How to Install LED Strip Lights Without Adhesive or Damaging Walls – [Complete Guide]

LED strip lights are a great way to add some color and ambiance to your home. They create different moods, highlight features, or simply brighten up a dark space. However, installing led strip lights without adhesive or damaging walls is not that easy. Not everyone likes the idea of using adhesive to stick them to the wall or in simple words damaging their wall. Adhesive can damage the paint, leave behind residue, or make it hard to remove the lights later. Fortunately, there are other ways to hang LED strip lights without adhesive. In this article, we will show you how to do it using some simple tools and materials. We will also give you some tips and best practices to make the process easier and more effective.

Why Adhesive Tape Is the WORSE?

One of the main concerns that people have when installing LED strip lights is how to stick them on walls without damaging the paint. The standard adhesive that comes with most LED strip lights can be too strong or too weak, depending on the surface and the environment. If it’s too strong, it can peel off the paint when you try to remove the lights. If it’s too weak, it can fall off easily and leave behind residue. Either way, you don’t want to ruin your walls with LED strip lights. So how can you avoid this problem? Here are some tips and alternatives that you can try.

Issues with standard adhesive of LED strip lights

The standard adhesive that comes with most LED strip lights is usually a 3M tape that sticks to the back of the strip. This tape is designed to be durable and long-lasting, but it can also cause some issues if you’re not careful. Some of the issues that you may encounter are:

• The adhesive may not stick well to certain surfaces, such as textured, rough, or uneven walls. This can make the LED strip lights fall off or sag over time.
• Can React with certain paints, especially latex-based ones, and cause discoloration or damage. This can make the paint peel off or crack when you try to remove the LED strip lights.
• May leave behind residue or glue marks on the wall after you remove the LED strip lights. This can make the wall look dirty or stained and require extra cleaning or repainting.

Safe Alternatives Without Adhesive Or Damaging Walls

If you want to avoid using the standard adhesive of LED strip lights, you can look for some alternative adhesives or PVC-free options that are more gentle on your walls. You can keep led lights from falling too 10 Proven Ways How To Keep Led Lights From Falling.

Some of these alternatives are:

Double-sided tape: This is probably the easiest and most common way to hang LED strip lights without adhesive. All you need is a roll of double-sided tape and you’re good to go! Just be sure to use a high-quality tape like this one that will hold up over time. To use this method, simply cut a piece of your double-sided tape to the desired length and affix it to the back of your LED strip light. Then, peel off the other side of the tape and stick the LED strip to your wall. Press it firmly in place and you’re done!

Command strips: These are small adhesive strips that can be removed without leaving any residue behind. They’re perfect for temporary installations or for people who don’t want to deal with the hassle of adhesive. For this method, you’ll need to follow the instructions on your particular brand of Command strips. But generally, you’ll just need to peel off the backing and stick the Command strip to the back of your LED strip light. Then, remove the other half of the strip and press the LED light firmly into place.

Velcro strips: In my opinion, one of the best ways to hang LED lights is to use Velcro strips. These are also easy to remove and won’t leave any residue behind. They’re perfect for temporary installations or for people who don’t want to deal with adhesive. To use this method, you’ll need to attach a Velcro strip to the back of your LED strip light. Then, peel off the other half of the strip and stick the LED light to your desired location. Press it firmly in place and you’re done!

Magnets: If you’re looking for a semi-permanent solution for installing LED light strips on walls, try using magnets³. This is a great option if you want to be able to remove your LED strip lights easily or if you’re worried about damage to your walls. To use this method, you’ll need to attach magnets to the back of your LED strip light. Then, position the LED strip where you want it and press the magnets firmly into place. For an extra-secure hold, try using adhesive-backed magnets.

Hooks or nails: If you’re looking for a more permanent solution for hanging LED strip lights, try using hooks or nails³. This is a good option if you don’t mind making holes in your walls or if you want a more sturdy installation. To use this method, you’ll need to screw in some hooks or nails along the path where you want your LED strip lights to go. Then, hang your LED strip lights from the hooks or nails using clips or ties.

Choose the Best Location for LED Strip Lights

Before you start hanging your LED strip lights without adhesive, you need to decide where you want them to go. The location will affect how you install them and what materials you need. Here are some things to consider when choosing the best location for your LED strip lights:

Try these locations

Some of the most popular places to install LED strip lights are behind TVs, monitors, headboards, shelves, cabinets, mirrors, or artwork. These locations can create a nice backlight effect and enhance the appearance of your room. You can also use LED strip lights along the ceiling, floor, or wall edges to create a border or outline. I recommend you try hiding led strip lights to make the best mood and effect and even avoid any direct light.

Check this : Is It Safe to Put LED Lights On Fabric? 6 Must-Know Facts

Test It First!

Before you commit to a location, you may want to test it out with some masking tape. Simply stick some masking tape along the path where you want your LED strip lights to go and see how it looks. This will help you visualize the final result and make any adjustments if needed.

Clean and Dry Surface

Whatever location you choose, make sure that the surface is dry and clean. Moisture or dirt can interfere with the installation process and affect the performance of your LED strip lights. You can use a cloth or a paper towel to wipe off any dust or grease from the surface.

