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.

Hand sanitizers have grown to become an essential part of everyday living in the home, at school, in the workplace, and even when you’re taking care of shopping at the supermarket. Using these products can greatly reduce your odds of getting sick or spreading illness thanks to their ability to kill the germs and bacteria on hands at first contact. We’ve chosen the following best hand sanitizers in 2022 because they quickly eliminate up to 99.9 percent of the germs and bacteria you come into contact with throughout the day. They’re all formulated with minimal to no alcohol content which prevent skin from over-drying and each one is gentle enough for use on even sensitive skin types.

If you were stuck on a stranded island and were told you could only have one makeup product, concealer would easily be one of your top "must-haves." Concealer is typically the next step in your beauty routine after your SPF/ moisturizer and it helps to cover up small blemishes. But now, you can take shortcuts because today's concealers do far more than just cover a blemish. All of these products go above and beyond the call of duty with some even containing vitamins to foster a brighter complexion or fight signs of aging. Whether you want a simple concealer, one for dark circles, or a concealer to combat acne or other skincare need, here are the best concealers in 2022.

Mascara is an important part of any woman's makeup application. In fact, it’s hard to get a complete look without having your lashes stand out. Whether you like a volumizing mascara, a curling mascara or one that does it all and is waterproof too - these list are the best of the best mascaras in 2022. Each one brings something unique and innovate to the table and you’ll surely find one that you love.

Like most people, we're always on the prowl for the best bedsheets – ones that are soft, don't pill or get fuzzy, wash well without shrinking, and have a nice luxurious weight. Here, we've assembled some of the best bedsheets we've seen out there. When looking for the best bedsheets, look for a relatively high thread-count – at least 300 or higher. This means that the cotton fibers will more closely spaced, making for a softer and more luxurious sheet. However, just because the thread-count is high doesn't mean that the cotton fibers are the best quality. The best premium cottons are Supima, Pima and Egyptian cottons, all names for extra-long staple cotton, which has a longer, finer, and stronger fiber than normal cotton. You may also want to look for cotton sateen, cotton which has been treated and woven to create a satin-like smooth look. Be sure to check the depth of your mattress before buying, to ensure that your new sheets will fit your bed. Check out our list for the best bed sheets in 2022 to learn more.

The advantages of memory foam mattresses combined with their increased availability have made finding the best memory foam mattress no easy task. Unlike traditional mattresses, memory foam mattresses are designed to mold to the contours of your body. So, you are able to sleep in a natural position, reducing the stress placed on the back, neck, joints, and other muscles. If you are tired of searching, then read on to find the best memory foam mattresses and check out our list of the best mattresses in 2022.