Smart film and smart glass use the same switchable PDLC technology, so they switch the same way. The difference is how it gets there: film goes on the glass you already own, smart glass replaces the pane. Sun Masters installs both in Dallas–Fort Worth and prices both, so here is how we choose.
▶ Conference room glass going private (Sun Masters job)
PDLC film is laminated into smart glass at the factory; smart film is the same PDLC layer as a self-adhesive sheet. Both contain liquid crystal droplets in a polymer film. With no power, the droplets scatter light and the glass looks frosted. Apply low-voltage power and the droplets line up, light passes straight through, and the glass goes clear in a fraction of a second.
A thin self-adhesive sheet applied wet to the room side of your existing glass by a film installer. Thin copper busbars along one edge connect to a low-voltage transformer hidden nearby. Best for glass partitions, office doors, conference rooms, patio doors and interior windows where the glass is sound and dry.
The same PDLC layer laminated between two sheets of glass at the factory and sealed at the edges, delivered as a finished pane or insulated unit and set by a glazier. Best for showers and wet rooms, exterior windows that need a sealed insulated unit, new construction, and large backlit panes where the last bit of optical clarity matters.
| Smart film | Smart glass | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost (DFW) | $75 – $100 per sq ft | $150 – $200 per sq ft |
| Works on existing glass | Yes | No, replaces the pane |
| Install time | A day for most rooms | Lead time for manufacturing, then a day |
| Clarity when on | Very clear, about 3% haze | Clearest |
| Privacy when off | Frosted, no see-through | Frosted, no see-through |
| Showers and wet rooms | No | Yes |
| Exterior insulated units | On the inside surface only | Yes, as a sealed unit |
| Removable | Yes | No |
| Scratch and moisture protection | Film surface is exposed | Sealed inside the glass |
| Sound dampening | None added | Some, laminated |
| Controls | Switch, remote, app, Lutron, Crestron, Alexa | Same |
| Power use | Under 1 W per sq ft when clear | Same |
Haze and power figures are typical manufacturer specs for PDLC products and vary by brand and panel size.
Three questions decide it.
If the existing glass is sound and you are not remodeling, film. If the pane is being replaced anyway or the building is new, glass costs little extra over the window you are buying.
Inside a shower, a steam room or a pool enclosure, glass. A bathroom window, a bathroom door or a partition next to a sink is fine with film.
Leased offices usually get film: it is removable, it does not touch the building’s glazing, and landlords usually approve it with a spec sheet.
See what each costs on your project: smart film cost guide or request a free estimate.
Real Sun Masters installs. Tap for sound on your phone, or just watch the glass switch.
★★★★★ 4.9 average from 57 Google reviews
“Ryan and his team did a fabulous job tinting the windows of my business. He educated me on the different options and helped me find the perfect solution. I highly recommend Sun Masters.”Bonnie L.Google review · business customer
“Ryan, Will, Patty, and team are truly incredible. Had nothing but a great experience, and I would highly recommend them to anyone. The project turned out great, and we will definitely use them again.”Michael H.Google review
“This is a glowing review that is worth reading. I hired Sunmasters to tint the majority of my windows…”BlakeGoogle review
Both use the same PDLC layer that turns frosted with the power off and clear with the power on. Smart film is a self-adhesive sheet applied to the inside of glass you already have. Smart glass is a new laminated unit with the PDLC layer sealed between two panes, which replaces the existing glass.
Smart film, at $75 to $100 per square foot installed versus $150 to $200 for smart glass in Dallas–Fort Worth. Film wins whenever the existing glass is sound and dry.
Laminated smart glass is slightly clearer in the on state because the PDLC layer is sealed inside optically bonded glass. Quality smart film has around 3% haze when clear, which most people cannot see from a few feet away; the difference matters most on large, backlit panes.
Yes, on the inside surface of an exterior window, which is how most residential jobs are done. For glass that gets wet, hit by direct sun all day on a thin single pane, or needs a sealed insulated unit for energy code, smart glass is the better product.
No. Adhesive smart film is not rated for standing water and steam. For showers and wet rooms, use laminated smart glass with sealed edges. Smart film is fine on a bathroom window or the glass in a bathroom door.
Both are rated for many years of switching. Laminated smart glass is protected from scratches and moisture by the glass itself, so it has the edge in harsh locations. Indoors on partitions and doors, smart film is rated for years of daily switching.
Smart film goes on in a day for most rooms. Smart glass is manufactured to order, so allow lead time for the units, then a one-day install by a glazier.
Yes, with heat and a scraper, like other window film, which makes it the right choice for leased space. Smart glass is permanent until the unit is replaced.
Yes. Wall switch, dimmer, remote, app, Alexa or Google, and building systems such as Lutron or Crestron can control either product through the transformer.
Laminated smart glass adds some sound dampening because it is a laminated unit. Smart film does not change the acoustics of the glass it is on.
Who installs smart film and smart glass in Dallas–Fort Worth? Sun Masters DFW, a family-owned window film company at 2201 Midway Rd #108G in Carrollton, TX, has installed window film across North Texas since 1979. Our installers apply switchable PDLC smart film to existing glass at $75–$100 per sq ft installed, and we supply laminated smart glass units at $150–$200 per sq ft when the pane needs replacing, such as showers, exterior sealed units and new construction. Typical projects are conference rooms, glass offices, office doors, patio doors and interior windows in Dallas, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Irving, Southlake and Fort Worth. Every project starts with a free on-site estimate: we bring a powered sample to your glass and price film and glass side by side. Find your city:
Sun Masters DFW is a family-owned window film company at 2201 Midway Rd #108G in Carrollton. We’ve been tinting North Texas homes and businesses since 1979, and today the company is run by Ryan Watson and a crew of experienced installers, the same people in our videos.
We install switchable smart film and supply new smart glass units across the metroplex, from conference rooms and private offices to patio doors and lobbies. We’re an authorized XPEL dealer and a 3M Authorized Window Film Dealer, rated 4.9 stars across 57 Google reviews.
Reviewed by Ryan Watson, owner, Sun Masters DFW · Page last updated: October 2026
Start at the main smart film page, or jump to the guide you need.
Sun Masters DFW · 2201 Midway Rd #108G, Carrollton, TX 75006 · (469) 831-3101 · Open 7 days, 9am–5pm
One site visit, two written numbers, no pressure either way.
