While smart glass and film are very innovative products
there are a few things you should know before purchasing them.
Today, I am going to share some things with you
that most manufacturers of switchable glass products won't.
Smart glass and film go from clear to frosted with the flick of a switch providing privacy on demand.
However, when the glass is switched to clear there can be a slight haze.
This cannot be avoided due to the presence of small droplets that reflect the light.
Although there are ways to minimize it.
Smart glass and film contain a PDLC layer
when powered on the crystals align and the glass become clear
when powered off the crystals scatter the light and the glass appears to be frosted.
These crystals are responsible for the slight haze that can be seen.
Under normal lighting conditions privacy glass displays optimum clarity.
Artificial light or uneven lighting conditions adversely affect the appearance of smart glass
and should be taken into consideration.
With a high quality product this haze will barely be noticeable.
If this slight case is a concern we can make recommendations on how to diminish it.
Smart glass and film are definitely not as cheap as buying a standard set of curtains.
Smart glass cost 80 to 100 per square foot and smart film costs 25 to 40 dollars per square foot.
You may see smart film being sold for less overseas, but it could be for a reason.
When you're evaluating smart glass as an option for your windows, walls or doors
it may help to consider its total value. Smart glass offers a lot more than privacy.
Let's take a look.
The total value of all these features bought separately is 270 dollars per square foot.
High quality smart glass combines all these properties and costs 60 percent less.
Smart film is designed for indoor use only. While our smart film is made with the best
materials available it still is an electric device
and may become damaged if exposed to excessive moisture and should not be used outdoors.
Privacy film can be used indoors in moisture prone areas and cleaned with liquid.
so long as the edges of the film are covered with silicone to prevent damage and water penetration.
The busbar area is the most delicate part of the film as this is where the wires connect.
If it's damaged the film will no longer switch from clear to frosted.
It will always be in the frosted state so you should pay
extra attention to this area and handle it with care.
Like any plastic, smart film
can be scratched by dogs, cats or small children. If you are installing privacy film
on a window or door that your pet or young children will constantly be in contact with.
You will want to place a protective liner over the top of the film to protect it from scratches.
Some smart films will slowly discolor as they are exposed to UV light and become yellowish.
However, high quality window films will not yellow with the sun and will always look clear.
Low quality smart film can become delaminated. A factor that can lead to delamination is the
peeling strength of the film. A high quality film will have
a strong PDLC glue that keeps the layers on of the film stuck together.
Low quality films may have poor adhesiveness and peel apart even when in storage.
So there you have it. Now you know the truth about
privacy film and glass. If you have any questions
about switchable glass technology or are still unsure whether it's the right product for you
Please contact us or visit our website. Thank you for watching.