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.

Whether you work out each day or spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, it’s easy to suffer from aches and pains. If you have a strain in your back, neck, or legs, it limits your mobility and makes it challenging to get around— the discomfort can even last for days. While stretching may help reduce some of the tightness, sometimes you just need more targeted relief. Enter massage guns: massage guns work well to relieve tension and restore your comfort to avoid any interruption to your daily activities. They target specific muscle groups and allow you to get the same relief you’d feel after a visit to the chiropractor, masseuse, or physical therapist. What's even better is that you can treat yourself right at home. If you want to find the best massage guns in 2022, there are a few top brands to consider due to their efficient designs and reliable operation. Take a look at our list of top massage guns and our buying guide to help you choose the best product that will relieve your discomfort.

Sometimes, even after the most careful browsing, we can end up with a mattress that doesn’t feel as comfortable as it should. A bed topper can improve your sleeping experience tenfold by offering the extra cushion and support you need. However, finding the right mattress pad can be just as challenging as finding an actual mattress. We've carefully tested and selected four of the best bed toppers in 2022 available to make your search easier.

Whether you work night shifts or live in a well-lit area, it can be challenging to fall asleep at night if you’re not in a dark setting. Fortunately, eye masks offer relief and allow you to get into a deep slumber without closing the blinds or putting a towel over your eyes. Sleep masks are also ideal for traveling and getting used to a new time zone. If you want to find the best sleep masks in 2021 for your needs, there are a few top options to consider because of their quality construction and excellent fit on the face.

Like them or not, face masks are here to stay for the next foreseeable while. Nearly all public spaces that have not already been closed require a properly worn face mask as a condition of entry, including stores, parks, gas stations, and everything in between. Not all masks are equal, though - we singled out a few that are readily available and are of markedly higher quality than the rest.

Fires, smog, pollen, industrial pollution - poor air quality can come from a variety of sources. No matter how or why it happens, unhealthy air quality can lead to respiratory issues and other long-term health concerns. Unfortunately, clean air eludes many of us, especially if you live in or around a crowded city. The recent spate of record-setting wildfires also managed to bring smoke and ash across the entire continent, tinting the daytime sky an uncanny orange and spreading ash and PM2.5 in many areas of the country.