has a distinct nutritional profile. Matcha is grown by covering tea plants a month before harvest to protect them from straight sunshine. This enhances amino acid content, promotes chlorophyll synthesis, and gives the plant a deeper green color.

The correct pillow will offer you pleasant support while you sleep. The way you sleep has a significant influence on your fitness. Sleeping posture has an impact on breathing, spinal alignment, and even skin wrinkles. Using the proper pillow with the correct balance of filling and napping in the right angles are proven strategies to obtain a healthier night's sleep. Realizing how to sleep well can help you live a better life.