Smart Film — Switchable Privacy PDLC Film
What is smart film ?
Smart film PDLC is a switchable privacy film that installs directly onto existing glass — windows, doors, partitions, or storefronts. When power is applied, the film is optically transparent. When power is off, it turns to a frosted opaque state in under a second, blocking sightlines while still passing ambient light. This gives any glass surface privacy on demand without replacing the glass itself.
We manufacture smart film PDLC at our Canoga Park facility in three color options — White Ultra Clear, Gray, and Black — and ship nationwide. For installs in the LA region, our team handles the full retrofit; for projects outside our service area, customers or their local glaziers handle the install with our spec sheets.
How smart film works
Smart film PDLC uses polymer-dispersed liquid crystal technology. Inside the film, liquid crystal molecules sit suspended in a polymer matrix. Voltage controls how those molecules align:
- Powered on: the molecules align uniformly, allowing light to pass through. The film becomes optically transparent — clear glass with no visible film.
- Powered off: the molecules return to random orientation, scattering light. The film turns to an opaque frosted state, blocking visibility while letting ambient light through.
The transition is instant — under a second between states. There are no mechanical parts, no moving components, and no maintenance beyond cleaning the glass surface as you would normally.
Smart film PDLC specifications
| Technology | PDLC switchable polymer-dispersed liquid crystal |
| Switching time | Under one second |
| Transparency | 92% in clear state (White Ultra Clear) |
| Color options | White, Gray, or Black |
| Voltage | Low-voltage AC via dedicated transformer |
| Compatible glass | Existing single-pane, dual-pane, laminated, or new glazing |
| Control options | Wall switch, remote, smartphone app, smart-home integration (Alexa, Google Home), timers, building automation |
| Pricing | $35/sqft for film, $20/sqft customer-location install (50 sqft min, $1,000 min charge) |
For full pricing details see our smart glass cost page.
Where smart film fits
Smart film PDLC works in any setting where glass surfaces need on-demand privacy without sacrificing daylight:
- Residential — bathroom windows, bedroom partitions, home office privacy, glass front doors
- Commercial offices — conference room walls, executive office partitions, glass meeting rooms
- Retail — switchable storefront windows, branded glass displays, after-hours privacy
- Medical and clinical — exam rooms, treatment rooms, patient privacy partitions
- Hospitality — guest room privacy, spa suite dividers, bathroom partitions
- Specialty applications — projection screens (in frosted state), branded smart film blinds and custom logos (see our smart film blinds page)
For installation in our LA-region service area, see our smart film installation Los Angeles page. For comparable laminated smart glass options, see smart glass PDLC.
Smart film ultra white full specs
SmartView Smart Film Solutions provides high-performance PDLC smart film technology engineered for precision, reliability, and long-term use in residential, commercial, and medical environments. Our switchable smart film utilizes advanced polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) technology, allowing glass surfaces to transition instantly between transparent and opaque states when voltage is applied. This enables dynamic privacy control, optimized light transmission, and enhanced space efficiency without compromising design aesthetics.
SmartView smart film is manufactured using multi-layer construction for improved optical clarity, uniform opacity, and consistent switching performance. Each film is designed for smooth operation, low power consumption, and stable performance under continuous use. Our smart window film solutions are compatible with standard laminated glass systems and can be integrated with wall switches, remote controls, timers, and building automation systems.
Custom Smart Film Designs for Local Properties
Tailored for both residential and commercial spaces, these smart film designs elevate comfort, energy savings, and visual appeal. Each setup is customized to match window size, lighting needs, and usage patterns, ensuring seamless performance year-round. Perfect for open-plan layouts or storefronts that need adaptable privacy and brightness. Call now to explore custom smart film options for your property.
Talk to us
Want to scope a smart film PDLC install for your property? Email or call us through our contact page with photos, dimensions, and what kind of switching control you want. Free estimates within 2 business days. For technical background on PDLC switchable smart glass, the Wikipedia overview is a solid primer.
Contact us
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PDLC switchable smart film?
PDLC stands for polymer-dispersed liquid crystal. Smart film is a thin laminate containing liquid crystal molecules suspended in a polymer matrix between two transparent conductive layers. When voltage is applied, the molecules align and the film becomes transparent. When voltage drops, the molecules randomize and the film turns opaque. The transition is electrical — no mechanical parts.
How fast does the clear-to-frosted switch happen?
Under one second in either direction. The switch is effectively instant for human perception — there’s no fade or transition phase visible.
What's the optical clarity in clear mode?
92% light transmission in our White Ultra Clear product. That’s near-normal glass — most people don’t notice the film is there when it’s switched on.
Does smart tint actually work?
Yes. Smart tint uses PDLC technology to switch between frosted and clear. It is reliable when the film and installation are high quality.
What voltage does smart film run on?
Low-voltage AC, supplied through a dedicated transformer. The transformer steps standard household 110V down to the operating voltage the film needs. Power consumption is minimal — comparable to a small LED light when switched on.
What's the default state on power loss?
Frosted (opaque). When power drops, the liquid crystals randomize and the film turns private automatically. This is a feature, not a bug — if your wiring fails or a breaker trips, the room defaults to privacy rather than exposure.
Can smart film be used in bathrooms and showers?
Yes, but proper sealing and moisture protection are required to prevent edge damage.
Can smart film be applied to curved or non-standard glass?
Yes within limits. Smart film handles gentle curves and non-rectangular cuts. Tight radii or complex compound curves require pre-fabrication discussion. Send us the dimensions and we’ll confirm feasibility before quoting.
What controls work with smart film?
Wall switch (most common), wireless remote, smartphone via smart relay, Alexa or Google Home through smart-home control systems, timers, and building automation systems. The film responds to voltage on/off — any control system that can switch a low-voltage circuit can drive it.
Can smart film be controlled from a phone?
Yes. Smart film can be connected to smart switches or automation systems for phone control.
Can smart film pair with low-E or laminated glass?
Yes. Smart film applies to the interior face of single-pane, dual-pane, low-E coated, or laminated glazing. Pairing with low-E glass gives you both heat-rejection (from low-E) and on-demand privacy (from smart film) — a strong combination for sun-facing rooms.
Does smart film block UV?
Yes. PDLC film blocks a substantial percentage of UV in either state, helping reduce fading on furniture, flooring, art, and fabrics. Specific UV-blocking percentage depends on the glass it’s paired with.
Does smart film reduce heat?
Smart film is primarily a privacy product, not a thermal-control product. There’s some incidental heat reduction from UV blocking, but for serious heat management, pair smart film with low-E glass or solar film. They solve different problems.
Can smart film be cleaned with regular glass cleaner?
Non-ammonia glass cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners (Windex), abrasive scrubbers, or paper towels. Clean the glass surface as you normally would.
How is smart film applied to existing glass?
Two paths. Most installs are retrofit — we apply the film to the interior face of your existing glass during a clean, dust-free process. The alternative is laminated smart glass, where the film is embedded between two glass layers during fabrication and shipped as a finished panel. Retrofit is cheaper and faster; lamination is more durable for high-use commercial settings.
