Clone a Layout with minor changes

I would like to have 2 or 3 versions of the Product page layout or information page. Each with a slightly different design.
One with the side-banners and info. on right column
One with nothing on the sides.
One with categories on left-column

The idea is to apply certain layout depending on product options etc.

It seems so complicated? but it also seems like there's got to be a simple way...
Thanks,
Lasa2

I think I'm understanding...seems easy enough make a new layout, name it something PRODUCT2 and add the same route of the layout you are duplicating... then apply the banner and info etc. to that new product2 layout. Then apply to each product the new product2 layout.

Quick question: does a blank layout = default layout.
Asking because our exported excel shows all blanks... so if I made a new products2 layout and want to apply it to only a couple of products I would enter the new product2 on those view items...and leave the rest blank (meaning default)

lasa2