By far the most common finish used when one wants to see the grain of the wood is varnish. While there are other finishes available, varnish has been used literally for centuries. Some modern varnishes are adaptations on the original, but they still qualify as being varnish. Many of these are labeled as “polyurethane varnish” rather than just saying “varnish.” To understand the differences that these new varnishes provide, we need to have a basic understanding of the chemistry behind varnish. There are three basic ingredients in any varnish: resin, oil and a solvent. The solvent is there to allow the varnish to be brushed on and flow, with the intent that it dissolves. Therefore, it really isn’t all that important. I think we can all trust that the manufacturers will use a solvent that will accomplish the purpose. It is the other two ingredients; resin and oil that make the difference in varnishes. The types of these ingredients used, as well as the ratio between the two of them, are what give each varnish its particular characteristics. There are three types of resins used: phenolic, alkyd and polyurethane. In recent times, most varnishes are polyurethane, due to its lower cost, higher scratch resistance and clear coloration. The best (and most expensive) varnishes are made using phenolic. It is also possible that a combination of these resins will be used in one varnish. There are two types of oils used in varnish: tung oil and linseed oil. Of the two, linseed oil is by far the more common, due to its lower price. However, many people feel that tung oil is a superior product, and it is found in the higher priced varnishes. The other major distinction to look for in a varnish is the use that it is created for. Most varnish is created for indoor use, where the wood and the varnish on it are protected from weather and ultra-violet light. Spar varnish, sometimes referred to as marine varnish is created specifically for outdoor use. Since any wood left outdoors is much more susceptible to absorbing moisture and expanding, these varnishes have a higher ratio of oil to resin, making them more flexible. They also have UV inhibitors added to the varnish to protect it. When selecting a varnish, it is important to consider the application; specifically, where the finished item will be used. If it is going to be used outdoors, then you definitely want a spar varnish. If it is going to be used indoors, then the next question is whether it will be subject to a lot of wear. A table top needs a more durable finish than baseboard and casing. Therefore, selecting a hard varnish, with good scratch resistance is important. Check out our list of the best vanishes in 2022.

Paint edgers are a specialty tool, invented by the painting equipment industry, to satisfy the needs of people who are painting their own homes. Professionals don’t use them, as they learn how to “cut” edges and corners freehand, with a brush. However, for those that don’t have that level of experience, an edger can be easier than masking things off.Edgers are pads, usually with a couple of wheels to roll against the trim or other wall/ceiling surface that the individual is trying to avoid painting, while applying paint to the wall that they are painting. The idea is that the edger will be able to provide a clean line, because of guiding along the trim or adjacent wall/ceiling. The biggest precaution when using these is to be careful with how much paint you get on the pad. Too much paint, and you can be assured that you will get paint onto surfaces where you don’t want it. Ideally, you should dip the pad flat into the paint tray, just deep enough for the napp to get wetted, without wetting the foam backing. Then rub it on the textured part of the tray. Finally, wipe off excess paint on the edge of the tray. Check out our list of the best paint edgers in 2022.

Besides paint brushes, paint rollers are still the most common means of paint application for homeowners and do-it-yourselfers. Even professional painters, who use airless paint sprayers for new construction and exterior painting, still use paint rollers for interior painting, especially on occupied dwellings and offices. In these cases, the overspray from paint sprayers is unacceptable. A high quality paint roller will make a difference in the quality and quantity of your work, just like a high quality paint brush will. Specifically, the differences you will see in a high quality paint roller include: The roller will carry a higher volume of paint, allowing you to cover more area before recharging your paint roller. The roller will not “shed” leaving little pieces of the nap stuck in your paint job. The roller will leave a smoother, more consistent paint finish. There will be less paint splatter from the job. The roller will have beveled edges to help eliminate “lines” at overlap points. The roller will last through a number of cleanings, without falling apart. On this last point, let me say that while many do-it-yourselfers buy inexpensive roller covers and throw them away after one usage, paint rollers and covers really aren’t all that hard to clean and reuse. A good quality roller cover, which is cleaned after every use, can last for years. I have a lambskin cover that I bought more than 20 years ago. While I haven’t used it constantly in that time, I have used it for a number of projects. I am currently repainting my entire house, inside and out, and expect to complete the entire project with this one roller, then clean it up and keep it for the next project. I am a big fan of lambskin paint roller covers. Personally, even though I was an engineer, I find it hard to believe that man can improve upon what nature creates. However, in all fairness, I must say that some of the newer synthetic materials that have been created outperform lambskin in all but one important area, that of life expectancy. Lambskin roller covers are still the longest lasting on the market. For the sake of this article, I’ve stuck to 1/2-inch nap roller covers. If you are painting a slick surface, this is too long, you’d need a 1/4-inch nap; likewise it is too short for painting brick or cinder block, you’d need a 3/4-inch nap. However, for the most common paintjob, that of painting textured interior walls, this is the best length. Check out our list of the best paint roller covers in 2022.

