Opal polycarbonate is the ideal choice when you need a material that is both extremely tough and able to diffuse light. Choose opal polycarbonate if you need:
- A virtually unbreakable sheet
- A material for outdoor or high-impact environments
- Privacy glazing with light transmission
- A solution for canopies, shelters or lightboxes
It’s especially useful where glass would be too fragile or unsafe.
Applications of opal white polycarbonate
Opal polycarbonate sheets are commonly used in applications where strength, safety and light diffusion are essential:
Ideal for environments where impact resistance and weather durability are critical.
Types of opal white polycarbonate
We offer opal white polycarbonate in sheet thicknesses of 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm. In our webshop, you will find polycarbonate sheets in a range of colours: clear, opal, grey and brown tinted. Always choose clear polycarbonate if you’re using polycarbonate as a replacement for clear traditional glass.
Tip: Do you want to use opal white polycarbonate for privacy glazing? Choose a sheet thickness of at least 4 mm. For glazing from 1.5 m², it is advisable to choose a minimum sheet thickness of 6 mm.
Working with opal white polycarbonate
Opal white polycarbonate diffuses light while retaining the toughness of clear PC—ideal for canopies, light boxes and privacy panels. Keep these practical notes in mind for a clean, safe result:
- Cutting & drilling: Keep the protective film on, support the sheet and clamp lightly. Use fine-tooth blades and HSS drill bits; de-burr edges for a neat, opaque finish.
- Fixing methods: Suitable for screws with washers, rubber gaskets or flexible MS-polymer adhesives/sealants. Avoid rigid adhesives that restrict movement.
- Allow for expansion: approx. 0.65 mm per metre per 10 °C (≈0.065 mm/m/°C). Pre-drill oversize holes and don’t overtighten fixings.
- Forming: Cold bending is possible within limits (use large radii to prevent stress-whitening).
- Appearance tips: Handle with clean gloves to avoid marks; remove the protective film only after installation to keep the opal surface pristine.
- Cleaning: Mild soap and water only—no abrasives or solvent cleaners.
Example:
You want to use a polycarbonate sheet as balcony glazing and the sheet is 2 metres wide. The outside temperatures can vary from -15 ° to + 35 ° Celsius, giving a temperature difference of 50 ° Celsius on a panel of 2 metres. The expansion degree is then (2 metres * 0.065) * 50 degrees = 6.5 mm.
Characteristics of opal polycarbonate sheets
Opal polycarbonate sheets combine the toughness of clear PC with soft light diffusion—perfect when you want brightness without glare or direct visibility.
- Light-diffusing & private: opal tint softens glare and spreads light evenly while obscuring direct views—ideal for canopies, light boxes and privacy glazing.
- Virtually unbreakable: extremely impact-resistant yet lightweight; suitable for vandal-resistant panels.
- Heat & fire performance: tolerates high temperatures; self-extinguishing and fire-retardant.
- Outdoor-ready: UV-protected to resist yellowing and weathering, perfect for long-term exterior use.
- Easy to work: can be sawn, drilled, milled and cold-bent; supplied with protective film on both sides.
- Care note: more scratch-sensitive than glass—light marks can be polished out; use an anti-static cleaner and avoid abrasive or solvent cleaners.
Maintenance of polycarbonate
Keep your plastics panels clear and streak-free with a light-touch routine—no harsh tools or chemicals needed.
Simple routine:
- Dust off first with lukewarm water from a spray bottle; let the grit run off.
- Wipe gently with a clean microfibre cloth and a drop of mild washing-up liquid. Work in straight lines, then rinse.
- Pat dry—don’t rub—and, if desired, finish with a small amount of anti-static plastic cleaner to reduce dust pickup.
What to avoid:
- Paper towels, scouring pads and abrasive creams.
- Solvents (acetone, alcohols, benzene), thinners and standard glass cleaners—they can cause haze and stress-cracks.
If scratches appear:
- Fine marks can usually be restored with a plastic polish.
- Deeper scuffs: wet-sand locally (grit 600→1000), then polish until clear.
Tip: Are you going to machine polish polycarbonate? Read our blog: Polishing polycarbonate sheet
Our opal polycarbonate sheet prices
Our opal polycarbonate sheet price is straightforward and competitive: from about £43/m² for 2 mm, £66/m² for 3 mm, £93/m² for 4 mm and £111/m² for 5 mm. Prices are shown per m² and vary by thickness; every panel is cut to your size.
Ordering opal polycarbonate sheets cut to size
Looking for opal polycarbonate sheets tailored to your exact requirements? It’s quick and easy to arrange.
