Curtain with Track?

[jaymar_]

Looking to run a curtain across the back of the garage, in front of some shelving. I do NOT need heavy-duty or oilproof or transparent material, or an accordion wall. I just want to block the view when the door is open. Maybe an 18-20 foot run.

Looking for ideas for overhead track, whatever fits into that track, and curtain material that doesn't look completely bozo. First thoughts: shower curtain hooks with some kind of T-tabs at the top to fit some kind of slotted track (but shower curtains come in short lengths), and bedsheets (which will likely look bozo, and will rip out in any event).

Suggestions? Bonus points if the track can curve.

Thanks for any help!

 

[mike93lx]

You can get curtain sliders for unistrut/strut channel. Two sticks covers that length.

For curtain, any fabric that you can install grommets in would work. With bed bath and beyond going out of business, you might be able to get some stuff on clearance.

 

[billconner]

I don't know where you are but try finding a local theatrical supply or theatre equipment dealer. They have exactly the product you need - track and carriers. You probably want a carrier every foot (which makes the unistrut an expensive choice). Curtain material is a different issue. I don't know what opacity and flammability requirements you have or need. The same theatre dealers replace stage curtains all the time. You might be happy with one of the throw aways with a new bottom hem. You might be fine with used track so ask.

If you let me know where you are via pm I might know a dealer in your area.

 

[Blueshound_GJ]

We used these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B15K4W6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

To divide a basement with a floor to ceiling curtain. Easy install and good quality.

 

[highdeserthacker]

I put a curtain in my shop using track and parts from Curtain Rod Connection:

9600 track

Heavy duty aluminum track,in 4 colors, 11/16" high by 15/16" deep. This listing is for a section of track only. Comes in 72" and 95" sections and can be butted together to cover long spans. Can easily be cut to size with a hack saw. Carriers available for pleated or grommeted curtains.

curtainrodconnection.com

In my case (heating a work area in the winter), I wanted a transparent curtain, so went with clear vinyl. But in researching curtains, came across industrial applications such as hospital privacy, with providers like these: https://www.curtain-tracks.com/oxford.html

 

[Garcky]

Check out curtains for sliding patio doors. That would probably work for you. They're easy to install, and some of them even have cords you can pull to open and close them. Worth the extra expense.

 

[BetterDays]

Roll-up clear vinyl curtain

Does anyone have experience with a clear vinyl roll-up curtain system to help keep some dust away from other areas of the shop? I am thinking of getting something to place between my work area (3rd bay of garage) and my car to minimize dust, etc from landing on my car. I would prefer a roll...

www.garagejournal.com

Here's some research that was done for me a while ago. Sadly I never executed as I decided to do it when I redid my garage

 

[Zeke]

Eyelets in light canvass threaded along a tight cable will work. I'd suggest dividing the curtain in two sections.

 

[cgrutt]

My buddy has one in one of the rooms in his house. He was using the space as an office but wanted to give his kid some privacy between his bedroom and the bathroom. It's pretty nice and looks finished with ceiling. I'll have to ask him where he got it.

 

[Michigan Mike]

I am with Zeke but I would cheap out and just get a tarp on clearance from Harbor Frieght.

 

[crewchief888]

Eyelets in light canvass threaded along a tight cable will work. I'd suggest dividing the curtain in two sections.

wife had some cloth painters tarps she used for curtains in one room. from what i recall they didnt cost much, and came in several different sizes

 

[racecougar]

I use a tarp suspended on a wire rope via strong shower curtain rings to divide my shop into a clean/dirty area when needed. It works well, but might look "bozo".

Deployed:




Stored:

 

[jaymar_]

I don't know where you are but try finding a local theatrical supply or theatre equipment dealer. They have exactly the product you need - track and carriers. You probably want a carrier every foot (which makes the unistrut an expensive choice). Curtain material is a different issue. I don't know what opacity and flammability requirements you have or need. The same theatre dealers replace stage curtains all the time. You might be happy with one of the throw aways with a new bottom hem. You might be fine with used track so ask.

If you let me know where you are via pm I might know a dealer in your area.

Ha. As it happens, I'm in Los Angeles. SFV

 

[billconner]

Ha. As it happens, I'm in Los Angeles. SFV

If your fine with a tarp with grommets on a taut wire to rope, all is good. For some reason I thought you wanted something more finished, so the theatre track and carriers sounded like a good idea. It's a rugged option and if you compared it with the tracks suggested, far superior. (Same track with a heavy duty carrier is used with a bosun's chair for focusing lights.)

And I've seen a lot thrown out in a theatre renovation.

I don't really know what your expectations are for appearance and durability.

 

[The Cobbler]

I used to buy I beam curtain rod in 16' lengths that was about 3/8/ x 3/4 with rollers , hangars and end stops. dunno if it's still available.

 

[jaymar_]

If your fine with a tarp with grommets on a taut wire to rope, all is good. For some reason I thought you wanted something more finished, so the theatre track and carriers sounded like a good idea. It's a rugged option and if you compared it with the tracks suggested, far superior. (Same track with a heavy duty carrier is used with a bosun's chair for focusing lights.)

And I've seen a lot thrown out in a theatre renovation.

I don't really know what your expectations are for appearance and durability.

Couldn't hurt to check it out, if you have suggestions. Expectation-wise, I'm going to be photographing some vehicle work for publication, so it has to at least look better than the messy shelving it covers up in the background.

 

[billconner]

green screen.....

 

[Monza Harry]

I was thinking the same as the ,@The Cobbler. Here is what I found: https://www.homedepot.ca/product/home-decorators-collection-8-ft-i-beam-track-in-white/1000121942

Google Search

There used to be top mounts as well, you should be able to find something with a little searching around. I was thinking of a nice tarp for a curtain, [canvas would be nice, and easy to upgrade if budget limits initial install] A scene could be painted as well as time money and needs dictate. Harry

 

[rayra]

electrical conduit is thin, relatively light and easy to shape. brackets to suspend it from the ceiling or high on the shelves should be easy to find or fabricate.
Garden center shade fabric or better yet weed control fabric would be a very inexpensive solution for the curtain. And being black would tend to disappear in the shadows when viewed from outside the garage.

roller shower curtain hooks would make the curtain move easily.

I've been long contemplating a project similar to racecougar's curtain wall for a long while. Maybe later this year, finally.

https://ripstopbytheroll.com/ was a very useful source when I needed a lot of lightweight ripstop fabric for a project, several years ago. Started by some ultralight campers / hikers who grew their own materials quest into a business.