Clear Vinyl Rolls Cut to Your Project

Metro Screenworks offers clear vinyl rolls from 4 to 80 gauge in 54-inch and 72-inch widths, sold by the full roll or as clear vinyl by the yard for porch enclosures, marine covers, greenhouse coverings, and safety barriers.

This double-polished clear vinyl sheeting provides excellent optical clarity and is made to withstand wind, cold, rain, and snow at a fraction of the cost of glass or acrylic for the same coverage. Whether you’re a homeowner working on a DIY project or a fabricator purchasing material for a larger installation, you can choose the gauge and size that fit your application. Orders ship within 1 to 2 business days. Browse our rolls of screen and materials for more project options.

Clear Vinyl Roll Sizes and Specs

Benefits of Clear Vinyl

• Window Insulation: Install Clear Vinyl panels in addition to your windows to help block out cold air, winds, and snow to reduce drafts around the opening. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, reducing drafts in a home can result in energy savings of 10% to 20% per year. Clear vinyl can also be used on porches and other enclosed spaces to reduce unwanted air movement.
• Highly Durable: Our Clear Vinyl material is built to withstand wind, rain, snow, and cold temperatures. Different gauge options let you choose a lighter or more rigid material depending on the project and fastening method. This makes clear vinyl suitable for porch enclosures, greenhouse projects, marine applications, and more.
• Excellent Visibility: This double-polished, crystal clear vinyl material gives you clear visibility to take in your home's view, even when keeping the cold out. Because the vinyl is polished on both sides, it provides optical clarity from either face of the material. The smooth finish helps reduce haze and distortion, making it well suited for enclosures where visibility matters.
• Cost-Effective Alternative: Clear vinyl covers the same area at a fraction of the cost of glass or acrylic. This makes it a practical option for larger enclosures and projects where transparent coverage is needed without the higher material cost. With multiple gauges and roll sizes available, you can choose the material that best fits your project.

What Gauge Clear Vinyl Do You Need?

Gauge refers to the thickness of clear vinyl: the higher the gauge, the thicker and more rigid the material. As the thickness increases, the vinyl can also become stiffer in cold temperatures. Your fastening method is one of the most important factors when choosing a thickness: spline installations generally work best with 10 to 20 gauge, while staples, grommets, and screws are better suited to 30 to 40 gauge material. Boat and marine work typically uses 40 to 60 gauge. Use the vinyl gauge thickness chart and clear vinyl gauge thickness chart below to compare your options before ordering.

Clear Vinyl Gauge Guide

4 Gauge (Thinnest): This is our thinnest vinyl and is commonly used for table coverings, school bulletin board covers, and art projects.

8 Gauge: This is commonly used for table coverings, school bulletin board covers, shower curtains, furniture covers, art projects, tent windows, and bags.

10 Gauge: This Clear Vinyl is often used for porch enclosures that need to be installed with spline. This is also used for barriers, table coverings, school bulletin board covers, shower curtains, furniture covers, tent windows, clear stadium bags, art projects, and bags.

12 Gauge: This clear vinyl is slightly thicker than the 10 Gauge and is often used for porch enclosures that need to be installed with spline. Other uses include barriers, table coverings, school bulletin board covers, shower curtains, furniture covers, art projects, tent windows, clear stadium bags, bag liners, and purses.

16 Gauge: This is a popular option for safety barriers, windows, and porch enclosures that need spline. Its thinner, pliable, and lightweight design makes it a great option for greenhouses and for stretching across greenhouse frames. It's also a little cheaper, which makes it a good option for people with a tight budget. 16 Gauge can be used for barriers, table coverings, school bulletin board covers, shower curtains, furniture covers, art projects, tent windows, clear stadium bags, bag liners, and purses.

20 Gauge: 20 gauge clear vinyl is often used in porch enclosures that need to be installed with spline. This is also used for barriers (good for gym barriers), table coverings, school bulletin board covers, shower curtains, furniture covers, art projects, tent windows, and purses. Good for stretching across greenhouse frames.

30 Gauge: 30 gauge clear vinyl is approximately the same thickness as a credit card. This is our top selling item for porch enclosures (stapled, grommets, screws/nails). It's also great for barriers, golf cart windows, RV camper tent windows, seat covers, and greenhouse coverings. Good for stapling or screwing into greenhouse frames.

40 Gauge: 40 gauge clear vinyl is one of our thickest and affordable vinyls. If you want to retain more heat in your porch this is perfect for you (stapled, grommets, screws/nails). It's also great for Barriers, Biminis, Marine enclosures, sail windows, dodgers, jeep/convertible windows, carpet/floor protection. This is our most popular option for boat marine enclosures. Good for stapling or screwing into greenhouse frames.

