Frequently Asked Questions

When the electricity is switched on the liquid crystal molecules align themselves and the glass becomes clear. When the power is off the liquid crystal molecules relax, scattering the light for a frosted effect.

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Smart glass contains the switchable PDLC layer sandwiched between two pieces of laminated and tempered safety glass and is installed just like regular glass. Smart film works the same way, but is simply the PDLC film combined with an adhesive and applied to existing glass.

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Find out which one is right for your project>>

Switchable glass and film are controlled by switching an electric current on and off. This is accomplished via a remote, smartphone app, home automation system, wireless control, a set timer or a smart door lock.

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No, you don't need to replace the glass. You can simply apply smart film to any existing glass surface to transform it into switchable glass.

We’d love for you to get in touch. You can purchase samples of our smart glass and film by emailing us at info@smartglasscountry.com. Please note that there will be a limited number of resellers for each territory so act fast.

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The cost of your smart film or glass depends on your project size and requirements (for example embedding switchable logos, ordering insulated glass units or other unique specifications). In general, the cost of our smart film ranges from $30-45 USD per square foot and the price of our smart glass ranges from $99-140 USD per square foot. Get in touch with us today to get an estimate.

Simply measure the width and height of the glass. Read this article for tips on taking measurements.

Ready to get privacy on demand? Simply contact us and share your project details. Our product advisors will be happy to help you find the best solution possible and get the ball rolling. 

Yes, Smart Glass can be double glazed for enhanced energy efficiency. Our double-glazed insulated glass units (IGUs) are crafted with Argon gas filling and TriSeal super spacers, which help reduce convection currents for superior thermal performance and quality.

Yes, various grades of impact resistant laminates can be used.

Yes, we can manufacture Smart Glass with fire-rated glass.

Yes. Privacy glass can be used in a shower screen or bathroom enclosure.

Our standard smart glass and film are transparent when the power is ON. The operation cannot be reversed.

However, we do offer reverse film and reverse glass products. These products are transparent when the power is OFF and frosted when the power is OFF. This technology is called PNLC reverse film. Contact us for more details.

No.  When switched to opaque smart glass and film allow over 70 percent of the light through while providing privacy and cutting glare.

Yes, smart glass and film act as an electronic blind.

Yes, our switchable film and glass reduces glare by diffusing the light. It does not, however,  have the same effect as a black out blind or UV darkening film, so it is best suited for applications where you want to cut the glare without significantly reducing the amount of natural light.

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Privacy film and glass contain tiny liquid crystals that make glass go from clear to opaque. Smart glass and film are extremely clear but due to their composition, they are not as clear as plain glass.

Smart Glass Country’s products have the lowest haze rating on the market at below 4 percent. If you want even clearer glass, we recommend ordering low iron smart glass.

PDLC smart film is typically used for indoor applications. For outdoor applications, it is recommended to use smart glass.

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Our switchable glass products and smart film is manufactured in British Columbia, Canada.

Yes. Switchable glass and film have many applications. Our products can be used with x-ray glass and two way mirrors. Smart glass can be installed in double or triple glazed units and as individual panels or entire glass walls. Switchable glass can also be ordered in traditional clear or tinted various colors.

Smart glass and film can be controlled in a variety of ways including remote controls, buttons, wall switches, smartphones, home automation systems and voice command. Watch this video for more info:

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Yes, our switchable film and glass products are UL rated for quality assurance and your peace of mind.

Smart film consumes less than 5 watts per square meter.  For perspective, 10 square meters of smart film or glass consumes less energy than one LED bulb.

Yes. When the glass is switched to opaque it can be used as a rear projection screen.
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Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) is the technical term for smart glass that relates to the liquid crystals responsible for its switchable effect.

Our privacy window film is 0.38 mm thick.

Our standard smart glass is 12 mm thick, about ½ an inch. Custom thicknesses are available. Contact us for more details.

Yes, smart glass and film  block 99% of UV rays.

Switchable glass products consume very little electricity and increase natural light, decreasing the need for artificial light. They also block IR and UV radiation and reduce heat gain, which can save energy that would otherwise be spent on air conditioning systems.
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Smart glass and film are becoming more and more popular for smart homes, offices, meeting rooms, schools, hospitals, spas, clinics and hotels.
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Ready to order smart glass or film? Contact us today and share your project details to get started. If you would like an estimate, be sure to include the dimensions of the glass area in question.

Ordering a sample is simple! Our sample kit includes a small, pre-wired piece of smart glass or smart film, complete with a battery-powered control. Just press the on/off button to experience its switchable glass technology firsthand. Contact us to order a sample now.

Most of our customers are located in the United States or Canada, but we can ship our switchable glass and film anywhere in the world. 

Along with the film or glass, other costs include transformers, installation, electrical installation and shipping.

Smart Film orders are typically manufactured and ready for dispatch within 10-21 days, while Smart Glass orders may require 6 weeks or more. For specific timelines tailored to your project, please reach out to us directly.

