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.

The right shave soap can really make all the difference when adopting an old style approach to shaving. A soap that works into a thicker, richer lather will result in fewer cuts and nicks and produce a smoother, more comfortable shave. If you are planning on leaving canned foams and disposable razors behind in favor of a more fulfilling and rewarding shaving experience you need to know that finding the right shave soap is essential. You want something that is easy to work, that produces a rich lather, that has a smell that suits you and that isn’t too expensive. Based on overall factors like cost, ease of use and effectiveness we’ve put together this list of the best shave soaps in 2022 available today.

Shaving is a rite of passage. Something that all men must take up at some point to look their best for dates, meetings, interviews or just the daily grind. While some men just rush through this part of their daily routine without a second thought, there are others who have adopted the old school methodology and take the act of shaving just a little more seriously. By applying the right shave soap with a high quality shave brush you can turn the simple act of shaving into something more than just a part of getting ready. Applying your shaving cream thoughtfully with your shave brush can not only be almost meditative, it can also help you get a closer and more comfortable shave. The right brush will help lift your whiskers and help properly prepare you for a close and lasting shave. Based on factors like cost, ease of use and effectiveness, we have put together this list of the best shave brushes in 2022 available today.

Tanning oils speed up the tanning process, enhancing both indoor and outdoor tanning. Unlike tanning lotions, which are typically creamy in texture, tanning oils are thinner and easier to apply. Skin absorbs tanning oils faster than tanning creams, leaving it extra moisturized and hydrated. Some tanning oils also nourish your skin with vitamins and antioxidants, which condition and protect your skin against signs of aging. Since most tanning oils don't contain over SPF 4 sunscreen, they do not provide adequate protection against the sun's harmful rays. The best tanning oils in 2022 listed below were chosen because they all offer the best bronzing performance and feature the best user reviews.

Find the moments of relaxation you crave with luxurious bubble baths. They can help ease stress, soften your skin, and revitalize your body and mind. Bubble baths are available in many different intoxicating scents and can contain essential oils that provide aromatherapy benefits. Fortunately, you don't have to spend much to experience the calming effects of a bubble bath. The best bubble baths in 2022 featured below were selected because they all are relaxing, invigorating, and rated the highest by users. These bubble baths range in price to suit all budgets.

Hair treatment masks are deep conditioning products that moisturize and repair. Anyone with dry, damaged, or over processed hair can benefit from using a mask one to two times per week. If you are trying to maintain healthy hair, newsflash: you still need to use a mask once a week, minimum. Many of these conditioning masks utilize various types of oils, butters and proteins to restructure and smooth. Many salon services (Brazilian keratin treatments, coloring, highlighting) require harsh chemicals that can dry out the hair. By using a specialty mask, you can minimize damage and replenish your strands. I chose the following masks based on one simple factor: effectiveness. Each of the following products has that "wow" factor. As a woman with naturally curly, color treated hair, I have tried a variety of masks, from every price point. I keep all five of the following products in rotation in my regimen. For best results, shampoo and rinse hair with warm water. Saturate hair from root to tips with one of the following masks. Wrap hair in a warm towel for 7 to 30 minutes. Rinse well with cold water to seal the hair cuticle and increase shine. I promise, your hair will thank you for the extra TLC! Checkout our top picks for best hair treatment masks in 2022.