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H om e, L aw n & G ar de n, T hu rs d ay , M ay 2 3, 2 01 3 4 How to turn those castoffs into garage sale gold As the warmer weather is upon us, it brings many new activities, from baseball to picnics to garage sales. It's the time of the year when peo- ple are purging what they don't need, and is the perfect opportunity to turn their trash into your treasure. From outdated odds and ends to forgotten furniture, there is a wealth of wor- thy items just waiting to be found, re-imagined, and re-purposed. Take a look at these ideas: Pretty in Paint Rusty metal, chipped paint, colours from another decade - these are all-too-common sights for the garage sale shopper. But look be- yond these imperfections - and at their spray paint potential - and you'll soon fi nd some diamonds in the rough. Metal products, such as tables, chairs, garden tools or even water- ing cans, can receive an easy and instant update with a spray paint like Rust Protector from Krylon. It is available in a variety of colours and dries in just eight minutes, so as you create your new masterpiec- es, you don't have to worry about grass, leaves or other particles get- ting stuck in a fresh coat of paint. It provides the ultimate protection against rust, keeping your new trea- sures looking amazing regardless of the elements they face. New Uses for Old Things The key to fi nding items at ga- rage sales is to look at how they can be used in new and different ways. Don't view that dusty, broken type- writer or vintage camera as mechan- ical pieces you have to fi x, but rather as interesting design elements to be admired on bookshelves and man- tels. Even old books can add a level of sophistication to your home. Grab a handful in coordinating colours to stack on a dresser or end table for instant eye appeal. Buy an old lad- der and prop it against the wall as a place to drape blankets. You can even spray paint an old coffee mug rack to create a fabulous jewelry or- ganizer where you can hang all your favourites.. The possibilities are endless. Turn Treasure Into Sold If you're main reason for getting giddy over garage sales it to make a quick buck, you're not alone. Valu- able items lurk at each and every turn, and they are just waiting to be snatched up by an eager buyer. Doing your research and reading up on collectibles is a great place to start. Generally, pieces with high nostalgia value will fetch a higher price tag. Think classic lunch boxes, comic books, sports memorabilia or board games - things you loved as a kid and that never seem to go out of style. You can also enlist the help of a collectibles expert to tell you ev- erything you need to know. So, as you head outdoors this summer on a hunt for some bargain fi xer-upper or forgotten gems, keep your eyes peeled and your mind open. The perfect addition to your home is right around the corner. You just have to use your imagina- tion and bring it back to life. More information is available on- line at www.krylon.ca. --www.newscanada.com