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.

Although keratin is found naturally in hair, sometimes strands need a little extra boost to become shinier, straighter, and healthier. Keratin treatments a re designed to replenish lost keratin by sealing it into hair's cuticles; this reduces curls, minimizes frizz, and gives strands a silky-smooth appearance. There are various keratin treatments to choose from, all of which contain different formulations and last different lengths of time. For more information on what to look at in selecting the best keratin treatmet in 2022, Check out the buyer's guide to help determine which keratin treatment suits your personal hair needs and budget.

Home relaxer kits are ideal for those times when you can't get to the salon or don't have a couple hundred bucks to spend on professional hair treatment. Since many relaxer systems tend to destroy hair and fry your scalp, it's best to use the most gentle treatments available and read the directions a few times to ensure you achieve optimum results. All of the following home relaxer kits are formulated without dyes or other chemical ingredients which cause severe scalp irritation, contain moisturizing agents such as olive and avocado oils to protect hair, and make hair more manageable overall. While some of these kits will leave hair straighter than others, each will soften and relax hair regardless. For more information on what to look at in selecting the best at-home relaxer kit in 2022, we have listed below the available home relaxer kits for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.

Keeping your fingernails trimmed, cuticles under control, and hands looking presentable is much more enjoyable when you use the proper tools. A manicure kit is a perfect way to maintain your nails while saving money in the long run. Instead of purchasing each manicure tool separately, a quality kit contains all the tools you need for one price. Having all your manicure tools in one place makes nail care less of a hassle and all of the following manicure kits contain tools made of sturdy materials, such as stainless steel, to ensure their longevity. They also include durable, protective cases to keep the tools safe and in one easy-to-find place. Here, we've compiled the best manicure kits in 2022.

Body temperature is one of the four primary ‘vital signs’ that must be measured to ensure a patient’s health and well-being. Temperature measurement is recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence as a part of the initial assessment in acute illness in adults, and a clinical fever (greater than 100.4 F) is often the first visible sign of an infectious or contagious illness. Despite applying in all healthcare environments, wide variations exist on the methods and techniques used to measure body temperature. A person’s temperature can be measured by several methods: orally, axillary (under arms), rectally, and via forehead or temporal scanning. It is crucial to use the most appropriate technique to ensure that temperature is measured accurately. Inaccurate results may influence diagnosis and treatment, lead to a failure to identify patient deterioration and compromise patient safety. The list of the best thermometers in 2022 below is designed to help you find the right thermometer for your loved one who is feeling ill.

Nothing is sexier than soft, clean shaven skin but it is not always easy to achieve perfection. Far too often we end with nicks, razor rash or ingrown hair along the way (it happens to the best of us.) The best way to get the most out of your shave is to start with the right razor. Whether you choose disposables or regular razor, these options will give you smooth, lasting results. Check out our list of the best razors for women in 2022 to learn more.