In this article, we will discuss whether or not you can use Scotch tape to hold up LED lights.
You can use scotch tape to hold up the led strip light temporarily. This is because scotch tapes do not have strong adhesion that can hold up the led. Also, the scotch tape will not be able to withstand the slightest heat the led light produces.
If you’re looking for a permanent fix and want something that is going to last a long time then there are other options available to you such as using led mounting clips, double-sided tape, etc.
Below are the details on a couple of reasons why scotch tape will not be able to hold up your led light strips.
Reasons Scotch Tape Will Not Hold Up Led Strip Lights
There are a few reasons why scotch tape will not be able to hold up your led strip lights.
1. Scotch Tape Will Give In To The Slightest Amount Of Heat
Scotch tape is not the best option for holding up led strip lights because it can give in to the slightest amount of heat.
Although led strip lights do not produce insane heat, they do produce enough heat to cause the scotch tape to give in.
The tape will start to lose its stickiness and the light fixtures are going to simply fall off. You’ll probably be left with a mess to clean up.
This is particularly worse when the surface being taped to is wood. This is because wood transmits a lot of heat and will cause the tape to lose its adhesiveness very quickly.
This can also be a problem when you’re trying to use scotch tape on metal surfaces as well, although not quite as much of an issue since metals don’t usually hold heat like wood does.
This would mean that your lights are going to fall down after a short period of time. This is definitely something you do not want to happen!
The tape can be used temporarily but it won’t last long. There are other options for holding up led strip lights that will not give in to the slightest amount of heat.
2. Scotch Tape Can Damage The Surface
Another reason why scotch tape is not the best alternative for holding up led lights is that it can damage the surface.
If you use scotch tape then it is going to cause some damage on the surface being taped.
When LEDs are used for lighting purposes they have a very tight fit in order to keep them working properly and without this, they can come loose or begin to malfunction.
If you are using scotch tape on the surface then it is going to cause some serious damage in order for this fit to be compromised and will become less effective over time if used repeatedly.
Scotch tape is not made to stick on surfaces for very long periods of time and when it does come off, it could leave residue behind.
This means that you are going to have to clean up a sticky mess after your lights fall down or get loose from scotch tape.
Again this can be worse when the surface being taped to is wood. This is because wood transmits a lot of heat and will cause the tape to lose its adhesiveness very quickly which would lead to your lights falling down again.
3. Scotch Tape Does Not Have The Right Amount Of Adhesion For Led Lights
Thirdly, the scotch tape does not have an adhesive that can last long term with LED lights.
The reason why led strip lighting needs a very strong adhesive is that they are used to light areas that receive a lot of traffic. Meaning the lights get to be used a lot more than you would expect.
If you were to use scotch tape on your led strip lighting then it would need frequent replacement and this defeats the purpose of getting them installed in the first place.
This means that if you are looking for something to hold up your led strip lighting then the scotch tape is not the best option even if it would not do anything to your wall or withstand the heat – scotch tape simply does not have strong enough adhesive to hold up those lights.
So what are you supposed to do if the scotch tape is not the best option for holding up led strip lighting?
Better Alternatives For Holding Up Your Led Lights
There are much better options for holding up led strip lighting that does not include scotch tape.
Led Strip Light Clips
One of the best ways to go about this is to use led strip lighting clips. This means that you are going to have a much easier time with the installation process and will not be stuck having to replace scotch tape over and over again.
Led strip light clips are also adjustable so that they can fit on surfaces of different shapes and sizes.
Another great feature about led strip light clips is that they will not damage the surfaces and you can easily clean up any residue leftover from the clips.
Led Tape Mounting Strips
Another alternative for holding up led strip lights is known as “led tap mounting strips“. This is a strip of adhesive that can be placed on the surface and then you can easily stick your led lights onto them.
This is a much more permanent solution and although it will damage the surface, this method does not require any replacement like scotch tape would.
