5 Things to Know Before Buying Frosted Solid Sheet

Author: Benjamin

Apr. 21, 2025

Stippolyte Glass or Frosted Plastic Sheets – Which is Best?

Stippolyte Glass has been around for many decades, but Frosted Plastic Sheets provide several different alternative options, so, which is best? In this article we share which options are available and the benefits of each.

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However, for any of you that don’t have time to read the full article, we believe the best option between Stippolyte Glass and Frosted Plastic is a Frosted Plastic known as Patterned Polycarbonate, because it is almost identical to look at, but around 200 times impact strength, as well as being far easier to use and most importantly it is much safer.

What is Stippolyte Glass?

Stippolyte Glass is a transparent glass sheet with a pattern on it which obscures the view for privacy whilst allowing as much light through as a normal clear glass pane. The disadvantages of Stippolyte Glass are that it is relatively heavy and very fragile. Stippolyte Glass can break or shatter, leaving dangerous shards which could cause harm to people and pets. This is why it is well worth considering alternative plastic sheets which don’t break or shatter and are also lighter weight and easier to install. Polycarbonate plastic sheet is the strongest plastic sheet manufactured, and is generally considered to be virtually unbreakable.  

Extra Info: What is the Type of Pattern on Stippolyte Glass?

Stippolyte Glass Pattern is a regular uniform pattern which looks similar to the outside of an orange skin. The undefined pattern makes it uniform without the need to worry about direction or which way up it is.

What is Frosted Plastic Sheet? – 4 Types

Frosted Plastic can be a confusing term, as there are a few different plastic sheet types that provide a frosted effect, but in different ways. The strongest frosted plastic glazing sheets are manufactured from Polycarbonate and provide a truly shatterproof plastic sheet. There are four different Frosted Plastic Sheets set out below with example photos and an explanation for each type:

  1. Opal Plastic Sheet
  2. Patterned Plastic Sheet
  3. Fluted Plastic Sheet
  4. Bronze Tint Plastic Sheet

Read more on these four options below:

What is Opal Plastic Sheet?

Sometimes called Opaque Plastic Sheet, Opal Plastic Sheets are white tinted and allow some light through, but the white tint provides privacy, so that only shadows and outlines can be seen through it.

The white tint of Opal Plastic Sheets also reflects heat from the Sun meaning they will help to keep temperatures down in many plastic glazing sheet applications.

Common Uses of Opal Plastic Sheet:

  • Shed Windows
  • Garden Screens
  • Greenhouse Plastic
  • Canopy Roof & Side Sheets

What is Patterned Plastic Sheet?

Patterned Plastic looks very similar to Stippolyte Glass, but it has many benefits over Stippolyte Glass. If you choose polycarbonate patterned plastic you will have a product which looks exactly like Stippolyte Glass, but is around 200 times stronger, in fact polycarbonate patterned plastic is such a strong plastic that it is generally classed as virtually unbreakable.

Clear Patterned Plastic is less than half the weight of Stippolyte Glass and lets the same amount of light through, while obscuring the view to provide privacy. Sometimes Patterned Plastic is called obscure plastic, because it obscures the view.

Despite its incredible strength, Clear Polycarbonate Patterned Plastic is easy to cut to size or shape. To cut Clear Polycarbonate Patterned Plastic you can use a fine-tooth jig saw as shown in this How 2 video

Polycarbonate Patterned Plastic is the closest looking alternative to Stippolyte Glass but provides all these incredible advantages for safety and strength.

For more Frosted Solid Sheetinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Common uses of Polycarbonate Patterned Plastic Sheets:

  • Shed Windows & Roofs
  • Replacement Greenhouse Glass
  • Secondary Glazing Sheets
  • Roofing Sheets
  • Pergola Roof Sheets
  • Garden Shelter Roofs
  • Roof Lights
  • Cold Frames

What is Fluted Plastic Sheet?

Fluted Plastic Sheets are manufactured in a box structure and are sometimes called twinwall plastic sheets, ribbed plastic sheets or multiwall plastic sheets. Clear fluted plastic allows light to pass through like normal clear plastic, but the flute lines cause the view to be obscured providing privacy. Most fluted Plastic Sheets are manufactured from Polycarbonate which is very strong and easy to install. Fluted Polycarbonate Plastic Sheets also provide insulation with the layer between the walls, and the structure of the boxes make it very rigid whilst still being very light weight. 

