How To Stick LED Strip Lights on Wall Without Damaging Paint?

LED strip lights are by far the most popular of all LED products. Their adhesive backing allows you to attach them almost anywhere as long as they are close to a power outlet. If you’re wondering how to stick LED strip lights on the wall without damaging paint, keep reading.

What are LED strip lights?

What are LED strip lights

LED strip lights fall into the decorative lamp category. They are widely used as home decoration since they are simple to install and control.

You can customize them to create the ambiance that you want. They can improve lighting levels in a given space and add various lighting hues.

For instance, installing a LED strip in the living room can make the family ambiance warmer. They can also add a joyful mood to celebrations such as weddings.

They have variations and exceptions, but they all share the characteristics below:

  • Installed on a thin, flexible circuit board
  • Use low voltage electricity
  • Come in various colors and brightness levels
  • Last up to 80,000-100,000 hours
  • Packed in a long reel about 5 meters

Types of LED Strip Lights

DC LED Flex Strips

DC LED Flex Strips

These strip lights are powered by 12VDC and produce very little heat. They come with a 3M adhesive layer for easy installation. They are available in waterproof versions with 30 or 60 LEDs per meter.

They also have a slim profile as they are only 10-millimeters wide and 3-millimeters long. Their cut lines enable quick and more precise cut-down measurements.

AC LED Flex Strips

AC LED Flex Strips

These strips function directly from the power source. They are ready to use as soon as you plug them in.

They are broader when compared with the DC LED Flex Strips, measuring 0.5 inches wide by 0.25 inches long. They will grow in size because each light pack has 20 LEDs for every foot, providing 180 Lumens.

Another benefit of these strips is that they may stretch to about 150 feet and clipped every 18 inches. If you need to cut to a specific length, you can use a strip-to-strip jumper.

They are best for long-distance applications. They don’t require an additional power supply or dimmers.

LED Rope Lights

LED Rope Lights

This type is unique in that the strips are ribbon-like. They are wrapped in a spherical rubbery plastic resembling a rope. These waterproof strips are bendable in multiple ways. They also produce light from the top and around the rope.

They are plug-and-play compatible with a conventional wall outlet that works on 120VAC. Their only flaw is their low brightness.

However, they are ideally suited for low accent lighting that adds a decorative touch to your space, deck, or garden. They are insufficient as a room’s sole source of illumination.

High Output LED Strips

High Output LED Strips

These strip lights feature more firm strips that allow mid to high-power LEDs, such as 5050 strip lights, to be mounted. They’re ideal for individuals looking for the brightest LED strips available. You can use them in high ceiling corners or walls that require a lot of light.

A 24VDC electrical source is appropriate for these strips. But you may also put up a dimming control.

Can you Stick LED strip lights on walls?

LED strips look great on walls. The most popular place where LED light strips are placed is on walls.

LED light strips can be used to illuminate walls in several ways. All of these methods, however, fall into one of three categories:

Recessed Lighting

LED strips protrude through a hollow section of the wall in recessed lighting. This is ideal for creating a mellow atmosphere in your home.

This wall lighting may be used in homes, businesses, and commercial areas since it makes the place look more elegant.

Surface Mounted Lighting

Surface-mounted lighting consists of LED strips mounted to the wall’s surface. When unfiltered bright light is required, this form of lighting is frequently selected.

Decorative Wall Lighting

LED light strips can also be used as beautiful wall lighting. You may try RGB or RGBW LED strips to make art on your bare walls and let your imagination run wild.

These strips are ideal for decorative lighting since they are simple to install and remove. You can also use them over and over again.

Do LED strip lights damage paint?

Do LED strip lights damage paint

LED strip lights are unlikely to cause wall damage, but it depends on the circumstances. Their adhesion is affected by the weather, the stickiness of their adhesive, the endurance of paint, and how long they have been installed.

