Reclaim your garage in a weekend

Is your garage dingy, cluttered and in need of a facelift? Transforming it into a "showroom" for your car, reclaiming it for a workshop, playroom or man cave isn't difficult. All it takes is a weekend and a little elbow grease.

"Many homeowners view the garage as an extension of the home - not just a place to store the lawn mower," says Rust-Oleum brand manager, Mark Wilgen. "A clean, well organized garage can provide extra living space, as well as add value to a home. And, reclaiming it can be a fun weekend project families can do together."

Here's how to get started:

Get rid of the clutter. Remove outdoor furniture, sports equipment, lawn mowers and garage clutter. Bag the trash, donate too-small bikes and other items you no longer need and decide what will go back in the garage after your work is done. If you're like most homeowners, you'll gain a lot of space by clearing the clutter.

Paint the walls. Most homeowners don't think about painting the walls of their garage. Yet, a coat of ordinary latex paint can go a long way in brightening the space and giving it a finished look. If the garage has never been painted - or it's been painted with porous builders' flat paint - make sure you prime first with a quality primer like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3. It will seal the surface for a better paint job and you'll use less paint.

Don't forget the floor. Sweep it clean. Then remove dirt, oil or grease spots using a cleaner/degreaser and a stiff bristle brush and rinse thoroughly. To give your garage a showroom-quality floor that will make you the talk of your neighborhood, finish it with a coating specifically formulated for garage floors like Rust-Oleum Garage Floor Coating. It will protect the floor against gasoline, antifreeze, motor oil, salt and hot tire pick-up and makes it simple to keep clean. And it's easy to apply. Just mix the two-part system, allow the mixture to stand according to label directions and then apply it in 4 by 4 foot sections. Toss the decorative paint chips as you finish each section and you're done.

It's time to organize. From shelving to workbenches to storage pieces designed for sports equipment, there is a plethora of garage storage options available to help you get organized. Visit your local hardware store to find the best option for your needs. You'll be surprised how a little organization can maximize your garage space.

For more information on garage projects, floor finishing tips and techniques, visit www.rustoleum.com.