To further illuminate the room, and make it more elegant, LED strip lights are often used. There is a wide range of them on market, and the tapes differ in shade. Even though they have an adhesive backing, it is better not to use glue. Read more about how to hang LED strip lights on wall without adhesive in this article.
Features of LED strip lights
Before proceeding to study the question of how to hang LED strip lights on the wall without adhesive, you should familiarize yourself with the features of LED strip lights.
LED chips are mounted on printed circuit boards, which are located on flexible tape. On the reverse side, there is a double-sided adhesive that ensures a secure fixation, regardless of the surface. There are LED strip lights that do not have a sticky backing.
Installation methods for LED light strips so as not to damage the walls
Most LED strips are not expensive. LED lights are quite flexible and can be adjusted in size. This greatly facilitates the process of creating a diverse atmosphere. Fixing LED lights is possible on any flat surface. However, if the wall is painted, then the coating may deteriorate after you rip off the tape.
Before you decide to light up a room with LED strip lights, it is extremely important to fix them properly.
Cutting and pasting
Before starting work with LED lights without a power supply, you need to prepare materials. You need the tape itself, scissors, a tape measure, a knife, and a paper towel.
Tape measurements
First, you need to determine the area of the room, as well as the area that is illuminated. For ease of measurement, use a ruler or tape measure. The main thing is to measure everything exactly to the centimeter.
Command strip cutting
Cut off the desired length of double-sided tape from the skein. You need to work with a sharp tool. It can be scissors or a knife. It is better to cut along the drawn lines so as not to damage the board. Otherwise, some lamps do not work.
Surface preparation and cleaning
To better fix the tape, it is recommended to clean the surface. The grease and dust do not allow the adhesive to adhere to the surface, so the tapes fall off. To prevent it, you need to wipe the surface with a cloth dipped in hot water. In the end, wipe everything with alcohol, and dry it with a paper towel.
Removing plastic stickers
To open the sticky layer, you need to remove the plastic sticker. It is better to do this one by one so that dust does not get on the glue. Apply the tape to the cleaned surface, and press with your hand to stick LED strip lights and fix it. Try to do everything slowly so that the lighting is even.
Using mounting putty to install strip light
First, prepare your tools. In addition to the tape, you need mounting putty, a tape measure, a knife, and cable ties. After that, it is possible to proceed to the main stage of the work.
Formation of putty
You can use mounting putty to prevent the glue from damaging the walls. It is portable and easily replaces staples, glue, and nails. Form the desired command strips of putty, and glue them to the back of the LED strip. Next, the LED lights can be attached to the desired surface.
Fixing with cable ties
Additionally, you should stick LED strip lights and fix them with cable ties. So that they do not block the light from the lamps, opt for transparent options. You can use cable ties to secure the tape to kitchen cabinets or stair railings.
LED strip connector application
To get to work, prepare a list of tools. Special connectors, diffusion caps, and a tape measure come in handy in the work.
Connector selection
First, you need to do the selection of LED connectors. This allows you to hang LED strip lights around monitors or a bed. You need to insert the connector at the end of the stripes, after clamping it at the fixation point. To connect the LED lights, you need to cut off the LED strip and install it from the other end of the connector.
Give preference to connectors that are made by the same company as the LED strip lights. After all, they are not universal, and you waste your money.
Installing diffusers
Often, after installing LED strip lights and starting them, you notice that the lighting is shifting and stripes are formed. To prevent this effect, it is necessary to use special diffusing covers that are mounted on top of the fixtures. This achieves uniform and beautiful lighting.
The cover evenly distributes the light and hides individual lamps in places where the LED light strip is installed. Almost all diffuser covers require the installation of small adhesive strips. It must be filled with LED lamps before installing the cover on the track.
Some options look like small thin LED lights with an adhesive backing. They are mounted under overhead lights.
Binding multiple tapes
If the room you want to illuminate with an LED light strip has a large area, it is possible that you have to fasten several pieces of tape. Command strips should be used from the same manufacturer. They can be mounted around furniture and household appliances. The great choice of lights with vector strips.
Next, you need to synchronize light sources using a special application. It must be developed by the same company as the LED light strips. However, you still need a strip adhesive backing. After all, you have to fasten to a guide made of metal.
