Smart Film vs Smart Glass

Compare both switchable privacy solutions and choose the right product for your project.

Smart Film vs Smart Glass

Both give you glass that switches from clear to private. The difference is whether you are upgrading glass you already have, or ordering new panels.

	Smart Film	Smart Glass
What it is	A switchable film applied to the surface of existing glass	A laminated panel with the switchable layer sealed inside
Best for	Retrofits — offices, partitions, doors and windows already installed	New construction, glass replacement and specified projects
Installation	Applied on site to the existing pane	Manufactured to size, then installed as a panel
Typical price	~$100 per sq ft	~$135 per sq ft
Lead time	Short — around two weeks on a recent conference-room project	Longer, because panels are built to your dimensions
Edges	Film edge is visible on close inspection	Fully sealed inside the laminate
Wet areas	Suitable when specified for the location	Sealed construction suits showers and high-humidity rooms
Colors	White, grey or tinted	White, grey or tinted

Original (PDLC) or Reverse (PNLC)

Both film and glass come in two behaviours. This is a separate choice from film vs glass.

Original — PDLC

Power off — private
Power on — clear
If power fails, the glass turns private
Best for residential and exterior, maximum privacy

Reverse — PNLC

Power off — clear, 91% visible light, 2.4% haze
Power on — private, 94% haze
If power fails, the glass stays clear
Best for office space — less haze, slightly less private

Shared by both

Low voltage at 48–55 VAC, under 0.5 watt per square foot, switching in under 45 milliseconds, over 98% UV blocking, and a rated life of over 15 years or 2 million switching cycles.

How to choose

Is the glass already in?

Yes → film. No, or you are replacing panes → glass.

What should happen in a power cut?

Private → Original (PDLC). Clear → Reverse (PNLC).

How clear must it look?

Office glass walls usually favour Reverse for its lower haze.

What is the timeline?

Tight deadline → film. Planned build → glass.

Product pages

Still not sure which one?

Tell us about the space and we will recommend the right product.

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Choose your film

Film Reverse (PNLC) vs. Film Original (PDLC)

Both films switch between clear and private. The difference is what happens when the power is off — and that decides which one fits your space.

Reverse switching

Film Reverse — PNLC

Clear when the power is off, private when the power is on.

Power offClear — 91% visible light, 2.4% haze
Power onPrivate — 94% haze
If power failsThe glass stays clear
Best forOffice space — less haze, slightly less private
Energy usePowered only while you want privacy

Request pricing

Most popular

Film Original — PDLC

Clear when the power is on, private when the power is off.

Power onClear — 88% visible light, 3% haze
Power offPrivate — still lets 73% of daylight in
If power failsThe glass goes private
Best forResidential, exterior, maximum privacy
Energy usePowered while you want the glass clear

See Film Original

Not sure which one fits? Call 786-460-6762 and a project manager will help you decide.

Technical data

PriWatt™ PNLC at a glance

Reverse switchable technology that stays clear without power and turns private only while it is switched on.

Power offClear / transparent91% visible light, 2.4% haze.

Power onPrivate94% haze in private mode.

Color optionsWhiteReverse is available in white only.

Low voltage25–80 VACLess than 0.5 W per sq. ft.

Switching speedUnder 200 millisecondsUnder 10 milliseconds back to clear.

UV protection99%In both clear and private states.

Energy useOnly while privateNo power needed to stay clear.

Operating range−10°C to 60°CRated for over 800,000 switching cycles.

Technical information
and installation guide

PRIWATTPNLC REVERSE

WWW.SMARTGLASSTECH.US

PriWatt™ PNLC Technical Manual

Full technical data, installation guide, wiring and control options.

Download the manual (PDF)

FAQ

Smart Film Reverse Questions

What makes Film Reverse different?

Film Reverse (PNLC) is clear when the power is off and turns private only while it is switched on, the opposite of Film Original (PDLC).

What happens when the power goes off?

The glass stays clear, so the space keeps its view and daylight during a power outage.

Can it be applied to glass I already have?

Yes. PriWatt™ film is a self-adhesive film applied directly to existing interior glass, windows and doors, so the glass does not have to be replaced.

How fast does it switch?

Under 200 milliseconds from clear to private and under 10 milliseconds back to clear, so the change looks instant.

Does privacy mode block the view completely?

In privacy mode haze reaches 94%, so people and shapes cannot be made out while natural light still comes through. It is a privacy product, not a blackout blind.

What colors are available?

Film Reverse is available in white only.

How is it controlled?

With a wall switch, a remote, a smartphone, or through Alexa and Google Home. Panels can be grouped and scheduled.

Can I install it myself?

We do not recommend it. Our certified installers measure and apply the film, and a certified electrician makes the power connection. Busbar positions and wiring have to be planned before manufacturing.

Request pricing

Choose your film

Film Original (PDLC) vs. Film Reverse (PNLC)

Both films switch between clear and private. The difference is what happens when the power is off — and that decides which one fits your space.

