We’ve all been there – you put up a new LED light strip, and the next morning half of it is hanging off the wall.
Why is this happening? What can I do to keep LED strip lights falling off the wall?
Let’s take a look.
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Make sure the wall is clean before attaching your LED strip.
Dust, dirt, and imperfections can hinder how well LED light strips stay stuck on the wall, causing them to come loose over time.
To prevent this, here’s how to clean your wall ready for attaching your lights:
- Start by wiping down the wall with a mixture of water and mild detergent. You can also use a pre-made cleaning solution.
- Rinse the surface with clean water and allow it to dry completely.
- For best results, you can use isopropyl alcohol to remove any remaining residue, ensuring a pristine surface.
Choose the right adhesive
Selecting the right adhesive is crucial for ensuring your LED light strips stay in place.
While many LED light strips come with adhesive backing already attached, it may not always be sufficient for the long haul.
Consider using the following options for added security:
Double-sided adhesive tape
Invest in high-quality, strong double-sided adhesive tape designed for mounting purposes.
This will provide extra grip and durability, ensuring your LED strip light is securely attached to the wall without worrying about it starting to peel off.
Mounting brackets or clips
There are mounting brackets or clips specifically designed for LED light strips, and they are a great choice to help keep LED strips on the wall.
These clips securely hold the strip in place and prevent it from falling off. They come in various sizes, typically 8mm, 10mm, or 12mm, and can be spaced as closely or as far apart as needed.
Consider placing them at the beginning of the strip to support the weight of the cable that attaches to the battery pack, preventing it from pulling the strip down.
Foam tape
If your wall is a bit more uneven, foam tape is the way to go.
Foam tape is seriously strong, and it’s designed to create a level surface for the strip to adhere to.
To keep your LED strip light firmly on the wall, apply the foam tape to your wall first, and then attach the LED strip on top of it.
Make sure you press down firmly to ensure the adhesive is properly attached.
Additional tips and tricks to keep LED lights attached to the wall
Avoid excessive heat
Excessive heat can weaken the adhesive on the back of your LED light strips, which will lead to peeling and eventually the LED strip falling off the wall.
To prevent this, avoid mounting your lights too close to heat sources like radiators, heaters, or ovens (only a worry if your lights are in the kitchen I suppose!).
Regular maintenance
Finally, remember that LED light strips may require occasional maintenance.
You should be checking them periodically (every 3 months or so will do) to ensure they are still securely attached and haven’t come loose in places.
If you do notice any loose sections, address them promptly by reapplying adhesive or using additional mounting brackets.
Closing remarks
With the right preparation, LED strip lights should stay on the wall for many, many years.
However, just using the standard adhesive that comes with the strip, and carelessly pressing it against the wall for a few seconds is a recipe for disaster.
Take the time and effort to get it right, and you’ll have your LED lights on the wall for as long as you need them to be.
VIEW OUR CAVELIGHTS RECOMMENDED LED LIGHT STRIPS HERE.
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