Creating a good bond between the adhesive and aluminum is important. After that, the track is fixed with clamps. They need to be fixed to the desired surface.
Application of mounting clips to install strip light
You need several tools to get the job done. In addition to LED strips, you have to prepare mounting clips, scissors, tape measure, velcro strip, and mounting channels.
If you want to quickly and cheaply install LED light strips, you can use mounting clips. Their design is quite compact. The clamps are completed with a screw, thanks to which they snap the tape, and screw to any surface.
If you plan to fix the LED strips to the bottom of the cabinet, then it is better to point the light down. Be sure that with this method, the LED strips are securely fastened and do not fall off.
Application of the mounting channel
The great idea is hanging LED strip lights on top of an aluminum profile. At the same time, the attractiveness of the lighting does not suffer. To do this, combine diffusers with LED strip lights. The track is complemented by a cover that prevents the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation.
Application of double-sided tape or velcro strips
Installation of LED strips using double-sided tape is allowed. This option is affordable and versatile. However, it is better to opt for durable adhesive tape or velcro strips. It should easily withstand high temperatures. The use of adhesive tape strengthens the fixation and preserves the lighting structure for a long time.
Use of nails to install strip light
If you want to securely fasten the LED strips, you’d better use nails. This way the lighting lasts for years until you need to replace it. This is the best solution if you are not worried about the fact that the walls can be damaged.
If you plan to use this method, it makes sense to nail a nail to the wall. On top of it, you need to put on an LED strip.
Using pushpins
In almost all homes there are pushpins. Even if they were not found at home, you can buy them at the nearest store at an affordable price. Such tools are appropriate if you need to fix the LED strip and you do not want to damage the wall with nails.
Buttons can be of different sizes. However, despite their compactness, they are quite durable and powerful. Given that the weight of the LED strips is small, the buttons can easily withstand them. The ribbons also fit easily in the space between the buttons due to their small width.
On market, there is a large assortment of pushpins, which differ in shade, size, and design. They make a hole in the wall, which is small. In the future, you can easily repair the wall.
Application of staples
As you know, people try to stop using nails so as not to damage the walls. Therefore, they are looking for optimal alternatives. Staples fall into this category. They provide quick and easy installation. The walls remain virtually unscathed.
Application of transparent tape to install lights on wall without adhesive
Often people want to use LED strips to create the feeling that the light is practically floating in the air. To achieve this effect, use transparent tape. For a more durable result, it makes sense to opt for thick standard tape.
Most of them can support up to 15 pounds. They do not deform from sunlight and precipitation. You can be sure of the durability of the structure. Often such tapes are used to attach fixtures to the ceiling.
Tape is fine if you won’t be applying it over the light bulbs. Try to apply it only to the junctions of the light bulbs. Otherwise, the light appears dim.
Conclusion
As you can see, hanging LED strips is not difficult. After all, you can use any of the above methods to stick LED strip lights without difficulty. The main thing is to choose high-quality tapes that serve for years and do not deform. This allows you to save on the purchase of new lighting parts, and repairs and upgrade stick LED lights.
Read also: How to make black led lights (DIY guide)
FAQ
When it comes to hanging LED strip lights on the wall, there are many questions to ask. They concern not only the selection of materials for fixation but also the installation method.
How do you attach LED strip lights to the wall?
First, you need to remove the substrate, which is provided on the LED strip. Press strip lights on wall and wait at least an hour. It is better to install LED lights on wall without great length, the best choice is 6 inches long. This ensures that the tape is firmly attached around the entire perimeter.
Can you hang LED lights with tape?
Double-sided tape is a very good solution if you want to fix the LED strip lights without damaging the wall. However, give preference to thermally conductive models. For additional fixation, you can combine adhesive tape with hot melt adhesive.
How do you hang lights on a wall without damaging paint?
If you don’t want the wall paint to be damaged, you can use push pins or tape. Any methods are allowed except for tenacious glue and nails.
Can I use mounting clips for all types of LED strips?
Mounting clips come in various sizes and shapes. It’s crucial to choose clips that fit the width of your LED strips. Most standard-sized LED strips have compatible mounting clip options.
Can I hang LED strips on uneven or textured walls without adhesive?
Yes, mounting clips or channel guides can be used on uneven or textured walls. They provide stability and prevent the LED strips from sagging, even on non-smooth surfaces.
