Everything you need to know about smart glass

SmartFrost uses PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) technology. The glass contains a thin film layer of liquid crystals sandwiched between two layers of glass or film. When no electrical current is applied, the liquid crystals are randomly aligned, scattering light and creating a frosted, opaque appearance. When a small electrical current (typically 40–65V AC) is applied, the crystals align uniformly, allowing light to pass through and making the glass clear. The switch happens in under one second.

Completely safe. Our products are UL-certified, meaning they've passed rigorous safety testing by Underwriters Laboratories. The electrical consumption is extremely low — a typical 10 sq ft panel uses less power than a standard LED light bulb. The glass is also safe to touch at all times, as the electrical components are fully encapsulated within the laminated layers.

No smart home system is required. SmartFrost glass can be controlled with a simple wall switch, a remote control, a smartphone app, or integrated into building automation systems like Crestron, Control4, Lutron, or KNX. We can also set up automated schedules — for example, automatically frosting at a certain time of day — based on your preferences.

This depends on the product type. Standard SmartFrost glass (Original) defaults to frosted/opaque when power is off, providing privacy even during an outage. Our Reverse mode glass defaults to clear when unpowered and frosts when power is applied — ideal for spaces where open visibility is preferred by default.

Smart Film is an adhesive PDLC film that can be applied directly to existing glass surfaces — it's ideal for retrofitting windows, glass partitions, or shower doors without replacing the glass entirely. Smart Glass is a fully laminated glass panel where the PDLC layer is permanently integrated — it's used for new installations or full glass replacements and provides a cleaner, more premium finish with greater durability.

Yes. Our Smart Glass IGU (Insulated Glass Unit) is specifically designed for exterior applications, skylights, and wet environments. The double-paned construction provides superior weather resistance, thermal insulation, and acoustic performance. Our standard Smart Film and laminated glass can be used in bathrooms and spa environments with proper edge sealing during installation.

Every SmartFrost panel is custom-manufactured to your exact specifications. We can produce rectangular, square, and many non-standard shapes including arched tops. Maximum panel sizes vary by product type — contact us with your requirements and our team will advise on the best approach for your specific project.

SmartFrost glass requires a low-voltage electrical connection (typically 110V AC input, stepped down to 40–65V AC via a transformer). Our certified installers handle the full installation including wiring. If your project requires changes to the building's main electrical panel, a licensed electrician may need to be involved for that portion of work, which we can coordinate on your behalf.

Installation time varies by project size and complexity. A single residential bathroom or office partition can typically be installed in half a day. A larger commercial project with multiple rooms may take 2–5 days. We'll provide a detailed installation timeline as part of your project proposal after the site survey.

SmartFrost currently serves Maryland, Washington DC & Virginia. Our certified installation team covers residential, commercial, and healthcare projects throughout this area. If your project is located just outside our service area, contact us and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

Pricing depends on the product type, size, quantity, and installation complexity. As a general guide, Smart Film starts at approximately $50–$85 per square foot installed, while laminated Smart Glass panels start at around $85–$150 per square foot installed. IGU units for exterior applications are priced higher. We always provide a full, transparent quote before any work begins — request yours here.

There is no strict minimum order. We work on projects of all sizes — from a single bathroom partition for a homeowner to full office fitouts spanning tens of thousands of square feet. However, for very small projects (under 10 sq ft), the installation cost per square foot will be higher proportionally due to fixed mobilization costs. Contact us and we'll give you an honest assessment.

Yes, significantly. Smart glass reduces solar heat gain through windows and glass partitions, which directly reduces the load on air conditioning systems. Commercial clients typically see 20–30% reductions in HVAC energy consumption after installation. Over the lifespan of the product (20+ years), the energy savings frequently offset the initial investment — especially in warmer climates like Florida, Texas, California, and Arizona.

Smart glass can be cleaned exactly like regular glass — with a soft cloth or squeegee and standard glass cleaner. Avoid abrasive pads or harsh chemical solvents, particularly around the edges where the electrical bus bars are located. For Smart Film installations, avoid excessive moisture near the film edges. Day-to-day cleaning is no different from any other glass surface in your space.

SmartFrost glass is designed for 20+ years of regular use. The PDLC technology can withstand over 100,000 switching cycles without performance degradation — that's more than 27 years of switching the glass on and off 10 times per day. All our products come with a manufacturer's warranty, and our installation team provides post-installation support for the life of the product.

SmartFrost products are certified by UL (Underwriters Laboratories), SGCC (Safety Glazing Certification Council), and Intertek. These are the three most respected certification bodies in the US glazing and electrical industries. Our UL certification covers both the electrical safety of the PDLC film and the laminated glass construction. These certifications are required for most commercial building permit approvals in the USA.

Yes. SmartFrost laminated glass products meet ANSI Z97.1 and CPSC 16 CFR 1201 safety glazing standards, which are required for most commercial and residential building applications in the USA. Our team is experienced with US building codes and can provide the necessary documentation for permit applications. We always recommend confirming specific local requirements with your architect or contractor.