Determining the Length of LED Strips

Another thing you need to do before hanging your LED strip lights without damaging walls is to determine how long they need to be. This will depend on how much area you want to cover and how many turns or corners you have. Here are some steps to follow when determining the length of your LED strips.

Know the Desired Length First

The first thing you need to do is to measure the length of the area where you want your LED strip lights to go. You can use a tape measure or a ruler for this. For example, if you want to install LED strip lights behind your TV, measure the width and height of your TV and add them together.

Prepare the LED Strip Lights for Installation Without Adhesive or Damaging Walls

Once you have determined the length of your LED strip lights, you need to prepare them for installation. This involves disconnecting all connections, cutting shrink tube and sanding ends, and soldering capacitors in series. Here are some steps to follow when preparing your LED strip lights for installation.

Disconnect Any Connections

The first thing you need to do is to disconnect all connections from your LED strip lights. This includes the power supply, the controller, and any connectors or extensions. This will make it easier to handle and cut your LED strip lights, If you are worried that you can’t reconnect them again? No worries you can check Easiest Method To Reconnect Cut Led Strips Without Connectors

Cutting shrink tube and sanding ends

The next thing you need to do is to cut off any excess shrink tube from your LED strip lights. A shrink tube is a plastic material that covers and protects the wires and LEDs on your strip. You can use scissors or a knife for this. Then, use sandpaper or a file to smooth out any rough edges on the ends of your LED strip lights.

Solder Capacitors in series

The last thing you need to do is to solder capacitors in series on your LED strip lights. Capacitors are small electronic components that store electric charge and help prevent voltage drops on your strip. You can buy capacitors online or at an electronics store. To solder capacitors in series on your LED strip lights.

Tools And Materials Needed

To hang your LED strip lights without adhesive, you will need some tools and materials. Here is a list of what you will need:

A strip of wood or metal

This is the main material that you will use to hang your LED strip lights. You can use any kind of wood or metal that is thin and flat, such as a ruler, a yardstick, or a metal bar. You can also use plastic or PVC pipe if you prefer. The length of the strip should be equal to or slightly longer than the length of your LED strip lights.

Paint scraper, pencil, ruler, level, screwdriver

These are some basic tools that you will need to mark, measure, and install your strip of wood or metal. You can also use a hammer or a drill if you have them.

Optional tools: drill, jigsaw, circular saw

These are some optional tools that you can use to cut or shape your strip of wood or metal if needed. For example, if you want to make a curve or a corner on your strip, you can use a jigsaw or a circular saw to cut it.

Installation Process

Now that you have everything ready, you can start installing your LED strip lights without damaging any walls. Here are some steps to follow when installing your LED strip lights:

• Deciding on the placement of LED lights: The first thing you need to do is to decide where you want to place your LED strip lights on your wall. You can use masking tape to test out different positions and angles. Make sure that the placement is suitable for your desired lighting effect and that there is enough space for the strip of wood or metal.

• Measuring the length of LED light strip: The next thing you need to do is to measure the length of your LED light strip. You can use a tape measure or a ruler for this. Make sure that the length matches the length of your strip of wood or metal.
• Marking holes on the wall: The next thing you need to do is to mark holes on the wall where you will attach your strip of wood or metal. You can use a pencil, a ruler, and a level for this. Make sure that the holes are evenly spaced and aligned with the placement of your LED light strip.
• Preparing for drilling/cutting: The next thing you need to do is to prepare for drilling or cutting holes on the wall. You can use a drill, a hammer, or a nail for this. Make sure that you have the right size and type of drill bit or nail for your wall material. You may also want to use a piece of cardboard or paper to catch any dust or debris from drilling or cutting.
• Aligning the strip and scraping off paint: The next thing you need to do is to align your strip of wood or metal with the holes in the wall. You can use a level for this. Then, use a paint scraper to scrape off any paint from the back of your strip. This will help the silicone sealant adhere better to the surface.

• Applying silicone sealant and allowing time for drying: The next thing you need to do is to apply silicone sealant along the back of your strip of wood or metal. Silicone sealant is a sticky substance that will help hold your strip in place and prevent moisture from getting in. You can buy silicone sealant online or at a hardware store. To apply silicone sealant.
• Turning off power and connecting the LED lights: The next thing you need to do is to turn off the power and connect your LED lights to your strip of wood or metal. To do this
• Adjusting for straightness: The last thing you need to do is to adjust your LED light strip for straightness. You can use a level for this. Make sure that your LED light strip is parallel to the edge of your strip of wood or metal and that there are no gaps or bends.

Final Thoughts

Installing LED strip lights without adhesive is possible and easy if you follow the right steps and use the right materials. You can use alternative methods such as double-sided tape, Command strips, Velcro strips, magnets, hooks, nails, or silicone sealant to hang your LED strip lights without damaging your walls. You can also remove your LED strip lights without adhesive by using some tools such as a hair dryer, a plastic scraper, and an adhesive remover. If you notice any paint damage on your walls after installing or removing LED strip lights, you can either touch it up with some acrylic-based paint or conceal it with some decor items.