Bottom line: frosted polycarbonate sheet is a solid polycarbonate panel with a matte, light-diffusing surface that lets daylight through while blocking a clear view — the standard pick for privacy partitions, bathroom screens, office dividers and light-box diffusers. It is produced 1–10 mm thick in standard 1220 mm and 1560 mm widths, in single- or double-sided finish, with 60–85% light transmission, and it keeps polycarbonate’s roughly 200-times-glass impact strength.
What frosted polycarbonate sheet is
Frosted polycarbonate sheet (also called matte PC sheet or etched solid PC sheet) is an extruded solid polycarbonate panel whose surface carries a fine matte texture instead of a polished face. The texture scatters light as it passes through, so the panel glows softly and works as a privacy screen: you can see light and shapes on the other side, but not detail. Because the frosting is part of the panel surface rather than a film, it does not peel, yellow or wear off over the life of the sheet. It carries solid polycarbonate’s impact strength and heat tolerance, which makes it a tougher, safer alternative to frosted glass in high-traffic or overhead positions.
Complete specification range
As a manufacturer we produce frosted polycarbonate sheet to the industry-standard ranges below. Custom thicknesses, widths and cut-to-size panels are available on request.
| Parameter | Available range |
| Thickness | 1.0 / 1.5 / 2.0 / 3.0 / 5.0 / 8.0 / 10.0 mm |
| Standard width | 1220 mm, 1560 mm |
| Finish | Single-sided frosted / double-sided frosted |
| Light transmission | 60–85% |
| Impact strength | ≈ 200× that of glass |
| Fire rating | UL94 V-2, B1 (GB 8624) |
| Service temperature | −40 °C to +120 °C |
| Density | 1.2 g/cm³ |
Single-sided vs double-sided frosting
The biggest selection decision is how many faces are frosted. A single-sided sheet is matte on one face and smooth on the other, so it diffuses light but keeps one side easy to clean and slightly clearer to read through — the usual choice for light boxes and displays where the smooth face points at the light source or the room. A double-sided sheet is matte on both faces, which gives stronger privacy and a softer glow from either direction and hides fingerprints and minor scratches better. Choose single-sided when light quality matters most and the smooth face is protected; choose double-sided when privacy and a clean look on both sides matter most.
Thickness, weight and light transmission
Frosted sheet is solid polycarbonate, so weight scales directly with thickness at 1.2 kg/m² per millimetre. Thicker panels transmit a little less light and block more detail, which is why privacy partitions step up in thickness while light-box diffusers stay thin.
| Thickness | Weight |
| 1.0 mm | ≈ 1.2 kg/m² |
| 1.5 mm | ≈ 1.8 kg/m² |
| 2.0 mm | ≈ 2.4 kg/m² |
| 3.0 mm | ≈ 3.6 kg/m² |
| 5.0 mm | ≈ 6.0 kg/m² |
| 8.0 mm | ≈ 9.6 kg/m² |
| 10.0 mm | ≈ 12.0 kg/m² |
| Thickness | Typical use |
| 1–2 mm | Light-box diffuser panels, lens covers, display and cabinet inserts |
| 3 mm | Privacy partitions, door inserts, signage and backlit panels |
| 5 mm | Office dividers, bathroom partitions, balustrade and shower screens |
| 8–10 mm | Self-supporting screens, heavy-duty partitions and balustrade infill |
Applications
Frosted polycarbonate sheet is specified wherever a space needs soft, even light plus a degree of privacy, and where glass would be too heavy or too easy to break. The most common uses are office partitions and meeting-room dividers, bathroom and shower screens, privacy glazing in doors and sidelights, and light-box or signage diffusers where the matte face evens out the light from LEDs and fluorescent tubes. Because it is impact-resistant, it also suits schools, clinics, gyms and public buildings where safety and durability are part of the brief.
Need a specific thickness, finish or cut size for your project? Contact our team for a quote, samples and current lead times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between frosted and clear polycarbonate sheet?
Frosted polycarbonate sheet has a matte, light-scattering surface that lets light through but blocks a clear view, so it works as a privacy screen. Clear polycarbonate sheet transmits light with almost no distortion and stays fully see-through. Choose frosted where you want soft light plus privacy, and clear where an unobstructed view matters.
Should I choose single-sided or double-sided frosting?
Choose single-sided frosting when light quality matters most and the smooth face is protected — typical for light boxes and displays. Choose double-sided frosting when you need stronger privacy and a clean, fingerprint-hiding look from both directions, such as office dividers and bathroom screens.
What thickness do I need for a privacy partition?
3 mm is enough for lightweight partitions and door inserts; 5 mm is the common choice for office dividers and bathroom screens that need more stiffness; 8–10 mm suits self-supporting screens and balustrade infill. Confirm thickness against the panel size and how it will be framed or fixed.
Does frosted polycarbonate sheet still let light through?
Yes. Frosted grades transmit 60–85% of light, so the panel glows softly instead of going dark. The matte surface scatters the light evenly, which is exactly why frosted sheet is also used as a light-box diffuser to hide hot spots from LEDs and fluorescent tubes.
Can frosted polycarbonate sheet be cut, drilled and cleaned?
Yes. It cuts cleanly with a fine-tooth saw or CNC router and drills without cracking when the back is supported and you use a sharp bit. Clean with a soft cloth, mild soap and water; avoid abrasive pads and strong solvents that could dull the matte surface.
