PDLC switchable glass that transitions from transparent to opaque in under one second. No blinds, no curtains, no moving parts -- just instant privacy at the flip of a switch.
We install commercial-grade smart glass for conference rooms, healthcare facilities, luxury bathrooms, and storefronts across Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland.
20+
Years Experience
4.9
Star Rating
UL
Listed Wiring
IoT
Ready Systems
The Science
PDLC smart glass uses Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal technology. A thin film containing microscopic liquid crystal droplets is laminated between two glass panes with transparent ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) electrode coatings.
With no electrical current, liquid crystal droplets inside the PDLC film are randomly oriented. They scatter incoming light in all directions, creating a uniformly frosted, opaque surface that blocks visibility while still transmitting ambient light.
When low-voltage AC current (typically 48V) is applied to the ITO electrodes, the electric field causes all liquid crystal droplets to align in the same direction. Light passes through unimpeded, and the glass becomes transparent.
The transition from opaque to transparent takes less than one second. Switching back is equally fast -- remove the voltage and the crystals return to their random state immediately. Over 100,000 cycles with no degradation.
Applications
From executive conference rooms to luxury master bathrooms, smart glass delivers instant privacy and modern aesthetics in every setting. Here are the most common applications we install across the DMV.
Instantly switch from transparent glass walls to private frosted surfaces during sensitive meetings.
PDLC glass partitions in hospitals, clinics, and dental offices provide on-demand patient privacy while allowing staff to maintain visual awareness.
Luxury master bathrooms use smart glass for shower enclosures and interior partitions.
Storefronts that transition from transparent display windows to opaque projection screens.
Smart glass skylights control solar heat gain and glare from above. Switch to opaque during peak sun hours to reduce cooling costs, then restore.
Full-height smart glass room dividers in offices, restaurants, and luxury residences.
Benefits
Smart glass is more than a privacy solution. It reduces energy costs, protects interiors from UV damage, improves acoustics, and elevates the design of any space.
Switch from fully transparent to completely frosted in under one second. No waiting for blinds to lower, curtains to close, or motors to engage.
Smart glass in its opaque state blocks up to 50% of solar heat gain, significantly reducing cooling costs.
PDLC smart glass blocks over 99% of UV-A and UV-B radiation in both its clear and opaque states.
The laminated construction of smart glass -- two panes of glass with a PDLC interlayer -- provides superior acoustic insulation compared to single-pane.
Smart glass eliminates the need for blinds, shades, curtains, and other window treatments.
Smart glass has no moving parts, no motors, no tracks, no fabric. The PDLC film is sealed inside the laminated glass unit, protected from dust, moisture.
Technology Comparison
Not all smart glass is the same. Each technology has different switching speeds, tinting capabilities, and ideal use cases. We help you select the right type for your project.
Liquid crystals in a polymer matrix align when voltage is applied, switching from opaque/frosted to transparent.
Advantages
Limitations
Nano-scale particles in a film align with an electric field to control the amount of light passing through. Offers variable tinting.
Advantages
Limitations
A thin electrochromic coating changes color through an electrochemical reaction when low voltage is applied. Tints gradually from clear to dark blue.
Advantages
Limitations
Glass coating changes tint automatically in response to temperature. No electrical power or controls required -- purely passive.
Advantages
Limitations
Our Process
Every smart glass installation requires careful planning of electrical routing, glass sizing, and control system integration. Here is our proven four-step process.
We assess your space, review electrical infrastructure, discuss control system preferences (wall switch, remote, app, or automation integration), and determine the right smart glass technology for your application.
Our team calculates power loads, designs concealed wire routing from the transformer to each glass panel, and specifies the control interface. We coordinate with your electrician or provide our own licensed crew.
PDLC film is laminated between two panes of tempered glass at the factory, custom-cut to your exact dimensions. Lead time is typically 3-4 weeks. The transformer and control components are sourced simultaneously.
We install the glass panels, connect the low-voltage wiring, mount the transformer, program the control system, and test every panel. We walk you through operation and provide complete documentation.
Common Questions
Have a question not listed here?
Call (703) 679-7741Service Areas
Expert Glass Repair provides professional smart glass installation throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area. Our team serves Northern Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia with same-week consultations for most projects.
As the Washington DC area's leading smart glass installer, Expert Glass Repair has completed PDLC and switchable glass projects in commercial offices across Tysons Corner and Reston, medical facilities in Bethesda and Silver Spring, luxury residences in McLean, Great Falls, and Potomac, and retail storefronts throughout Georgetown and Capitol Hill.
Our team is based in Arlington, Virginia, and provides free on-site consultations for smart glass projects anywhere in the DMV region. Whether you are a property manager upgrading conference rooms in a Rosslyn office tower, a homeowner adding smart glass to a master bathroom in Chevy Chase, or a hospital administrator installing HIPAA-compliant privacy glass in Fairfax, we have the experience and the manufacturer relationships to deliver a flawless installation.
We are licensed in Virginia , insured, and have been serving the DC metropolitan area since 2004. Call (703) 679-7741 to schedule your free smart glass consultation.
An in-depth look at PDLC, SPD, and electrochromic smart glass technologies -- how they work, performance characteristics, and which is right for your project.
How switchable smart glass delivers instant privacy for conference rooms, healthcare facilities, bathrooms, and residential spaces at the flip of a switch.
Comparing frosted, tinted, and switchable privacy glass on light transmission, privacy levels, energy performance, and cost for both residential and commercial use.
Schedule a free consultation. We will evaluate your space, recommend the right smart glass technology, and provide a detailed project proposal with no obligation.
Free On-Site Consultation
We measure, assess electrical, and recommend the best solution
UL-Listed Components
All wiring, transformers, and controls meet UL safety standards
Smart Home Integration
Compatible with Control4, Crestron, HomeKit, Alexa, and Google
Manufacturer Warranty
All smart glass panels carry the manufacturer product warranty
Licensed & Insured
Fully Insured, fully bonded and insured
20+ Years in Business
Serving the DC metro area since 2004 with 4.9-star reviews