Painting tarps, more commonly known as drop cloths, are one of those unglamorous essentials that are needed to insure that any painting project comes out right. Without them, not only does your paint get applied where you want, but you get the bonus of having it apply itself all kinds of places you don’t want. Have you ever looked at the walkways, patio, or porch around a house and seen a dazzling selection of colored paint drips near the wall? That’s the unmistakable evidence of painters who don’t believe in using drop cloths. It’s even worse when that happens inside the house, because then the victims are furniture and carpeting. Those are much harder to clean and much more costly to replace. While it is possible to paint with a brush, without every getting a drip on the floor, it’s impossible to paint with a paint sprayer or roller without drips, splatter and overspray. Even with a brush, there’s always the chance that you’re going to drip, no matter how careful you are. If you are going to buy drop cloths, the first thing you need to eliminate from your mind is the word “plastic.” While there are many brands of plastic drop cloths available on the market, in any thickness and size you can imagine, they all share one common fault; none of them can absorb paint. When your paint drips, and it will drip, you want something to absorb that drip, not just preserve it until you can step in it. Many a carpet has received a lovely, colorful footprint from painting over plastic drop cloths. The only thing that plastic drop cloths are useful for is for covering furniture. Even then, you don’t want to take that drop cloth and move it to another piece of furniture, because you may have paint drips on it and not be able to keep track of which side is up. The second thing you want to keep in mind is that bigger is always better. Trying to use a 9 foot x 12 foot drop cloth to paint your 10 foot x 12 foot room is a prescription for disaster. While you can always fold a drop cloth that is too big, you can’t stretch one that is too small. If you are going to cover furniture with it, you will be amazed at how quickly your drop cloths seem to shrink. What you thought was big enough suddenly seems like it’s last year’s size. I've always used canvas drop cloths, as most professionals do. However, I recognize that not everyone reading this list is going to want to invest in a bunch of canvas drop cloths, so I've also included some plastic-backed paper, disposable drop cloths. While they won’t last you years, they will work for the project you are trying to complete. A good habit to form with your drop cloths is that of always using the same side up. That way, when you move the drop cloth, you’ll be sure that any paint drips on the drop cloth are on the “UP” side and not on your furniture and carpeting. To start out with, mark the up side in several places with a thick magic marker. After a while, the paint splatters and drips themselves will make it obvious which is the up side for that drop cloth. Check out our list of the best painting tarps in 2022.

The most important part of any paint job, whether you are painting your house, a Ferrari, or the Golden Gate Bridge is surface preparation. Everyone wants to concentrate on that finish coat, but if you don’t have a good surface underneath it, your great paint job is going to look like garbage. Even worse, if you are repainting an older structure, and haven’t removed all the old, loose paint, your nice new paint job is going to fall right off. Scraping off old paint is hard, tedious work; maybe that’s why people don’t really like doing it. Nevertheless, it’s important. A good paint scraper will make a lot of difference, as you will be able to get the job done faster and easier. Trying to scrape paint with a putty knife just makes the job harder, so the investment in a scraper is well worth it. Although water-based paints are dry to the touch in less than an hour, they continue to “outgas” for up to six months. So they aren't fully dry until that process has finished. That’s why wallpaper companies recommend waiting six months before putting wallpaper over new paint. Once the paint is dry, the process really doesn't end. Dry usually means as dry as a product is supposed to get, but then there’s dried out. Paint that has been too long on a structure gets dried out. When this happens, it begins to crack and peel. This damaged paint must be removed before applying new paint. Otherwise, the new paint is just sticking to something that’s going to fall off the wood underneath. That’s where paint scrapers come in. Before applying paint to old structures, especially old wood structures, it is essential to scrape off this old paint. A good paint scraper is made to take lots of abuse. It’s amazing how many people think that a paint scraper is a hammer, when they see a loose nail. Not only that, but the constant pressure of scraping is hard on the tool. While it may not look like it, paint is abrasive, and will dull a scraper blade. For this reason, the best paint scrapers usually come with carbide blades. That’s even better than having good quality steel or easily replaceable blades, although those are both good options. I especially like tools like this when they have ergonomic handles. When you've got a tool in your hands for hours, you want something that is going to be comfortable and not cause any blisters. A nicely contoured handle makes a lot of difference. Even better is a nicely contoured, padded handle. Check out our list of the best paint scrapers in 2022.

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.