Garage/Shop Window Treatment

[marc@kentucky]

Hello all,

It's been a while since I've been on the forum but I received very valuable info here when building my first 32' X 48' a few years ago. Over the last year I built a second post frame shop (40' X 48) to use primarily for storage.

Now that I have the storage building, I'm using the 32X48 as more of a shop for my vehicle restoration hobby. I do most of my work at night so I'm interested in doing some sort of window treatment and was curious to hear input on what other members have done, pros and cons, etc.

My initial thought was either to use metal blinds or wide plastic blinds.

I would welcome any insights that others might have.

Obligatory pics of my new building attached.

TIA

 

[isb cornbinder]

If I were doing it again, I would not have windows. But that is not the situation. I bought Venician blinds at Home Depot. The windows let in too much light and the contrast of light to dark made it difficult to see many areas when I was working on a car project. I bought and use bright LED trouble lights from Milwaukee Tools.
The blinds hide the contents of this shop.
I really didn't like the bright sunlight when I was working on the lathe or milling machine.

 

[Falcon67]

In the tool room, I trimmed out the windows with some 1x4s modified as required, then added some cheap blinds. I think the $4 or $5 models from Walmart LOL.

 

[bdbecker]

When I get to it someday, I plan on making some sturdy wood shutters and mounting them on the inside of the building so that I can close and lock them when I'm not around. Not 100% secure, but better than nothing.

 

[CN Spots]

I have a pull down darkening shade on mine. The spring loaded roll-up kind. Mostly to keep prying eyes out. I would imagine that venetian blinds would be a dust shelf in no time. At least in my shop anyway.

That's a beautiful building btw!

 

[glentre]

As others, I would suggest going with blinds. They can be opened completely for letting in natural light and can be closed to keep anyone from looking in. In my garage, I have them closed all the time but they still let in some light in that area. The key is to have sufficient overhead lighting so you don't need outdoor light to work. I only have two windows on one side wall. The long rear wall of the garage has fake windows and shutters attached to the outside vinyl siding.

Glen

 

[matt_i]

In temporary situation, a roll of white laser-printer-style paper cut to fit lets in a fair amount of light and won't show anything at all.

 

[rburke65]

Lots of choices out there. Go shopping if you haven't already. I have one window that is accessible, and I'm ready to decorate it with some 240 volt curtains!

 

[Pate]

I did aluminum colored mini blinds.

 

[My Old Tools]

The problem with blinds is they catch dirt and are a pain to clean.

 

[marc@kentucky]

Thanks all for the input. I didn't think about spring loaded darkening shades but that may not be a bad idea, especially due to the mentions of blinds and dirt/dust.