Clear plastic sheeting comes in a variety of lengths and thicknesses making it suitable for a host of applications. It is used by professional contractors, gardeners, and individual homeowners alike. The plastic sheeting also comes in different colors, maximizing versatility for applications that call for an opaque material.

Fabrication

Plastic sheeting typically comes in rolls and is referred to as polyethylene film. The thickness of the film is measured in thousandths of an inch or mils. The most typical thicknesses range between 3 and 6 mils. The thickness is often called the gauge of the plastic film.

Polyethylene film is further differentiated by its fabrication method. Visqueen is a polyethylene that is made from at least 25% post consumer plastic. It is a reground plastic that is also called construction and agricultural grade polyethylene, or C&A.

Engineered polyethylene is constructed from virgin resins. This kind of plastic sheeting is designed for specific uses for which Visqueen is not suitable. Vapor retarder, moisture barrier, and fire retardant film are made from engineered polyethylene film.

Uses

The number of uses for both types of sheeting is unending. Clear plastic sheeting is often utilized for pallet wrap, window insulation, and greenhouse construction. Thicker sheeting is used for weather proofing and even can even serve as temporary window glass. It is a favorite of many construction professionals and hobbyists.

Because the sheeting is fabricated is many other colors, the uses do not stop here. Several people will utilize the sheeting much in the same way they utilize tarps. Thicker and reinforced polyethylene resists ripping making it suitable to use as a ground cloth or cover.

Black polyethylene makes a terrific pond liner. It is easy to maneuver and size for custom shaped ponds. Since it is an inexpensive material, it is ideal for larger water features. The larger the gauge the more durability and longevity you can expect. Logically, thicker gauge sheeting will cost more per square foot.

Innovations in printing have allowed for custom graphics on to be printed on the material. Disposable signage can be printed on rolls of Visqueen. They are perforated at certain points, allowing you to create signage in custom sizes. The signs can be easily discarded after use. It is perfect for signing outdoor events.

As previously mentioned, it is used by gardeners, but not only for greenhouse construction. Water collection and aquaponic systems often utilize plastic sheeting. Water collection methods typically will use a thicker Visqueen, while there is a special polyethylene film constructed specifically for aquaponic use called food grade compliant film or FGC.