Bottom line: frosted polycarbonate sheet is solid polycarbonate with a matte, light-diffusing surface, supplied in thicknesses from 1.0 mm to 10.0 mm and standard widths of 1220 mm and 1560 mm. It transmits 60–85% of visible light while blocking clear see-through, which makes it the standard panel for privacy partitions, office dividers and backlit light-box diffusers. This 2026 guide lists the complete thickness, width, transmission and application data so you can specify the right frosted panel.
What Is a Frosted Polycarbonate Sheet?
A frosted polycarbonate sheet is a solid PC panel whose surface has been matte-treated on one side or both sides to scatter light. Where clear PC sheet passes up to 89% of light straight through, a frosted sheet diffuses that light evenly so objects behind it appear as soft, blurred shapes instead of clear images. The panel keeps the core properties of solid polycarbonate — impact strength roughly 200 times that of glass at about half the weight — while adding privacy and glare control.
Key Features
- Light diffusion: 60–85% transmission, evenly scattered with no hot spots
- Privacy: translucent rather than transparent, blocking clear see-through
- Impact resistance: about 200× the impact strength of glass
- Light weight: density around 1.2 g/cm³, roughly half the weight of glass
- UV protection: co-extruded UV layer on one or both sides for outdoor use
- Easy fabrication: cuts, drills and cold-bends like standard solid PC sheet
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 1.0 / 1.5 / 2.0 / 3.0 / 5.0 / 8.0 / 10.0 mm |
| Standard width | 1220 mm, 1560 mm |
| Standard sheet size | 1220 mm × 2440 mm (4 ft × 8 ft) |
| Surface type | Single-side frosted, double-side frosted |
| Light transmission | 60–85% |
| Density | ~1.2 g/cm³ |
| Impact strength | ~200× that of glass |
| Fire rating | UL94 V-2 to V-0 (per grade) |
| Operating temperature | −40 °C to +120 °C |
Custom widths up to 2100 mm and thicker sheets are produced on request. These are industry-standard ranges; as a manufacturer we match the exact grade and frost finish your project needs.
Single-Side vs Double-Side Frosted
| Type | Light | Privacy | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-side frosted | Higher (upper end of 60–85%) | Light privacy, one direction | Office glazing, display covers, light-box faces |
| Double-side frosted | Lower, softer diffusion | Strong privacy, both directions | Bathroom partitions, changing rooms, room dividers |
Light Transmission and Diffusion
Frosting trades a little clarity for even, glare-free light. Clear solid PC sheet peaks around 89% transmission, while frosted sheet sits at 60–85% depending on thickness and frost grade — the thicker the sheet and the finer the matte, the more the light is spread. That diffusion removes hot spots and hides the LED grid in backlit signs, which is why frosted sheet is the standard diffuser material for light boxes and illuminated displays.
Applications
| Application | Why frosted PC |
|---|---|
| Office and bathroom partitions | Privacy plus impact safety plus light weight |
| Light-box and sign diffusers | Even, hot-spot-free backlighting |
| Display and retail fixtures | Matte premium finish that resists scratches |
| Machine guards | Impact-resistant translucent screens |
| Doors and sidelites | Shatter-resistant privacy glazing |
Why Choose Jietai
As a polycarbonate sheet manufacturer, Jietai extrudes frosted sheet in-house and can match single- or double-side frosting, custom thicknesses and custom widths to your project. We supply standard 1220 mm × 2440 mm sheets and cut-to-size panels, with UV-protected grades for outdoor and backlit applications. Contact our team for a quote and current lead times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What thickness is frosted polycarbonate sheet available in?
Frosted polycarbonate sheet is available from 1.0 mm up to 10.0 mm, in the standard steps 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 5.0, 8.0 and 10.0 mm. Thinner sheets (1–3 mm) are popular for light-box faces, while 5–10 mm sheets suit partitions and doors.
What is the difference between single-side and double-side frosted polycarbonate?
Single-side frosted has the matte finish on one face only, so it passes more light and gives directional privacy. Double-side frosted is matte on both faces, which softens the light further and blocks see-through from both directions — the usual choice for bathroom partitions and room dividers.
How much light does frosted polycarbonate sheet let through?
Frosted polycarbonate transmits roughly 60–85% of visible light, depending on thickness and frost grade. It lets plenty of light through for daylighting but scatters it so people and objects behind the panel are not clearly visible.
Can frosted polycarbonate sheet be used outdoors?
Yes. With a co-extruded UV layer on one or both sides, frosted polycarbonate sheet resists yellowing and stands up to weather, so it works for outdoor partitions, canopies and backlit signs as well as interior screens.
Is frosted polycarbonate stronger than glass?
Yes. Solid polycarbonate — including the frosted finish — has impact strength around 200 times that of glass at roughly half the weight, so it is far harder to crack or shatter and is safe for glazing that needs privacy and impact resistance.