Fluted Polycarbonate sheet is ideal for Greenhouses, Carports, BBQ Shelters, Covered Eating Areas, Outdoor Covered Play Areas, Canopies, and Garden Shelters. 

Common uses of Polycarbonate Fluted Plastic Sheets:

  • BBQ Shelter Roofs
  • Shed Windows
  • Covered Eating Areas
  • Replacement Greenhouse Glass
  • Outdoor Covered Play Areas
  • Roofing Sheets
  • Canopies
  • Covered Walkways
  • Pergola Roofs
  • Carwash Spray Screens
  • Garden Shelters
  • Cold Frames
  • Privacy Screens

What is Bronze Tint Plastic Sheet?

Bronze Tint Plastic is a transparent sheet but with a bronze (or brown) tint in it which creates an anti-glare effect. Bronze Tinted Plastic will reduce the brightness of the light and reduce light transmission, but also the darker colour can absorb more heat and create an increase in heat build-up from the Sun light, creating a warmer shaded effect.

Like the other types of frosted plastics bronze tint plastic is strongest when it is made in polycarbonate.

Common uses of Bronze Tint Plastic Sheets:

  • Shed Windows
  • Boat Windows
  • Pergola Roofs
  • Shelters

Conclusion on Stippolyte Glass Versus Frosted Plastic Sheets:

Stippolyte Glass may be a lower cost than some of the Frosted Plastic Sheet options discussed above, however the four options of the Frosted Plastic Sheet above provide so many more benefits of strength, reduced weight, safety, ease of installation and longevity. This means in most cases it is much better to choose a plastic glazing sheet which provides the same privacy solution but with all the extra benefits. Our favourite option is the Polycarbonate Patterned Sheets as they provide privacy, whilst letting in the most day light and have incredible strength against breakage.

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FROSTED VS. MATTE- WHAT'S THAT?! - CMB Acrylics

When it comes to choosing acrylic sheets for your project, the finish and level of transparency play crucial roles in the material's visual and functional appeal. Two popular finishes, matte and frosted, offer distinct advantages and aesthetic effects. While both can elevate the design of a space or an object, understanding their differences is key to selecting the right material for your needs. This post delves into matte and frosted acrylic sheets, comparing their finish and transparency to help you make an informed decision. Acrylic sheets, known for their durability and clarity, are a versatile material used in a wide range of applications, from architectural features to artistic installations. Before comparing the finishes, it's essential to understand what sets acrylic apart from other materials: its ability to mimic the clarity of glass while offering greater impact resistance and flexibility.

Matte Acrylic Sheets

Matte acrylic sheets are characterized by their non-glossy, smooth surface that diffuses light, reducing glare and reflections. This finish provides a sophisticated, understated look that can complement various design aesthetics. One of the defining features of matte acrylic is its opacity. Unlike its glossy counterparts, matte acrylic does not allow light to pass through as freely, making it more opaque. This property makes it an excellent choice for applications requiring privacy or where a solid, non-transparent appearance is desired. Matte acrylic is ideal for creating signage, decorative panels, and displays where a glare-free surface is crucial. It's also commonly used in photography and framing, where its ability to minimize reflection enhances the visibility of the displayed content.

Frosted Acrylic Sheets

Frosted acrylic sheets, on the other hand, offer a translucent finish that softly diffuses light, creating a "frosted" appearance. This finish provides a level of privacy while still allowing some light to pass through, giving it a unique aesthetic appeal. Frosted acrylic's main feature is its translucency. Unlike matte acrylic, frosted sheets allow for light transmission, albeit diffused. This quality makes frosted acrylic perfect for applications where light diffusion is desired without complete transparency. Frosted acrylic is widely used in lighting fixtures, room dividers, and privacy screens. Its ability to diffuse light without creating harsh glares makes it ideal for both residential and commercial spaces looking to add a touch of elegance and functionality. While both finishes offer distinct benefits, the choice between matte and frosted acrylic ultimately depends on the specific requirements of your project. If opacity and a glare-free surface are your priorities, matte acrylic is the way to go. For projects that benefit from light diffusion and a hint of transparency, frosted acrylic offers an elegant solution. Whether you choose matte or frosted acrylic, both materials offer unique advantages that can enhance the aesthetic and functional aspects of your project. By understanding the differences in finish and transparency, you can select the most suitable acrylic sheet that aligns with your design goals and practical needs.

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