Most popular

Film Original — PDLC

Clear when the power is on, private when the power is off.

Power onClear — 88% visible light, 3% haze
Power offPrivate — still lets 73% of daylight in
If power failsThe glass goes private
Best forResidential, exterior, maximum privacy
Energy usePowered while you want the glass clear

Request pricing

Reverse switching

Film Reverse — PNLC

Clear when the power is off, private when the power is on.

Power offClear — 91% visible light, 2.4% haze
Power onPrivate — 94% haze
If power failsThe glass stays clear
Best forOffice space — less haze, slightly less private
Energy usePowered only while you want privacy

Not sure which one fits? Call 786-460-6762 and a project manager will help you decide.

Technical data

PriWatt™ Film at a glance

Professional-grade switchable film engineered for instant privacy, high light transmission and low-voltage operation.

Power offOpaque / privatePrivacy is the default state.

Power onTransparent / clear88% visible light transmission.

Color optionsWhite, grey or tintedSelect the finish for your design.

Low voltage48–55 VACLess than 0.5 W per sq. ft.

Switching speedUnder 45 millisecondsPrivacy changes appear instant.

UV protectionMore than 98%In both clear and private states.

Film thickness0.4 mmApplies directly to existing glass.

Rated lifecycleOver 15 yearsRated for 2 million switching cycles.

Technical information
and installation guide

PRIWATTPDLC FILM

WWW.SMARTGLASSTECH.US

PriWatt™ Film Technical Manual

Full technical data, installation guide, wiring and control options.

Download the manual (PDF)

FAQ

Smart Film Questions

Can Smart Film be applied to glass I already have?

Yes. PriWatt™ film is a self-adhesive PDLC film applied directly to existing interior or exterior glass, windows and doors, so the glass does not have to be replaced.

What happens when the power goes off?

Film Original turns private when the power is off and still lets about 73% of daylight into the room. Film Reverse does the opposite and stays clear when unpowered.

How fast does it switch?

Under 45 milliseconds from private to clear and under 10 milliseconds from clear to private, so the change looks instant.

Does privacy mode block the view completely?

In privacy mode haze reaches 95%, so people and shapes cannot be made out while natural light still comes through. It is a privacy product, not a blackout blind.

Can I install it myself?

We do not recommend it. Our certified installers inspect the project, take precise measurements and apply the film, and a certified electrician makes the power connection. Busbar positions and wiring have to be planned before manufacturing.

How do I clean it?

Switch the film off, wipe with a soft cloth and 99% isopropyl alcohol, and make sure no liquid is left sitting on the edges.

How is it controlled?

With a wall switch, a remote, a smartphone, or through Alexa and Google Home. Panels can be grouped and scheduled.

How long does it last and what is covered?

The film is rated for 2 million switching cycles and a life cycle over 15 years, and it comes with a 2-year limited warranty.

Request pricing

Choose your glass

Glass Reverse (PNLC) vs. Glass Original (PDLC)

Both are laminated switchable glass panels that change between clear and private. The difference is what the glass does when the power is off — and that decides which one fits your space.

Reverse switching

Glass Reverse — PNLC

Clear when the power is off, private when the power is on.

Power offClear — 91% visible light, 2.4% haze
Power onPrivate — 94% haze
If power failsThe glass stays clear
Best forOffice space — less haze, slightly less private
Energy usePowered only while you want privacy

Request pricing

Most popular

Glass Original — PDLC

Clear when the power is on, private when the power is off.

Power onClear — 83% visible light, 3% haze
Power offPrivate — still lets 73% of daylight in
If power failsThe glass goes private
Best forResidential, exterior, maximum privacy
Energy usePowered while you want the glass clear

Explore Glass Original

Technical data

PriWatt™ Reverse Glass at a glance

Laminated reverse-switching glass, custom manufactured for each project. Key figures are taken from the PriWatt PNLC technical manual, which also covers glazing details and wiring guidance.

Power offTransparent / clear91% visible light transmission, 2.4% haze.

Power onOpaque / private94% haze for full privacy on demand.

Color optionsWhiteReverse glass is produced in white only.

Glass buildLow-iron laminated glassHeat treated or fully tempered, ~5 lbs per sq. ft.

Working voltage25–80 VAC, 50/60 HzLow voltage through a supplied transformer.

Power consumptionUnder 0.5 W per sq. ft.Only while privacy mode is powered.

Switching speedUnder 200 ms to privateReturns to clear in under 10 milliseconds.

UV blocking99% (365–380 nm)Helps protect interiors from ultraviolet light.

Solar / IR block98% IR when powered20% IR blocking in the clear state.

Panel thickness3/8", 1/2" or 9/16"Maximum panel size 57" x 130".

AcousticsSTC ~37Laminated build helps reduce sound transfer.

Rated lifecycleOver 800,000 switching cyclesOperating range -10°C to 60°C.

