Led light strips are a great way to add some extra light to your home. They’re easy to install, and they come in a variety of colors and styles. However, if you’ve ever tried to install them and had them not stick, you know how frustrating that can be. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why your led light strips may not be sticking, as well as how to fix the problem.
1. The Adhesive May Not Be Strong Enough
One of the main reasons why your LED strip lights aren’t sticking is because the adhesive isn’t strong enough. This is particularly common with cheaper LED strips that use an inferior quality adhesive.
If this is the case, then you’ll need to find a way to reinforce the adhesive. One way to do this is by using double-sided tape. You can also try using glue or hot glue. Just make sure that whatever you use is compatible with the material of your LED strip lights.
Another option is to purchase LED strip lights that come with mounting brackets. These strips will have a stronger adhesive, as well as being easier to install.
2. The Surface Isn’t Smooth Enough
Another reason why your LED strip lights aren’t sticking is that the surface isn’t smooth enough. This is most common on textured surfaces, such as brick or concrete.
If this is the case, you’ll need to use an adhesive that’s specifically designed for textured surfaces. These adhesives are stronger and will provide a better grip on the surface.
A good example of such adhesives is the Loctite Power Grab All-Purpose Adhesive. This adhesive is designed for both indoor and outdoor use and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, ceramic, glass, and more.
3. The Surface May Have Dirt Or Dust
Another common reason why led strip lights may fail to stick is due to the fact that the surface area is dirty or dusty. This is particularly common if the strip lights are being installed in an outdoor setting.
Also, if you’re sticking the led strip lights to a surface that hasn’t been cleaned or dusted for a while, this can also lead to the lights not sticking as well.
To fix this problem, simply clean the surface area with a cloth or duster before attempting to stick the strip lights down.
4. Greasy Surface
If the surface you’re mounting the led strip lights on is greasy or has any oil residue, this can also lead to the lights not sticking as well.
This is usually a very common issue in kitchens, barbeque areas, and outdoor kitchens – as these areas tend to have more grease and oil.
The best way to fix this problem is to clean the surface with a degreaser or all-purpose cleaner. Once the surface is clean, try mounting the strip lights again. If they still don’t stick, you may need to use an adhesive designed for greasy surfaces.
One good example of such is any double-sided tape. These tapes are designed to withstand and provide a good grip on any type of surface without slipping.
5. The Surface May Be Damp Or Wet
If the surface you’re trying to stick your LED strip lights to is damp or wet, it’s likely that the adhesive won’t be able to properly adhere. This is because water can act as a barrier between the adhesive and the surface, preventing them from making a good adhesion.
This is also usually the case for outdoor surfaces, bathrooms, kitchens, or other high humidity areas. In most cases, you will be able to see it when a particular surface is wet but the dampness can be harder to spot.
If you find that the surface is damp, you can try using a hairdryer to remove the moisture or wait for it to evaporate on its own. You can also try using a different type of adhesive such as double-sided tape.
If you think the surface may be damp, try testing it by sticking a small piece of tape or another item that uses adhesive. If the tape doesn’t stick or falls off easily, chances are the surface is too damp for LED strip lights.
6. Rust
Rust or grime can also be the reason your LED strips aren’t sticking. If your home is in an area with high humidity, or if you live near the ocean, the salty air can cause rust to form on metal surfaces.
So if you’re trying to stick led strip lights on a metal surface and it keeps failing, check for rust and clean it off with a wire brush or sandpaper. And make sure the surface is resurfaced or treated before going ahead to apply the strips.
7. Ambient Temperature
The ambient temperature can also have an impact on how well your LED strip lights will stick. If it’s too cold, the adhesive may not properly cure. This means that it won’t be as strong and may not provide a good grip on the surface.
On the other hand, if it’s too hot, the adhesive may become too soft and may not stick at all.
To fix this problem, try to stick the LED strip lights in an area with a moderate temperature. If it’s too cold, you can try using a hairdryer to warm up the adhesive. And if it’s too hot, try sticking the strips in a cooler area or wait for the temperature to drop.
How To Choose Led Strip Lights With The Best Grip Action
When it comes to choosing the best LED strip lights for your needs, you want to make sure that they have a good grip. This is especially important if you’re planning on using them in an outdoor setting or in a high humidity area.
There are a few things to look for when choosing the best led strip lights:
- Look for strip lights that have an adhesive backing. This will help to ensure that they stick well to any surface.
- Make sure the adhesive is of good quality and is designed for the specific type of surface you’re mounting the lights on.
- If you’re using the lights in a high humidity area, look for waterproof or water-resistant strip lights.
- Choose LED strip lights that come with a mounting kit. This will usually include double-sided tape or other adhesives that will help to ensure a good grip.
With so many different types of LED strip lights on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are the best for your needs. But by keeping these things in mind, you can be sure to find the best LED strip lights for your needs.
Important Tips When Sticking Led Strip Lights To Surfaces
Now that you know some of the common reasons why LED strip lights don’t stick, here are a few tips to help you get the best grip:
1. Make sure the surface is clean and free of debris before attempting to stick the lights.
2. If the surface is damp, try using a hairdryer to remove the moisture or wait for it to dry completely before proceeding.
3. If the surface is rusty, use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove the rust and resurface the area.
4. And if the ambient temperature is too cold or too hot, try moving to a different location or wait for the temperature to moderate.
5. When in doubt, always test a small section of the lights first to see how well they stick before proceeding with the entire project.
6. If you’re still having trouble getting the lights to stick, try using a stronger adhesive such as Gorilla Tape or another type of double-sided tape.
Conclusion
If your LED strip lights aren’t sticking, it could be due to a number of different factors. But by following these tips, you can be sure to get a good grip on any surface.
Have you ever had trouble getting your LED strip lights to stick? What tips do you have for getting a good grip? Let us know in the comments below! Thanks for reading.
If you’re looking for more tips on how to use LED strip lights, be sure to check out our blog for more great articles.