How to remove LED strip lights adhesive? – No damage involved instructions!

You’ve just installed some new LED light strips, and they look great! But before you can enjoy them for long, you realize that the adhesive backing is incredibly stubborn and difficult to remove. 

You try peeling it off, but it just won’t budge. What now? How to remove LED strip lights without damaging the paint? 

How to remove LED strip lights without damaging them? And how to remove LED lights using adhesive removers?

All that questions are covered in this article. Keep on reading!

What types of LED lights exist?

We bet that you’ve probably assumed that LEDs have only one type. You’d probably be amazed at how many LEDs there exist on the market! 

There are several LED lights to choose from, but the greatest is that they are used for many purposes! 

These products create a sense of warmth and color in any area in your house. Please experiment with color combinations to create amazing wall designs and surfaces! 

Minger LED light strip

Minger LED lights are available in a variety of colors. Bright colors make it ideal for home parties. Minger LED strip lights are versatile. 

This 16.4-foot-tall mirror can be used as a vanity mirror without dimming the room. The lamp’s cords are not water-resistant, so avoid using them near the ocean.

Phopollo LED Lights

These LED bulbs can brighten your rooms and make them stand out. This 65-foot continuous lighting line enhances the WOW factor without taking up too much space and is easy to install. 

This light can be mounted vertically or horizontally. Its thin design simplifies installation. This LED bulb is beautiful.

Understanding adhesive backing on LED light strips

Modern homes have LED strip lights. Their simplicity and near-power-source attachability make them favorites. LED strip light adhesive backing should be considered. 

The adhesive backing attaches quickly and securely to most surfaces. This adhesive can be difficult to remove without damaging the LED strip light or its surface. 

To avoid this, know how the adhesive works and how to remove it safely.

Types of adhesives used in LED strip lights

There are two types of adhesives used in LED strip lights – glue sticks and rubber bands. The glue stick is a more permanent option, as it will be harder to remove LED strip lights once it is attached. 

The rubber band, on the other hand, is a less permanent option, as it can be easily removed without damaging the LED strip lights.

The importance of choosing the right adhesive

When it comes to LED light strips, it’s important to choose the appropriate adhesive. This is because the adhesive is what secures the LED lights in place. If you select the wrong adhesive, you might not be able to remove LED light strips later on.

There are a few things you need to keep in mind when choosing an adhesive for a LED light strip. 

First, make sure that the adhesive is compatible with the surface you’re attaching it to. Second, make sure that the adhesive is strong enough to hold the LED light strip in place. 

And finally, make sure that the adhesive is easy to remove so that you can take down the LED strip light when necessary.

How do you get LED adhesive off the wall?

LED strip lights adhesive removal? 

Solvents: Acetone and isopropyl alcohol can remove LED strip light adhesive. Soak a clean cloth in a solvent. Apply the wet cloth to the adhesive and let it sit. 

After a few minutes, use the cloth to remove the adhesive, rubbing in a circular motion. Repeat to remove all sticky residue.

Hairdryer: You can remove LED strip light adhesive with a hair dryer. First, heat the hair dryer to medium heat. 

Then move it over the adhesive until it melts. Once melted, the adhesive should peel off easily. Use a butter knife or a flat object to remove any leftover adhesive residue. 

Try Goo Gone: Goo Gone removes glue. Hardware stores sell it. Use a clean rag to apply Goo Gone to the adhesive. Wait a few minutes, then wipe clean. Repeat until no adhesive remains. 

Alcohol: Isopropyl alcohol can dissolve LED strip light adhesive. Alcohol on a cotton ball or cloth can remove adhesive. 

Be careful, as the fumes can be strong. To remove the adhesive, repeat the process. Soap and water can remove adhesive residue. 

Warm absorbent cloth: Using an absorbent cloth and warm water to remove the LED strip light adhesive is the best method. 

Soak the cloth in warm water, then wring it out. Wait a few minutes before applying the cloth to the adhesive. Finally, scrape off the adhesive.

How to remove LED strip lights using adhesive removers?

LED strip lights can be difficult to remove when glued. Use a special adhesive remover to ensure the LED lights are securely attached and undamaged. Home improvement stores sell adhesive removers. 

Choose a paint/wallpaper adhesive remover. Make sure it will not damage your LED lights, walls, or surfaces. Consult a home improvement store employee about adhesive remover. 

Apply adhesive remover around the LED strip light’s edges and let it sit for a few minutes before peeling. 

Too much force when removing LED lights could damage walls and pull off the paint. Follow the packaging instructions and wear gloves when handling cleaners.

