LED light strips are a revolutionary form of lighting that many households adapt to create unique decorations and outdoor lighting. It’s a great alternative for giving your home an extra cool, bright and uplifting appeal.
Additionally, these strips are also utilized for task lighting and backlighting, amongst other things; it’s a type of lighting that is often installed differently from ordinary lighting as it can be adhered to the wall and removed as needed.
When it comes to resticking LED light strips, most people tend to experience challenges. That’s because of the different circumstances that may accompany the process, including the short-lived useful life of the adhesive holding the light in place.
If you are having trouble with resticking your LED light strips, the rest of this article will guide you through the process of reinstalling them properly. Let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
What are LED light strips?
An LED light strip is a type of lighting that consists of a circuit with LEDs. It is popular for its flexibility and versatility. This light might be in the shape of a single light or a series of lights in various colors.
Due to their ability to retain adhesives, LED light strips can conveniently stick to any surface you place them in. To power them, you will need a low-voltage, direct current, and alternating current.
Types of LED light strips
LED light strips are available in a wide range of colors, and sizes and have distinct functionalities. Let’s look at some of the most prevalent LED light strip varieties.
1. DC LED Flex Strips
These LED light strips come in a variety of sizes. They are mostly powered by a DC source of 12-24 volts.
Depending on what the user prefers, the length of DC LED light strips can be shortened or left at their normal size. Either way, they will still function properly.
It also features a water-resistant function. With the adhesive backing, it may be simply attached to a surface.
2. AC plug-and-play LED flex strips
This is a good option if you are looking for a simple, easy-to-install LED light strip. As the name implies, you only need to “Plug and Play”, and that’s it.
To operate it, you don’t need to use a remote or any other device. The AC plug-and-play LED strip is far superior to the DC LED light strip.
3. LED Rope Light Strips
Here, the LED light strip is housed in a holder that mimics a rope. It is dimmer and more selective in its application because it is primarily utilized for accent lighting.
The LED rope light strip is very adaptable and may be shaped into a variety of shapes. It might be bent into shapes, signs, or symbols. It is also a plug-in form of lighting. All you have to do is put it into a power source and it is ready to use.
4. RGB LED Light Strip
Because of its uniqueness, many people use the RGB LED light strip as accent lighting on the floor. It is also versatile with its controller that allows users to choose between colors. This controller comes in the form of remote control.
The light strip comes in a variety of designs with LEDs that are spaced widely apart, which makes them different from conventional light strips. You can connect them to the controller chip independently.
Are LED Light Strips Hard to Restick?
No, it’s not difficult to restick LED light strips. So, you just purchased your LED light strip just in time for installation in a certain area of your home. Along the way, you get a nudge to move it, which is usually because you want to change the position.
As someone unfamiliar with LED light strips, this can be a problem. However, as long as you can remove the light strip without damaging the walls, get the appropriate adhesive and reinstall the light strip as needed. The process of installation is quite simple and quick. You would not have to spend a whole day trying to restick your LED light strips.
How to Restick LED light strips
Once you feel the need to rearrange the fixtures in your home, It is possible to remove the LED strip from one position and restick them in a different area of the home. Just by following the supplier’s instructions, you can get through this process in a few minutes. This portion of the article explains the procedure. These steps will also work when you purchase a new LED light strip for your home.
1. Measure the area you intend to hang the LED light strip
This is where you use a tape rule to take an estimate of the amount of led strips you will need. If the strip will be hung on different areas of the home, ensure to measure each spot.
2. Remove your LED light strip from its original location
Secondly, take the LED light strip from its initial position. While at it, ensure to keep an eye on the wall or risk damaging it.
The LED light strip often features a sticky backing. If you are not careful when removing it from the wall, it might end up peeling off the painting or any inscription on the wall.
After removal, check the wall for any leftover adhesive residue. If there’s any, quickly clean it off using an effective cleanser to restore the wall to its original state.
3. Remove the adhesive backing
By now, you should have successfully removed the light strip from its previous location. Then, go ahead to scrape off any remaining adhesive on the strip. That’s because for the LED light strip to stick on a new area, you must ensure that there is no leftover glue on its back.
So, you will need to figure out what kind of glue was used as that helps you discover the ideal chemical that will completely wipe it off your light strip. After cleaning the adhesive with a cleanser, you should allow your strip light to dry.
4. Apply another layer of adhesive
Once your LED light strip has dried, you can now go ahead and find an adhesive that is fit for repositioning your light strip.
You can use adhesive tape or any type of adhesive glue that would not damage your LED. Then, install the LED light strip in its proper location.
Are LED Light Strips Reusable?
Yes, LED light strips are reusable and can be applied in different ways.
Whenever you decide to change your LED light strips and you are not sure what to do with the old ones, you can find other uses for them rather than just throwing them away, especially if they are still in good condition.
For example, if you are hosting a party in your garden, you could remove an LED light strip from your room and use it as décor. You can also reinstall your LED light strip in other areas of your home where you think it might be useful.
Can I operate my LED light strip with a remote control?
There are LED light strips that can be controlled with remote control. While the remotes differ based on the brand and model of LED light strips, they are always easy to use.
If your LED light strip does not come with a remote, all you need to do is purchase a receiver with your desired remote. This receiver will be connected to your LED light strip as well as the light strip’s power source. After that, pair the receiver with the appropriate light remote control, making sure that the remote’s voltage matches the voltage of your LED light strip.