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Lead times commence once we receive the purchase order, signed shop drawings (if needed) and/or payment of the deposit.

All of our switchable products are strictly on a pro forma invoice basis once we have given you a quote which you have signed. We will only start to manufacture the film or glass when you have paid a deposit, usually 50% and then we will require the remaining balance prior to shipping. We submit an invoice to you by email and provide you with our bank details or credit card payment options.

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For large projects, we do offer financing.
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Our smart glass and film products are custom-cut to order, with a standard maximum width of 72 inches (1800mm) and length of 150 inches (3810 mm) . However, larger sizes are available at request. Please contact us to learn more.

Yes. Smart glass can be delivered with precut holes for door hardware, hinges or whatever else you may require. This service is provided at no additional cost and is recommended over cutting or drilling into the glass after production. All we need are detailed drawings indicating the exact location, size and shape of the cutouts.

Yes, just provide us with a detailed drawing. Smart glass will be delivered precisely cut to the desired shape while our smart film can usually be trimmed on-site. Chat with one of our product advisors today to sort out the details. 

Yes, privacy film can be supplied in various colors including grey, blue, red and yellow. Please note that the glass will only switch from clear to frosted, not from clear to colored and the color will always be visible. 

Yes. We can manufacture bent smart glass for your project. Contact us today to get started and read this article for more details on our curved smart glass.

Yes. We can embed switchable artistic designs, patterns, blinds and logos in the glass for added impact. Learn more>>‍

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Adhesive Smart Film has a backing that can be peeled off for easy application to existing glass. It is very similar to applying a screen protector to a phone.

Non-adhesive Smart Film does not have a peel and stick backing. Instead it is applied using double sided tape. The tape can be supplied with the film or purchased at any hardware store.

Yes, we can manufacture smart glass with patterns and dots to reduce collisions between the birds and the glass. Refer to this article for more information.

Privacy film should be cleaned with a soft cloth and gentle cleanser that is free from harsh chemicals. Pay extra attention to the edges of the glass to be sure that fluids do not collect in the corners and along edges during the cleaning process.

Smart glass can be cleaned just like regular glass with glass cleaner or alcohol and a soft cloth. should be cleaned with a soft cloth.

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Switchable glass products can be powered on for at least 100,000 hours. This makes the average lifespan of smart glass 15-20 years. Read this article for more information on how long smart glass will last. 
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As long as proper voltage is maintained, switchable glass panels do not require any special maintenance.

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Please visit our warranty page for specific terms and conditions of our smart film warranty and smart glass warranty. 

To make a warranty claim we will need videos of the problem area. You can submit them on our upload page. Please remember that for orders placed after March 1st, 2022  we will only accept warranty claims for warranties that have been registered. Please contact us for more information.  

We only provide installation services near our headquarters in Vancouver, Canada. We have a large network of installers across the USA and Canada, so please contact us for recommendations. Our smart glass can be installed by any glazier and our smart film can be installed by professional window film installers or as a DIY project.

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We have dealt with every installation scenario you can imagine and have developed innovative wiring solutions for operable glass surfaces and provide comprehensive installation instructions.

Although privacy glass is high tech it is installed the same way as most other glass panels. Therefore, it can be installed by any glazing contractor and we will work with the company of your choice.

Busbars are conductive copper strips attached to switchable film that allow an electrical cable to be connected. They conduct  electricity to  the PDLC layer within the film, making it clear.

Smart film is applied to existing glass in a manner similar to applying a screen protector to a phone. Watch this video for complete installation instructions:

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We precision manufacture each piece of switchable film to your exact specifications. If the smart film is a little bigger than you need you can trim it with scissors or a knife to cut off the edges of the film, in order to change the size. For large adjustments, it is best to use a special cutting table.

Read this article for more information on trimming smart film.

Like most electronic devices, all you have to do is plug smart glass and film into a power outlet and it is ready to operate. You can also plug in the controller and download an app from the Apple Store or Google Play to control the glass from your smartphone.

220 VAC, 110 VAC are accepted with a power transformer.

This depends on the amount of film that needs to be powered and whether you want various pieces of film to work together or separately.

Yes. Multiple panels can be wired to operate with one transformer. A single transformer can control up to 100 square feet of PDLC film.

Smart film can be installed as a do-it-yourself project for smaller projects, depending on how handy you are. However, it should never be installed alone. Two or more people are required for successful smart film installation to avoid damaging the privacy film.

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For larger projects, a window tinting professional will be needed. Wiring should always be completed by a qualified electrician.

Yes. Privacy glass and film can be installed on all kinds of doors, including sliding doors, swing doors and folding doors.

There are lots of ways to wire and control smart glass. Watch this video for more information:

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Don’t worry, countless people have installed smart film successfully and no special equipment is required. As long as you follow the instructions carefully you shouldn’t have any problems. Just avoid the common mistakes outlined in this video:
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