Smart Tint® uses PDLC liquid crystal technology to switch glass from clear to frosted instantly. ETL-certified and made in USA. Uses ~0.3W/sq ft. Controls: switch, remote, app, smart home. Applications: conference rooms, bathrooms, storefronts, vehicles. Contact for custom quote.
Smart Tint® PDLC switchable privacy film guide: how it works, ETL certification, product lineup, applications, and professional installation in Gilroy, CA.
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Imagine a conference room where glass walls go from transparent to completely private with a single tap on your phone. Or a bathroom that floods with natural light when empty, then frosts over the moment someone steps inside. That's not science fiction—it's Smart Tint®, and we install it right here in Gilroy.
Smart Tint® is a PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) film that applies to any smooth glass surface, transforming ordinary windows into switchable privacy glass. The technology is elegantly simple:
The film uses Smart Tint's proprietary Smart Cling® self-adhesive backing for clean, professional installation on existing glass. No window replacement needed—just peel, apply, and wire up.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power consumption | ~0.3–0.39 watts per square foot |
| Operating voltage | 12-24VDC or 120-240VAC |
| Maximum width | 71 inches (1800mm) |
| UV rejection | 98%+ |
| Available colors | White, gray, black, and custom |
| Switching speed | Milliseconds |
| Certification | ETL certified, UL compliant |
| Manufacturing | Made in the USA |
That power consumption number deserves emphasis: a 4×8-foot panel of Smart Tint® uses roughly 12 watts—comparable to a single LED light bulb. You'll barely notice it on your electric bill.
Smart Tint® is the only ETL-certified Smart Film® manufacturer in North America. ETL certification means every product has been independently tested and verified to meet UL (Underwriters Laboratories) safety standards for electrical products.
This matters for three practical reasons:
If you're comparing switchable film options, ask whether the product is ETL certified. Most aren't.
The workhorse product for commercial and residential applications. Frosted when powered off (fail-safe privacy during power outages), clear when on. Contact us for a custom quote based on your project size and requirements.
Best for: Conference rooms, office partitions, bathroom windows, storefronts, medical offices.
Advanced PDLC with full dimming capability—not just on/off, but any privacy level in between. Native smart home integration works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and the Smart Tint® Glass Controller app. Contact us for pricing.
Best for: High-end residential, executive offices, luxury hospitality, smart home projects.
A reverse-operating Smart Tint® designed for vehicles. Unlike standard Smart Tint® (frosted when off), Flip Tint™ is clear when off and tinted when on. This is critical for automotive use—your windows stay legal and visible when the vehicle is off.
Available in 2-door and 6-door packages for side windows and sunroofs.
Smart Tint's photochromic transition tint for vehicles. Stealth Tint™ automatically adjusts its tint level in response to UV exposure—darker in bright sunlight, lighter in shade or at night. No power or wiring required—it installs wet like traditional window tint and is available pre-cut to your exact vehicle model.
Electrochromic glass products like View and SageGlass require complete window replacement at significantly higher cost per square foot. They're excellent products, but the economics only make sense for new construction. For retrofitting existing buildings, Smart Tint® film on existing glass is the clear winner.
Blinds collect dust, require cleaning, break mechanically, and block natural light even when open. Smart Tint® eliminates all of that—instant privacy without any physical mechanism. Plus, it's compatible with voice assistants for hands-free control.
Standard frosted film is permanently opaque. You get privacy but sacrifice your view permanently. Smart Tint® gives you both: clear glass when you want the view, frosted when you need privacy. One installation, two modes.
The single most popular application. Glass-walled conference rooms look open and modern, but they create a fishbowl effect during meetings. Smart Tint® lets you switch to private mode for sensitive discussions, then back to open when the room is empty. Many clients pair this with decorative film for company branding.
Natural light in a bathroom transforms the space, but privacy is non-negotiable. Smart Tint® on bathroom windows and shower enclosures gives you both. Frosted when occupied, clear to showcase tile and design when empty.
Display merchandise during business hours, then frost the entire storefront after closing for security and a clean appearance. Smart Tint® can also be used as a rear-projection surface—turn your storefront windows into advertising displays.
HIPAA compliance requires visual privacy in exam and consultation areas. Smart Tint® provides instant privacy without permanent barriers, maintaining an open, welcoming feel when not in use.
Flip Tint™ and Stealth Tint™ bring switchable privacy to sunroofs, side windows, and partition glass in luxury vehicles. Privacy when parked, legal visibility when driving.
Most single-window installations are completed in 2-4 hours. Larger commercial projects typically take 1-3 days.
Smart Tint® pricing varies based on project size, product tier, number of panels, and control system complexity. Every project is custom manufactured to your specifications. Contact us for a free consultation and custom quote.
Yes. Unlike one-way mirror film that reverses at night, Smart Tint® provides the same level of privacy regardless of lighting conditions. When frosted, it's frosted—day or night, lights on or off.
Standard Smart Tint® defaults to frosted/private when power is lost. This is a safety feature (fail-safe privacy). Flip Tint™ defaults to clear when power is off—designed for automotive where visibility is the priority.
Yes. Smart Cling® self-adhesive film can be professionally removed without damaging the glass. The window returns to its original clear state.
Smart Tint® represents a genuine leap forward in how we think about glass, privacy, and building design. If you're considering switchable privacy glass for your home, office, or vehicle, visit our Smart Tint® brand page for detailed product information or contact us directly for a free consultation.
Gilroy and South Bay residents: Blackout Window Tinting is your local authorized Smart Tint® installer. Visit us at 610 Holloway Rd, Gilroy, or call (408) 848-8468 for a free consultation. We serve the entire Silicon Valley, Monterey Bay, and Santa Cruz County area.
