How to remove LED strip lights? Nowadays, LED strip lights are extensively used for various purposes. In this regard, the question arises whether it is possible to remove the strips and reuse them. In this article, we will answer these questions and discuss the step-by-step process of removing LED lights.
Applications of LED light strips
An LED light strip (also known as an LED tape) is a flexible strip composed of multiple LEDs connected.
It represents a convenient and elegant way of lighting that allows for creating stunning lighting designs and decorations.
LED lights can emit colorful lights, and have low energy consumption and long service life, making them a popular material for home decor, advertising signs, light letters, architectural lighting, and many other applications.
LED strip lights are used in various fields
1. Decorative lighting – LED tape can be used to create various lighting effects in rooms, outdoors, on building facades, etc.
2. Illumination of work surfaces – LED tape can be installed on work surfaces, such as kitchen tables, office desks, workbenches, etc.
3. Object lighting – LED tape can be used to light up various objects, such as showcases, museum exhibits, paintings, etc.
4. Security systems – LED tape can be used in security systems, such as lighting up the area or creating indicators on doors and windows.
5. Advertising – LED tape can be used to create bright advertising signs, symbols, etc.
Installation of LED strip lights without damaging
1. Self-adhesive tape: the back of the LED tape has an adhesive tape that allows it to be easily attached to a surface.
2. Mounting clips: these clips can be attached to a surface, and then the LED strip light can be inserted.
3. Aluminum profile: this is a special profile that is attached to the surface, and then the LED strip light is inserted into it.
4. Mounting brackets: these brackets can be attached to a surface, and then the LED strip light can be inserted.
In any case, before mounting the LED strip light, the surface should be cleaned of dust and dirt for better restick LED light strips. You need to make sure that there is no peeling paint on a wall.
It is also important to choose the right mounting method depending on the surface and operating conditions.
LED strip lights are great for different decorations, and many even use them for outdoor lighting. The beautiful design makes it easy to expand the space. Your audio system will look great, and it is also easy to install with its backing.
However, sometimes you want to move LED strip lights. Perhaps you are moving to a new place or want to place the light in a different location. This raises the question of how to remove and reuse the LED tape.
How to remove LED strip lights
Everyone can do the removal of LED tape on their own, and it is completely free.
Given that there are many ways to mount LED strip lights, let’s go through each one in order. But first, before removing the strip light in any way, you must disconnect it from the power source. The power supply must be turned off before any action is taken with the strip. In some cases, a patch test is used to test the strip lights.
How to remove LED strip lights with self-adhesive strips
Let’s start with the most common way to mount an LED type—the self-adhesive LED strip light.
To remove LED light strips light from a self-adhesive tape, follow the instructions below:
- Start by placing a metal knife or screwdriver between the LED strip light and the adhesive strip.
- Carefully lift the edge of the LED strip light.
- Continue gradually, separating the strip lights without damaging them. You need to get LED strip lights without self-adhesive strips.
If the glue is strongly attached and cannot be removed from the surface, use a hair dryer to heat the glue. The glue on the back of the LED type is not easy to remove because it is designed to stick to the surface for many years.
It doesn’t matter whether latex paint is on the wall or the other, If you are not careful and pull too hard, you may remove the LED type along with the wall paint. Heat the glue before removing the light strip, to avoid damaging the wall. You can concentrate the heat where you need it.
Slowly move the hair dryer along the entire length of the LED type, possibly on low or medium heat. You should avoid excessive heat. All the glue must soften and loosen without causing any damage. This makes it easier to remove the LED type without removing the wall paint.
Continue heating until you notice that the LED type has become easier to peel off. Slowly remove the strip lights without damaging them.
You can then remove the remaining adhesive residue from the wall using a liquid glue remover.
In some cases, the factory adhesive material is of poor quality, and it becomes necessary to use super glue during installation on the wall. Unfortunately, after such installation, it is impossible to remove the LED tape without damage.
Most LED strips are quite fragile, and some command strips can be damaged when removed, so it may be necessary to replace them after the LED lights are removed.
These instructions will help you remove LED light strips from the adhesive LED tape without damaging both parts.
How to remove LED strip lights with mounting clips
- Disconnect the mounting clips: The LED tape should relax after you remove the mounting clips. These mounts are usually located at the ends of the LED type and can be in the form of clips or clamps. You need to get LED strip lights without mounting clips.
- Disconnect the LED tape from the surface: Your LED lights may have been used on a surface that strengthened its grip. To separate it, simply use a blade.
- Disconnect the plastic cap at the ends of the strip: Some LED lights have plastic caps at their ends. They are used to replace clips. Using a blade, you can easily remove the corner or edge piece from the ends of the LED strip.
- Remove the LED strip lights: Usually, after you remove the mounting clips and plastic caps, the LED strip will come to a corner. Then, you can use a blade to completely remove the strip lights without damaging from its mounting clips.
Important: Do not apply force when removing LED strips. If you cannot remove the LED type, use a butter knife. But make sure it does not scratch or damage the LED type.
How to remove LED strip lights with aluminum profile
1. Let’s analyze how to remove the stick LED strip lights. Usually, the aluminum profile is secured to the surface using double-sided tape or adhesive. To remove the profile, peel off the tape with sharp scissors and carefully detach the profile from the surface.
2. If the profile is secured with screws, you need to unscrew them and remove the profile.
3. After you remove the film or profile, all that’s left is to remove the LED type. Carefully disconnect the LED type from the profile and remove it from the surface. You need to get LED strip lights without an aluminum profile.
4. If there is leftover adhesive residue on the LED type that prevents it from being removed, use a special adhesive remover, solvent, or rubbing alcohol and carefully remove the adhesive residues.
Now you can install a new LED type or profile.
How to remove LED strip lights with mounting brackets
1. Slide the plastic bracket fixation from the side surface of the LED strip lights;
2. Rotate the clip 90 degrees around its axis so that the strip lights without damage come out of the mount and extract the LED strip from the other end. You need to get LED strip lights without mounting brackets.
3. If the bracket does not loosen or rotate 90 degrees, use a flat object to release it.
4. Repeat this process for each LED type that you want to remove from the mounting brackets.
5. If you would like to reinstall the LED type, place it on the mounting bracket and rotate the bracket until the LED type snaps into place on both sides.
That is all! These instructions will help you quickly and easily remove LED strips.
FAQ
Can you remove LED strip lights and reuse them?
There are no reasons why you cannot use the strips on another wall. The tape can be carefully peeled off (using heat or pulling it off the wall) or removed from the mount.
The only issue is preserving the light strips after you remove them from the wall because the adhesive backing is lost when you remove them.
Do LED strip lights peel off the paint?
Paint may be removed from walls in case the tape is forcefully ripped off the wall.
Light strips damage walls if installed on the wrong surface, they may create extra heat and pulsations, which can negatively affect the state of the paint over time.
Therefore, before installing LED strips on a surface, it is important to evaluate its condition and to make sure that there is no peeling paint.
How do you remove LED strip adhesive?
There are several ways to remove adhesive for LED strips: use special peel-off tapes, also you can to apply heat, and use rubbing alcohol and any solvent.
Can you remove the LED strips?
Yes, LED strips can be removed. To do this, carefully disconnect them from the power source them from the surface on which they are installed.
Conclusion
LED types are a common attribute of everyday life, decorating homes and offices. In many cases, the installed LED types have to be removed from the walls to attach them to another room.
As we have found out, there are several ways to attach LED strip lights and each method has its way of removing LED strip lights.
Any LED strip can be removed and reused; however, these actions require attention and carefulness to avoid damaging or breaking the strip.
Learn More: How to Connect LED Strip Lights