LED strips are available in various sizes and colors, but all are backed with 3M adhesive. This adhesive is made of high-performance acrylic. So, it is known as the sturdiest tape available.

This tape is remarkable because it acts as a flexible solid and a viscous liquid. This feature prevents the strip from slipping into uneven surfaces and allows a strong attachment.

Easy Steps to Stick LED Strip Lights on Walls Without Damaging Paint

Stick LED Strip Lights on Walls Without Damaging Paint

Using Adhesives for Smooth Surfaces

Follow the steps outlined below to stick your LED strips to the wall using tape without peeling the paint. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Measure

Begin by measuring the size of the spot where you will install the lights. Use a tape measure or ruler to accomplish this. Do not speculate!

Step 2: Cut your LED strip to the proper length

Trim your LED lights to the appropriate length with scissors or a sharp knife. Cut only along the specified cutting markings.

You will damage the wiring and render some LEDs useless if you cut your strip at the wrong point. If you did, you need to attach another new connection.

Step 3: Prepare the surface

The adhesive backing of LED light strips sticks best on clean, smooth walls. If there is dirt or grease, the adhesive’s bonding with the surface will be minimized. It would be impossible to achieve a tight bond.

To avoid this, dampen a clean rag with rubbing alcohol or warm water.  Wipe the area firmly and thoroughly. When you’re done, dry the surface using a paper towel or a lint-free fabric.

A clean surface is necessary to keep your LED strips attached longer.

It’s best to install strip lights on smooth, solid surfaces. It should not be used on surfaces that are rough or textured or on surfaces that bend or move.

To attach firmly, the adhesive backing needs a level surface. The LED strip does not bind well with uneven or oily finishes. It is more likely to slide around and not cling at all.

Step 4: Pull off the plastic sheet at the back of the LED light strip

The LED strips are coiled on a spool and ready to use. Unroll the stretch of lighting you’ll be using for your project.

To uncover the adhesive layer backing, begin gently pulling the plastic sheet from any endpoint of the LED strip. Peel off little by little to avoid oil or dirt sticking to the tape.

Step 5: Position and stick the LED strip

Place the LED light strip where you planned to install it and press it gently using your hand. Use mild pressure only.

Keep peeling and pressing until it adheres completely. Don’t rush. Take your time to ensure the job is well done.

Step 6: Turn the lights on

Plug on your LED strip lights to your electrical supply. Start getting amazed with the new look your LED strip lights bring.

Detach the insulation sheet with the remote control first. Then press the color that you want.

Using Mounting Techniques

Using Mounting Techniques

Try other options if you’re anxious about the tape destroying the paint on your walls.

Mounting putty is one option. This is a versatile, mobile alternative to glue, nails, and staples. Form a piece of putty into your desired shape with your hands.

Press the putty into the rear side of your light strips. After that, you can already attach the LED strip to where you want it placed.

You can also try cable ties in attaching your LED light strips to a steady object. To prevent interrupting the LED’s output, you can also use clear ties.

Another alternative for mounting LED strips is to use mounting clips. This is an easy and inexpensive way to attach LED strip lights without double-sided adhesive.

The mounting clip should be screwed along the length of the strip to be installed. Many mounting clips contain a slot through which the strip can be inserted.

To hold your LED strip in position, employ several clips for every foot. If you will orient your LED lights downward, these clips are ideal.

Another cost-effective option to install LED strips while maintaining a professional appearance is to use an aluminum mounting channel. As the strips stick to the aluminum channel, this method requires the adhesive layer.

The aluminum and tape complement each other nicely and make a strong bond. The channel is then held in place by clips that attach to the surface.

The channel and UV-protected cover give your lights a professional look. Nobody would think they’re strip lights.

Summary

LED strip lighting allows you to highlight specific areas while adding a softer kind of light. You’re probably only worried about how to stick LED strip lights on the wall without damaging the paint.

If you primarily use the adhesive that comes with your strip lights, you’re unlikely to cause any damage.

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