Smart film — also called switchable film, privacy film or PDLC film — is a thin laminate that turns ordinary glass into privacy glass at the flick of a switch. Power on, the glass is crystal clear. Power off, it turns frosted and opaque in under a second.
How does smart film work?
Smart film uses PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) technology. A liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between two transparent conductive films. When a low voltage is applied, the crystals align and light passes straight through — the glass looks completely clear, with 91% visible light transmission. Cut the power and the crystals scatter into random positions, diffusing light so the glass turns milky white.
Two things surprise most people. First, the opaque state still lets daylight through — a room stays bright even in privacy mode. Second, opaque is the default state: in a blackout, your privacy is protected automatically.
Self-adhesive film vs laminated smart glass
Smart film comes in two forms:
Self-adhesive smart film sticks to the indoor face of your existing glass — no need to replace windows, partitions or doors. It suits renovations, office fit-outs and retrofits, in widths up to 1.8 metres.
Laminated smart glass has the film permanently sealed inside new glass panels. It's the choice for new partitions, doors and premium joinery, in widths up to 2 metres.
What does smart film cost to run?
Very little. Smart film draws under 5 watts per square metre — a typical meeting room partition uses about as much power as a single LED downlight, and only while it's switched to clear. Quality PDLC film is rated for more than 15 years and over 2 million switching cycles.
Beyond privacy: what else does it do?
- Projection screen — in opaque mode the film is a high-definition rear-projection surface, popular for boardrooms and retail windows.
- UV and heat control — it blocks over 99% of UV and around 98% of infrared, protecting furniture and reducing heat gain.
- Safety — like a safety laminate, the film holds glass fragments together if a panel breaks.
- Acoustics — sound insulation improves by up to 20% over bare glass.
How is it controlled?
Wall switch, remote control, smartphone app, voice assistant — or automation. A popular option for bathrooms is a magnetic door switch: the glass is clear when the door is open and switches to opaque the moment it closes.
Where is smart film used in Australia?
Meeting rooms and office partitions are the biggest use case — instant privacy without permanently losing light or openness. It's also common in bathrooms and ensuites, healthcare and dental clinics, hotel suites, home theatres, and retail displays.
Does smart film need professional installation?
Yes, and it matters more than with ordinary window film. PDLC film is designed for a single application, needs precision cutting, and runs on a 48–65 V AC transformer that must be wired correctly (with any 230 V work done by a licensed electrician). Professionally installed film switches evenly, lasts its full rated life, and keeps its warranty.
See it in person
Reading about switchable glass isn't the same as watching a wall of glass change state in front of you. Smart Film is on display at Sketch Australia's Melbourne and Sydney showrooms — bring your glass sizes for a quote.
