Normally not necessary.

For indoor glass, UV exposure is already low and the film’s formulation is sufficient to resist UV degradation on its own.

For exterior-facing glass that already has a Low-E coating, no additional UV protective film is needed either.

Both DLC and SPD require continuous power to maintain the clear state, and both default to a dark appearance when unpowered.

A major practical difference is the format: SPD is available only as laminated glass, while DLC is available both as a self-adhesive film that can be applied to existing glass and as a laminated glass format — making DLC far more flexible for retrofitting existing installations.

The other key difference is in the quality of the dark state: DLC achieves a true near-total blackout (as low as 1% VLT), giving a clean black opaque appearance. SPD produces a very dark blue-grey tint but cannot fully block light.

DLC is therefore the better choice for applications where complete privacy or blackout is required, as well as for retrofit projects. SPD is typically chosen for variable solar control and glare reduction in new glazing installations.

The film supports ON, OFF and dimming modes via certified controllers. It can be operated by wall switch, remote control, motion sensors, light sensors or integrated into smart home / building management systems. Switching time is under 150 ms — effectively instant to the human eye.

Width is up to 59″ (1500 mm). Rolls come in 98 or 164 ft (30 or 50 m) lengths.

The film can also be supplied cut to size for specific installations.

The number refers to the visible light transmittance in the OFF (privacy) state.

DLC 1% provides near-total blackout (1% VLT when OFF, contrast ratio 20:1) — best for medical rooms, bathrooms and AV/media spaces.

DLC 3% transmits 3% of light when OFF (contrast ratio 8:1) — suitable for office partitions, conference rooms and showrooms where a fully blacked-out appearance is not critical.

Both share identical dimensions, electrical specs and application compatibility.

Blackout Film operates at 48 VAC / 50/60 Hz.

The controller input supply accepts standard mains voltage, 110 VAC / 220 VAC (50/60 Hz), and steps it down internally — no external transformer is needed beyond the included controller.

It depends on the variant. The DLC 1% model offers near-complete blackout when OFF — blocking 99% of visible light (transmitting only about 1%), making it suitable where full privacy is critical.

The DLC 3% transmits 3% of light in the OFF state, offering strong privacy with a slight ambient glow. Both reach 100% haze in the OFF state, making the glass fully opaque in appearance.

Power is consumed only when the film is ON (clear state). Consumption ranges from 0.6–1.4 W/ft² (6–15 W/m²), varying with temperature.

In the OFF (privacy) state, the film draws no power — making it energy-efficient by default for privacy applications.

Standard PDLC film switches between a milky/frosted white and clear. DLC (Dye Liquid Crystal) adds dye molecules to the liquid crystal layer, enabling a switch between a dark/black tinted state and clear.

This means a much higher contrast ratio, better aesthetics for applications that need blackout rather than the scattered, milky light of standard PDLC.

Yes.

The same DLC technology is available in two formats: self-adhesive film (applied to existing glass surfaces) and laminated smart glass (the film is factory-laminated between two glass panes).

Blackout Smart Glass is ideal for new installations or frameless partitions, while the film format is more suitable for retrofitting existing glazing.