Frequently asked questions
PDLC smart glass: frequently asked questions
Everything people ask us before ordering — answered plainly, including the questions with awkward answers.
The basics
What is PDLC smart glass?
PDLC stands for Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal. A film containing liquid crystals is bonded between two layers of glass. Apply power and the crystals align so light passes straight through, making the pane clear. Cut power and they scatter, making it opaque.
Is it clear when powered on or powered off?
Clear when powered ON, opaque when powered OFF. Most people assume the reverse. Opacity is the film's natural resting state; transparency is what requires energy.
What else is it called?
Switchable glass, privacy glass, smart glass, magic glass, dimmable glass and electric privacy glass all commonly refer to the same PDLC technology.
How fast does it switch?
Effectively instantly — typically between 10 and 150 milliseconds, well under a second regardless of panel size.
Can it be partially opaque or dimmed?
Yes, with a dimmer module, which allows intermediate opacity rather than a simple on/off. It costs more than a standard switch and is worth it mainly in residential and hospitality settings.
Cost
How much does PDLC glass cost in India?
Adhesive film runs ₹1,400–₹2,400 per square foot and laminated smart glass ₹2,400–₹4,200, with custom-cut panels from ₹4,000. Controls and installation are quoted separately. See the full price list for itemised figures.
Which is cheaper, film or laminated glass?
Film is cheaper upfront. Laminated glass lasts 20+ years against 10–15 for film, so over a full building life cycle glass often works out cheaper. If you lease the space, choose film.
Is there a minimum order?
Our minimum billable area is 10 sq ft per panel. Cutting, edge finishing and bus-bar work take the same effort on a small panel as a large one.
Do you charge for a survey or quotation?
No. Survey, measurement and a written itemised quotation are free and carry no obligation.
Power and controls
How much power does it use?
Roughly 5 watts per square metre while clear, and nothing at all while opaque. Ten square metres of switchable glass uses less power than a single LED bulb.
What voltage does it run at?
Typically 48–65V AC at the panel. A driver steps mains voltage down, so the glass itself never carries 230V.
What happens in a power cut?
The glass turns opaque. It fails to private, never to transparent. For skylights, ICU bays and retail displays we recommend a backup circuit.
Can it be controlled by app or voice?
Yes. A Wi-Fi module allows app control and integration with Alexa and Google Home, and drivers are available for Lutron, Control4 and BMS platforms.
Durability and maintenance
How long does it last?
Quality adhesive film lasts 10–15 years and laminated smart glass 20 or more. Budget film with thin ITO and no UV inhibitors can fail within three to five years.
Does it yellow or go hazy?
All PDLC yellows eventually. Quality film shows slight discolouration after about ten years, visible only against clear glass. Budget film can yellow noticeably within one to two years on a sunny elevation.
How do I clean it?
Mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid ammonia-based glass cleaners, solvents and abrasive pads.
Can a single failed panel be replaced?
Yes. Panels are independent, so one failure does not require replacing the installation. We record batch numbers per project to help colour-matching.
What is the most common cause of premature failure?
Acid-cure silicone sealant. It releases acetic acid as it cures, which attacks the PDLC matrix and causes edge delamination. Only neutral-cure sealants should be used anywhere near the film.
Installation and use
Can it be fitted to my existing glass?
Yes, for dry internal areas — adhesive film applies directly to existing glazing. Wet areas and external elevations require laminated glass, which means replacing the pane.
Is it safe in bathrooms?
Yes, when specified as laminated glass with sealed edges and the driver outside the wet zone. Retrofit film is not suitable for wet areas.
Can you project onto it?
Yes, in the frosted state, using rear projection with the projector on the opposite side from the audience. It works genuinely well.
How long does installation take?
Most projects complete within a week of order confirmation. Retrofit film on a single cabin is often a same-day job.
Do you install outside your branch cities?
Yes, pan-India. Delivery within Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi NCR is included; elsewhere freight and crew travel are quoted as transparent separate lines.
Keep reading
Related guides
Request a quote
Get an itemised price
Send us the area and space type. You will have a written, line-by-line quotation within one business day — including controls and installation, not just the glass.
- +91 80 0000 0000
- hello@pdlcsmartglassfilm.com
- Ahmedabad · Bengaluru · Mumbai · Delhi NCR