Otherwise, you can opt for new technology LED light strips. This allows you to control the strips without needing to use remote control. You can also use apps designed for home appliances to manage your light strip with your phone. When you’re done downloading the app, you will be able to link your light strip and switch it on and off whenever you want.
Do all LED light strips come with adhesive?
The adhesive is included with all LED light strips because it is the only way to attach them to a surface, allowing the user to balance and arrange it as desired. It is without a doubt, the simplest lighting to install since all you have to do is peel off the adhesive seal and place the light on the desired surface.
Can you hot glue LED strips?
Of course, one of the many alternatives for using as an adhesive for your LED light strips is the hot glue. Although hot glue may appear to be a less practical solution, it is a good adhesive to use for attaching your LED light strips. The hot glue has a great holding capability and can keep things in place for a long time.
When using hot glue, there are a few things to bear in mind. Let’s go over the two-step process below:
Step 1: Only use a tiny amount of hot glue
When sticking your LED light strips, you must be mindful of the amount of hot glue you use. Too much adhesive can seep into your LEDs, causing harm to them as well as your wall surface.
As a result, the ideal way to use the glue in resticking your LED light strips is to apply a small bit of it as you expand from surface to surface.
Step 2: Take note of the glue’s temperature
You do not want the glue to be at a low temperature while you are using it. This would slow down the operation or make it ineffective as hot glue helps the glue stay fastened even after you are finished.
If the glue is not hot enough, it will dry out, causing your light strips to fall off due to the glue melting.
Can I install my LED light strip without adhesive?
Alternatives like tapes and mounting clips can be used to install your LED light strip. You can choose not to use the glue that came with your LED light strip when mounting your lights.
These alternatives are mostly preferred in situations where you do not want to risk damaging your wall by using an adhesive.
How do I detach my LED light strip without damaging the wall?
Knowing how to remove your LED light strip is essential as it prevents damage to the wall. This may appear impossible because adhesives and walls do not seem to get along, especially if the paint on the walls has been there for a long time.
Notwithstanding, some steps can be taken to guarantee that this does not happen. Let’s have a look at them.
1. Dry up the adhesive backing
A hairdryer will be needed to dry the adhesive backing. You may be perplexed as to how a hairdryer has anything to do with light, but it is essential for drying the adhesive.
To begin, plug in this hairdryer and set the temperature to maximum. The sticky component of your LED light strip will then adhere to the sides with the hot air from your hairdryer.
You should keep doing this until the light strip reaches the end. By then, the adhesive must have lost its stickiness. Now, it should have softened up, making it much easier to peel off every last bit of it.
2. Apply water or other types of dissolvers
Using water or other types of dissolvers to remove the LED light strips from the wall without damaging them is also a viable option. If the light strip is kept in place by adhesive tape, dissolvers such as warm water, alcohol, or white vinegar can be utilized. You may easily remove the light strip after this has been applied.
3. Use other alternatives for installing LED light strips
This may not be a useful suggestion for those who have mounted their LED light strip with the adhesive backing that it came with.
However, if you intend to purchase these light strips and do not wish to become entangled in a web of wall damage, you can install them with mounting clips and tapes. When it comes to removing and reinstalling the light, this saves you time and effort.
These are all helpful ways of removing your LED light strip without causing damage to your walls. To avoid electrical catastrophes, you must first unplug or detach your LED light strip from its power supply.
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Why do LED light strips get hot?
LED lights are preferred over other types of light bulbs since they need less energy to operate. Nonetheless, heat is predicted to be generated throughout the light-generating process for all types of lights. This, however, is very reliant on the power supply, voltage, and a few other variables.
Here are some common reasons why your LED light strips might get hot:
1. Insufficient ventilation
If you use LED light strips in areas with insufficient airflow, they may become hot. Fixing your LED light strip in a tight corner can cause it to generate more heat than usual; therefore, it is best to put it where there is enough ventilation.
2. Using the Wrong Fixture
The reason your LED light strip gets so hot may be that you installed it with the wrong fixtures. If the fixture’s voltage differs from that of the strip light, it may become unavoidably hot, especially if the fixture voltage is higher.
3. Low-quality LED light strip
If you buy a low-quality LED light strip, it may malfunction and become incessantly hot whenever you use it. In this instance, you would have to replace it with something of higher quality.
4. Incorrect Wiring
When installing an LED light strip, some electrical wiring procedures should not be overlooked. To avoid making mistakes while running the cables, you may need to hire a professional rather than relying on your DIY skills.
5. LED strip light useful life
As soon as your LED light strip reaches the end of its useful life, you may begin to notice overheating. This might be a sign that it is time to replace the LED light strip.
Although your LED light strip may become hot, you do not need to be concerned about electrical concerns that could result in a fire. If your LED light strip becomes too hot at any time, check for any of these issues and correct them as needed.
Final Thoughts
LED light strips are a stunning lighting option that can be used in a variety of settings. Unlike other types of light fixtures, LED light strips are removable and this makes them unique.
While installing them, you will need to exercise patience and yield to a lot of guidance. That way, you can avoid ruining both your wall and the light strip. This article is the best place to start if you’re looking to have a hassle-free LED light strip installation. We hope that you found it helpful!