Solving Art Storage Challenges with Unistrut Trolley Systems

While many of the Unistrut projects coming out of our warehouse are straightforward ceiling grid installations, catwalk system designs, or medical equipment support prefabrications, we’ve been known to provide some unique solutions to our clients as well. Our team’s decades of experience with Unistrut’s strengths and features allow us to think outside the box when it comes to Unistrut applications. 

For example, let’s take a look at how the Unistrut trolley system fits in perfectly in the art storage space.

How the Unistrut Trolley System Works

The Unistrut trolley system is made up of three parts:

• Trolleys - stainless-steel wheel bearings and steel or acetyl wheels
• Special Support Fittings - keeping the track clear while providing strong support
• Channel track - Unistrut’s signature inturned edges create the channel for the trolley

When compared to competitors, Unistrut’s trolley system has proven to be more efficient and easier to install. A single trolley can accommodate 10 to 600 pounds, with the ability to accommodate higher loads by combining multiple trolleys. 

Originally designed for industrial applications, Unistrut trolleys are commonly used for pneumatic tools, lubrication systems, rolling doors, die handling, welding curtains, or material transfers. However, with a little bit of creativity, it’s easy to see how this solution applies to art storage as well.

Art storage challenges

Museum and gallery art storage and curation is a demanding industry. When even the slightest environmental change or human error can permanently damage a priceless work of art, it’s important to create the best possible storage space. Luckily, Unistrut trolley systems address many of these challenges. 

Art storage challenge: Artwork is typically meant to be hung. For storage, paintings should be stored upright, preferably suspended, and not on an exterior wall. 

Unistrut trolley system solution: By creating rolling art racks suspended from Unistrut trolleys, paintings can be hung from a rack anywhere in a room, avoiding the change in temperature or humidity that can come with being in contact with an exterior wall. 

Art storage challenge: All artwork should be stored in a climate-controlled environment with no direct light exposure and good ventilation (but no direct airflow). 

Unistrut trolley system solution: Rolling art racks using perforated metal allow for air circulation around the artwork, and the custom nature of a Unistrut trolley system installation means the rack can be positioned at the optimal location in a room. 

Art storage challenge: Avoid storing artwork in an area that experiences moderate to extreme levels of vibration, as vibration can damage the condition of even the most stable artwork. 

Unistrut trolley system solution: Unistrut trolleys are comprised of stainless-steel wheel bearings and steel or acetyl wheels which require no lubrication, providing smooth, maintenance-free operation for the life of the product. 

Art storage challenge: The greatest risk to a piece of artwork comes from handling. Art should be handled as little as possible, and two-dimensional artwork should never touch the face of another piece. 

Unistrut trolley system solution: By securely hanging artwork on a moveable art rack, the piece can remain where it is hung while still sliding out of the storage area for viewing, removing the need to touch the piece. And by placing racks an appropriate distance apart, pieces should never come into contact with one another. 

Why use Unistrut for storage?

Beyond the specific benefits mentioned above, Unistrut trolley systems are a great choice for art storage solutions for many of the same reasons that they are trusted throughout industrial applications. 

Unistrut components are tough; robust enough to handle the weight of a fully loaded art rack, but can still be moved smoothly and easily by one person. By suspending from the ceiling, you are able to maximize space that would otherwise be unusable, allowing you to make the most of your available square footage. And Unistrut is available in both stainless steel and Defender finishes, with a service life of over 40 years in storage environments. 

If you’re interested in seeing how Unistrut can create an art storage system to meet your needs, contact our team. We offer design, prefabrication, and installation services as well as the largest selection of Unistrut inventory in the country. We’d love to help you get your solution off the ground.