Technical information
and installation guide

PRIWATTPNLC GLASS

WWW.SMARTGLASSTECH.US

PriWatt™ PNLC Glass Technical Manual

Full technical data, glazing and installation guide, wiring and control options.

Download the manual (PDF)

FAQ

Reverse Smart Glass Questions

What makes Reverse Glass different?

Reverse Glass uses PNLC technology, so it is clear when power is off and turns opaque when power is on. Standard PDLC glass works in the opposite way.

Is Reverse Glass a good choice for offices?

Yes. It is ideal for meeting rooms and interior partitions where glass normally stays clear and privacy is needed only at selected times.

Does it provide privacy during a power outage?

No. Reverse Glass becomes clear when power is off. For fail-private applications, standard PDLC glass is usually the better choice.

How quickly does it switch?

The glass turns private in under 200 milliseconds and returns to clear in under 10 milliseconds.

Is it energy efficient?

Yes. It runs on 25–80 VAC low voltage and consumes less than 0.5 watts per square foot while powered — and it needs no power at all to stay clear.

Can it be used in doors and partitions?

Yes. The laminated construction makes it suitable for interior doors, office partitions, conference rooms and other architectural glazing applications.

What colors are available?

Reverse Glass is available in white only. Grey and tinted options are offered on standard PDLC glass.

Where can I find installation information?

The technical manual above includes handling, electrical and installation guidance. A qualified glazing professional should complete installation.

Request pricing

Choose your glass

Glass Original (PDLC) vs. Glass Reverse (PNLC)

Both are laminated switchable glass panels that change between clear and private. The difference is what the glass does when the power is off — and that decides which one fits your space.

Most popular

Glass Original — PDLC

Clear when the power is on, private when the power is off.

Power onClear — 83% visible light, 3% haze
Power offPrivate — still lets 73% of daylight in
If power failsThe glass goes private
Best forResidential, exterior, maximum privacy
Energy usePowered while you want the glass clear

Request pricing

Reverse switching

Glass Reverse — PNLC

Clear when the power is off, private when the power is on.

Power offClear — 91% visible light, 2.4% haze
Power onPrivate — 94% haze
If power failsThe glass stays clear
Best forOffice space — less haze, slightly less private
Energy usePowered only while you want privacy

Talk to a project manager

Technical data

PriWatt™ Glass at a glance

Laminated switchable glass, custom manufactured for each project. Key figures below; the manual carries the full specification, glazing details and wiring.

Power offOpaque / private95% haze, 73% light transmittance.

Power onTransparent / clear83% light transmittance, 3% haze.

Glass buildLaminated safety glassLow iron, heat strengthened or tempered.

Thickness3/8″, 1/2″ or 9/16″Other thicknesses on request. About 5 lbs per sq. ft.

Color optionsWhite or light grayAny shape, curved panels, holes and cut-outs.

Maximum panel size70″ × 144″70″ × 126″ at 1/2″ thickness.

Working voltage48–55 VACLow voltage through a supplied transformer.

Power consumptionUnder 0.5 W per sq. ft.Only while the glass is powered.

Switching speedUnder 45 millisecondsUnder 10 ms back to private.

UV blockingOver 98%100% when the glass is off.

Sound reductionSTC ~ 40Laminated interlayer dampens noise.

Rated lifecycleOver 15 yearsRated for 2 million switching cycles.

Technical information
and installation guide

PRIWATTPDLC GLASS

WWW.SMARTGLASSTECH.US

PriWatt™ Glass Technical Manual

Full technical data, glazing and installation guide, wiring and control options.

Download the manual (PDF)

FAQ

Smart Glass Questions

What is PriWatt™ Smart Glass made of?

It is laminated architectural glass with a PDLC liquid crystal film bonded inside the lamination. It is manufactured as a finished safety glass panel, in low iron, heat strengthened or tempered builds.

What happens when the power goes off?

Glass Original turns private when the power is off and still lets about 73% of daylight into the room. Glass Reverse does the opposite and stays clear when unpowered.

How fast does it switch?

Under 45 milliseconds from private to clear and under 10 milliseconds from clear to private, so the change looks instant.

Does privacy mode block the view completely?

In privacy mode haze reaches 95%, so people and shapes cannot be made out while natural light still comes through. It is a privacy product, not a blackout blind.

How large can a panel be?

Up to 70″ × 144″ at 9/16″ thickness and 70″ × 126″ at 1/2″. Larger areas are built from several panels, and curved shapes, holes and cut-outs are possible.

Can it be used outside and in doors?

Yes. For exterior use the panels are built into insulated glass units, and doors are glazed with the wiring routed through the frame or hinge. The wiring route has to be planned before manufacturing.

Who installs it?

A certified glazier installs the glass and a certified electrician makes the power connection. Our project managers handle measurements, manufacturing and coordination.

How long does it last and what is covered?

The glass is rated for 2 million switching cycles and a life cycle over 15 years, and it comes with a limited warranty. Working temperature range is -22°F to 122°F.

Request pricing