Led strip light mounting strips are also adjustable and can be adjusted to fit on surfaces of different shapes. They will not leave any residue behind and can be cleaned up easily.
Double-Sided Tape
One of the most effective ways to hold up your led strip lights is through double-sided tape. This particular type of adhesive is used for a lot of different applications and will hold up the led strip lights with no problems.
Double-sided tape is also very easy to use, clean up, and remove. The only downside to double-sided tape is that it will leave residue behind when you try and take the led strip lights down but this can be cleaned up easily.
Lastly, double-sided tape is much better than scotch tape in holding led strip lights because it can hold them well for prolonged periods of time.
Scotch tape, on the other hand, does not hold up led strip lights for long which defeats its purpose of being used in the first place.
So now you know what are some of the best alternatives for holding up led strip lights if the scotch tape is not an option.
How To Safely Mount Led Strip Lights
Now that you know about some of the best alternatives to scotch tape for holding up led strip lights, it is also important to learn how to safely mount led strip lights.
You will need to use the right tools, choose a proper surface to stick your led strip light on, and have the right adhesive.
Using The Right Tools For Mounting Your Led Strip Lights
First things first, you will need to make sure that you have the right tools for mounting up your led strip lights.
This means that you will need one of the above-mentioned alternatives for mounting led strip lights, a pencil, and some led strip light clips.
Choosing The Right Surface For Mounting Your Led Strip Lights
Next, you will need to choose the right surface for mounting your led strip lights. Mark out the area on your wall or object so that you know where the led strip lights will be placed.
Once you do this, you can easily stick your led strip lights onto the surface using the alternative that you have chosen for this task.
The proper surface for mounting led strip lights must be a completely flat and smooth surface. This will make it easier for your led strip lights to stick.
Adhering Your Led Strip Lights With The Right Adhesive
Lastly, you will need to adhere to your led strip lights with the right adhesive. There are different types of adhesives that can be used for this task, but double-sided tape is one of the best options to use because it is effective and easy to use.
Remember, different types of led strip lights come with different methods on how they can be mounted so make sure you refer to the manufacturer’s instructions before you mount your led strip lights.
Remember, scotch tape is not a safe option for mounting up led strip lights. Instead, opt for one of the above-mentioned alternatives to ensure that you have a safe and secure way of mounting your led strip lights so that they can light up your space.
Now you know how to safely mount led strip lights so that they become the best lighting option for your home or office, do enjoy the ambiance that they provide!
Final Thoughts
I hope I have been able to clarify the reasons why scotch tape is not the best option for mounting these strip lights. Those things will leave residue behind and will not give you the best adhesion.
However, alternatives such as mounting clips or the double-sided adhesive, if you want something cheap, provide a more secure and safe option for mounting your led strip lights.
Thanks for reading my post! I hope you found it informative and has helped you understand why scotch tape is not a great option for mounting led strip lights. If you have any questions, concerns or comments feel free to leave them in the box below!
FAQ’s
Before you go, here are some answers to the frequently asked questions that have flooded my email after posting this article.
Q. Will double-sided tape hold up led strip lights?
A. Yes, the best alternative for mounting your led strip lights is using either double-sided tape or mounting clips. This is because it provides a secure and safe option for mounting your led strip lights.
Q. What is the best alternative to scotch tape?
A. The best alternative to scotch tape for mounting your led strip lights I will probably say is using either double-sided tape or adhesive strips. This is because the provides a secure and safe option for mounting your led strip lights.
Q. Will mounting clips hold up my LED strip light?
A. Yes, this is probably the best alternative for mounting your led strip lights. Mounting clips provide a secure and safe way of mounting up these strips without leaving residue behind or ripping the coating off.
Q. What is the best way to mount up LED strip lights?
A. There are many different alternatives for mounting your led strip lights such as mounting clips or double-sided adhesive. This will provide the best option for adhering to your led strip lights without leaving residue behind and ripping the coating off.