How to Install Smart Film®
Complete step-by-step instructions for installing Smart Tint® Smart Film® with Smart Cling® self-adhesive backing — from surface prep through wiring and edge sealing.
Genuine Smart Tint® — The Only ETL-Certified Smart Film®
Genuine Smart Tint® is the only ETL-certified Smart Film® in the industry that conforms to UL standards for both the United States and Canada. A Project Manager will email shop drawings to confirm all final details before manufacturing.
ETL Certified
The only switchable film certified to UL standards for both the USA and Canada.
Shop Drawings
Every order includes a set of shop drawings to confirm dimensions and wire locations prior to manufacturing.
USA Manufactured
All Smart Film® is manufactured at our facility in the USA and shipped pre-wired and cut to your exact specifications.
Installation Materials
With the right tools, anything is possible.
Necessary Installation Materials
- #1 — Smart Glass Spray: Strengthens glass and fills in any microscopic pits and defects to create a smooth, ideal installation surface.
- #2 — Nanofiber Cloth: Used to wipe glass clean of any residue or debris before the film installation.
- #3 — Plastic Razor Blade (glass cleaning only): Used to scrape off moisture and residue. Only use a plastic blade — metal blades will scratch the glass.
- #4 — Advanced Glass Cleaner: Cleans the glass surface thoroughly.
- #5 — Smart Tint® Trim Kit Tape: Used to adhere Non-Adhesive film to the surface, and to cover the Bus Bars with trim.
- #6 — Smart Film® Edge Sealant: Seals film edges to prevent damage caused by moisture, dirt and debris.
Additional Recommended Materials
- Nitrile Gloves: Prevents oil transfer from fingers to the film adhesive.
- Wire Stripper: For quick, clean wire splices in the field.
- 18 Gauge Electrical Wire: Standard gauge used throughout Smart Film® systems — keep extra on hand.
- Soldering Iron: For on-site wire repairs; wires may need re-soldering during handling.
- Lead-Free Solder: Recommended to avoid health risks associated with lead.
- Heat Shrink / Electrical Tape: Strengthens wire connections and prevents breakage.
Measuring Recommendations — "The 1/8″ Rule"
Correct measurements are critical. Follow these rules to ensure a perfect fit every time.
The 1/8″ Gap Rule
Always leave a ⅛″ gap between all sides of the film and the edge of the window. This makes the overall film ¼″ shorter in both height and width than the glass.
What to Measure
Provide the height and width of the visible glass area. For frameless glass, measure from beveled edge to beveled edge. For framed systems, Smart Film® Edge Sealant seals all edges.
Odd Shapes
For odd-shaped glass, measure the rectangle or square that the shape fits within. Our team will handle the rest and confirm final dimensions via shop drawings.
Important Installation Tips
Installation Tolerance
Always plan for a ¼″ (6–7 mm) edge-to-edge tolerance. This ensures the film does not exceed the glass perimeter, compensates for uneven frame edges and — critically — leaves room for the Bus Bar wiring connections so they cannot peel away.
Adequate Lighting
Install in natural light or under bright, even lighting. Good lighting helps identify dust or debris on the glass that could contaminate the Smart Cling® surface.
A Clean Environment
Your installation area must be as clean and dust-free as possible. If dust is present, spray a light water mist into the air one hour before beginning — this settles airborne particulate matter before application.
Handle With Care
Never buckle, fold or crease Smart Film®. Doing so can cause delamination. Always keep the film flat. When carrying, roll it into a tube. Always lay it down gently on a clean, flat surface.
DRY Install Only
DO NOT use water or any other liquids during installation. Only Smart Glass Spray (#1) and Advanced Glass Cleaner (#4) may be used during surface prep. Once prep is complete, the installation surface must be completely dry before applying Smart Film®.
Team Up
We highly recommend at least three installers for any project. Installing alone risks kinking the film, creating excessive air bubbles and causing delamination damage.
Installation Steps
Follow these steps carefully. Take your time — rushing leads to kinking, bubbles and damage.