60 Gauge: The 60 Gauge is a very popular option for boat enclosures. It's thicker, heavy-duty and can also be used as barriers. Since it's thicker it's really good at making porch enclosures warmer. It's also great for Barriers, Biminis, Marine enclosures, sail windows, dodgers, jeep/convertible windows, carpet/floor protection. Good for stapling or screwing into frames. Good for table top protection pad cut to tabletop size (not for draping down).

80 Gauge: The 80 Gauge is our thickest vinyl and its heavier construction helps it lay flat for floor protection. This is a popular option for Pet Doors and works great for Barriers, Biminis, Marine enclosures, sail windows, dodgers, jeep/convertible windows, carpet/floor protection. Good for stapling or screwing into greenhouse frames. Good for table top protection pad cut to tabletop size (not for draping down). Also used in heavy duty warehouse door flaps.

How to Install Clear Vinyl

Spline Installation

For 10 to 20 gauge clear vinyl, spline installation is a good option when working with a frame that has a spline channel. Position the clear vinyl over the frame, then press the spline into the channel to secure the material in place. A standard steel roller tool can be used to press the spline into the frame channel. Make sure the vinyl is positioned evenly as you work around the frame.

Staples, Grommets, and Screws

For 30 gauge clear vinyl and thicker, staples, grommets, or screws can be used to secure the material over wood or a rigid frame. Thicker clear vinyl will not seat properly in a spline channel, so choose a fastening method suited to the heavier material. Clear vinyl can stiffen in cold weather, so unroll it flat, allow it to relax, and install it in warmer conditions when possible before fastening. For buyers who prefer a track system rather than a DIY frame, see our porch screening systems.

Applications for Clear Vinyl Rolls

Porch and Patio Enclosures

Clear vinyl can be used for porch and patio enclosures, with different gauges available depending on the installation method. If you’re looking for clear vinyl sheets for screened porch projects or heavy clear plastic for porch enclosures, you can purchase the material by the yard or roll. For a pre-built option rather than raw material, see our porch panels with clear vinyl.

Sunrooms and Three-Season Rooms

Clear vinyl can also be used to enclose sunrooms and three-season spaces while maintaining visibility through the enclosure. For applications where glare is a concern, consider tinted clear vinyl instead.

Marine and Boat Enclosures

For marine applications, 40 and 60 gauge can be used for boat enclosures, biminis, dodgers, sail windows, and jeep or convertible windows. If you’re looking for marine grade clear vinyl, you can use these heavier gauges for marine and boat enclosure projects.

Greenhouses

For greenhouse applications, 16 to 30 gauge clear vinyl can be used depending on how the material will be attached to the frame. Lighter gauges can be stretched across greenhouse frames, while 30 gauge can be stapled or screwed into the frame.

Barriers and Commercial Use

Clear vinyl can be used for applications like gym barriers, warehouse door flaps, floor protection, and tabletop protection. For projects with code or occupancy requirements, consider choosing the fire retardant clear vinyl.

For window insulation, clear vinyl can help reduce drafts around windows during colder weather. If you prefer a finished framed insert over working with raw material, see our Draft Blocker option.

Standard vs. Tinted vs. Fire Retardant Clear Vinyl

Metro Screenworks offers Standard, Tinted, and Fire Retardant clear vinyl for your project needs. Compare the options below to determine which type is best suited for your application.

Clear Vinyl FAQ

What gauge clear vinyl is best for a porch enclosure?

The best gauge depends on how you plan to fasten the clear vinyl. For spline installations, 10 to 20 gauge work best, while 30 to 40 gauge is better for installations using staples, grommets, or screws.

Can you buy clear vinyl by the yard?

Yes. Metro Screenworks offers clear vinyl by the yard as well as full-roll options, making it easy to choose the amount of material needed for your project.

How thick is 30 gauge clear vinyl?

30 gauge clear vinyl is approximately the same thickness as a credit card. It is commonly used for porch enclosures, barriers, golf cart windows, RV camper tent windows, seat covers, and greenhouse coverings.

Does clear vinyl turn yellow?

Clear vinyl can lose clarity with prolonged UV exposure. How quickly this happens depends on the amount of exposure and climate, so an expected outdoor lifespan should not be assumed without specific product documentation.

Will clear vinyl crack in cold weather?

Clear vinyl becomes stiffer in cold weather, so warmer conditions are preferred when installing it. Unroll the material flat and allow it to relax before fastening whenever possible.

What is the widest clear vinyl roll you carry?

Our Standard clear vinyl is available in widths up to 72 inches. For projects requiring a wider option, Fire Retardant clear vinyl is available in a 90-inch width in 20 gauge.

Not sure which gauge is right for your project? Request a sample to compare your options, then order the clear vinyl you need by the yard or by the full roll. For bulk quantities or larger projects, request a quote for additional assistance.