Unbox & Inspect
Gently unroll the Smart Film® onto a clean, flat surface. Wipe both sides of the release liner with Advanced Glass Cleaner (#4) or 90% Isopropyl Alcohol to remove any debris, dirt or oil from shipping. Allow the film to acclimate to room temperature. DO NOT peel the front release liner until the film is installed on the glass — this prevents damage.
Clean the Glass
Thoroughly clean the glass surface using Advanced Glass Cleaner (#4) or 90%+ Isopropyl Alcohol applied to a Nanofiber Cloth (#2). DO NOT use paper towels — they leave fibres. Use a Plastic Razor Blade (#3) to scrape off any remaining debris or residue. NEVER use a metal razor blade — it will scratch and pit the glass.
Apply Smart Glass Spray
Spray the Smart Glass Spray (#1) or Advanced Glass Cleaner (#4) on the installation surface. Wait five minutes for the solution to settle, then use a squeegee to wipe off any excess solution.
Final Wipe & Dry
Use a Nanofiber Cloth (#2) to wipe the glass 100% clean to remove any remaining haze. You may dampen the cloth slightly with water to assist. Once complete, use a completely DRY Nanofiber Cloth to dry the installation surface 100% before applying Smart Film®.
Test the Film
BEFORE installing, test the film on a flat clean surface. Wire up the Smart Film® and power it on and off to confirm it functions correctly and check for any defects. Do not solder any wires together at this stage — detach wires after testing, then reattach after installation (see Step 10).
Transport to the Installation Surface
Roll the film into a tube and carefully carry it to the glass. We once again recommend having at least three installers — less room for damage and error on large pieces.
Confirm Size & Alignment
Have at least two installers firmly hold the film against the glass WITHOUT peeling the release liner. Confirm the Smart Film® is cut to the correct size. Note: You should NOT need to perform any on-site trimming — all film is professionally cut in-house per the shop drawings provided.
Apply the Film
Once aligned, begin peeling the release liner back 6"–8" (15–20 cm) at a time — never peel it completely off at once. As you gradually expose the Smart Cling® adhesive, use an installation card to adhere the film to the glass with moderate pressure, always working from the top downward. Keep at least two installers firmly holding the film in place throughout. Use the installation card to push air bubbles toward the edge of the film.
Finish the Bottom
Repeat Step 8 until you reach the last 6"–8" of the film. At that point, you can peel the remaining release liner completely and finish applying.
Connect Electrical Wiring
Connect the electrical connections to power the film. Perform any necessary soldering at this step. See the Power Control Unit wiring diagram for your specific setup: Single PCU to wall switch, Single PCU to switchable outlet, or Cascading PCU to wall switch.
How to Seal Smart Film® Edges
Proper edge sealing is mandatory. Unsealed edges will allow water and humidity to reach the film, causing corrosion, streaks, striations, scaling, delamination and complete failure — none of which is repairable. The warranty is void if edges are not properly sealed.
Smart Film® Edge Sealant
Apply Smart Film® Edge Sealant (#6) to all edges. Keep at least ½″ (1.3 cm) of clearance between the Bus Bars and the Edge Sealant — sealant must never contact the Bus Bar electrical connections. Once applied, allow 12–24 hours to dry completely before powering the film.
Smart Tint® Trim Kit
Adhere the Smart Tint® Trim Kit over the Bus Bar side with VHB Acid Free Trim Kit Double Sided Tape. The trim kit protects the Bus Bars from moisture and elemental threats. The completed trim must be non-conductive. Trim is available in White, Black or paintable.
Three Sides Sealed
Only THREE of the four sides should be completely sealed with Smart Film® Edge Sealant — the three sides without Bus Bars. The Bus Bar side can be sealed to within ½″ of the Bus Bar, then covered with Trim Kit.
Installation FAQ
How many people do I need to install Smart Film®?
Can I use water during installation?
Do I need to trim the film on site?
What do I do if air bubbles remain after installation?
When can I power the film after applying Edge Sealant?
Does removing the serial number void the warranty?
Need Professional Installation?
We have a worldwide network of certified Smart Film® installers. Get a free quote and we will connect you with a vetted professional in your area.