Tips for successfully removing LED strip lights with adhesives

When removing most LED strips with adhesives, the following tips can help make the process easier:

1. Gently heat the adhesive side of the LED strip light – heating and softening up adhesives can make them easier to remove without leaving behind any residue.
2. Use a putty knife to carefully scrape off any residual adhesive – a putty knife can usually scrape off adhesive without damaging the wall or the LED strip light.
3. Clean any remaining residue with rubbing alcohol – a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol helps loosen and remove any residue left behind.
4. Test the surface before reapplication – it is important to test out the surface before reapplying new adhesives or placing new strips over an existing one.
5. Consider using a non-residue adhesive – when attaching new LED lights, opt for an adhesive that doesn’t leave behind residue upon removal, or use clips to secure them instead of adhesives.

Alternatives to double-sided tape and command strips

There are alternatives to double-sided tape and command strips for LED lights. Hot glue or super glue is strong attachment options. 

Hot glue has no harmful chemicals, unlike super glue. Use industrial glue like E6000. It is harder to remove than double-sided tape and command strips. 

Always test an adhesive on a small section of the wall to make sure it will not leave residue or damage the wall when removed. 

With patience and the right tools, you can remove your LED strip light installation with any adhesive.

How to replace the adhesive on a strip light?

Replacing the adhesive on a strip light is essentially like applying a new adhesive. This process can be quite simple with the right materials. You will need to ensure you have the correct materials to do the job, and that you are wearing safety gear during this process.

Start by removing any dust or debris from the surface of your strip light, as this could create an issue later on. Once that is done, you will want to apply an appropriate adhesive remover. 

This can help loosen up the adhesive and make it easier to remove. You may also want to use a flat surface scraper or dull knife to scrape off the remaining adhesive, being careful not to damage the surface of your strip light. 

Finally, you can apply a new adhesive and secure it firmly in place before turning on your lights!

Knowing how thick wall paint can be 

One thing to always keep in mind is that the thickness of wall paint can make it difficult to remove. This same principle applies when attempting to remove the adhesive backing of LED light strips. 

The adhesive starts thin, but gets thicker, as time passes. Since the adhesive is so strong, it takes time and effort to remove it from walls without peeling paint or damaging the wall surface itself.

You will want to take special care as you scrape off the adhesive so that you don’t end up removing too much paint from the wall in addition to the adhesive. 

That’s why a professional painter might be necessary for this job – they have more experience with removing paint from walls and can do it with precision, leaving no damage behind.

So if you decide you need help with this job, consider hiring a professional painter who can help you strip off your LED strip light with ease.

How to reattach LED lights without re-painting?

Removing the sticky adhesive from a wall is a necessary first step when removing LED lights. But after that, you’ll also need to know how to reattach them without repainting.

One of the best options is 3M foam tape, which is designed for attaching LED lights without requiring paint.

To restick LED light strips with foam tape, start by cleaning the area that you’re going to stick them to with a degreaser like rubbing drink or acetone. 

You can then cut the pieces of foam tape and peel off the backing to attach it directly to your LED light strip. Press down firmly on each piece of foam tape, so that it sticks firmly to both surfaces.

Once you’re done attaching your LED strips, you can then apply a small amount of electrical tape around the edges of each strip for extra protection and security. 

This will help keep your light strips in place without damaging any of your walls or surfaces.

What do you need to know about LED strip lights?

If you’ve been considering LED strip lights for your home, there are a few things you should know. LED strip lights come with an adhesive backing that helps keep them in place on any surface. 

This adhesive makes it easier to attach the LED strip lights without worrying about power sources, but can also make removal difficult.

In some cases, you may need to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive and separate the light from the wall or surface. 

You have to be careful with this step as too much heat can damage the LED light or leave a mark on the wall. It’s also important to note that you cannot use water and soap to remove LED adhesive, as it can cause damage.

There are other methods to help remove LED strip light adhesives, such as using rubbing alcohol or acetone, but these solutions can be difficult and time-consuming. 

If you find yourself having difficulty removing strips, order a stripper tool specifically designed for this purpose. These tools will safely remove your strips in no time and leave your walls free of any damage!

Removing the adhesive for LED strip lights without paint

Luckily, the LED strip light adhesive doesn’t have to be painted over to remove it. Some other techniques make removing the adhesive easier and more efficient. The most common methods are using a blow-dryer, heat gun, or scraper.

When using a blow-dryer or heat gun, the goal is to loosen the adhesive enough so that it can be peeled off without damaging the surface underneath. 

Simply aim the blow-dryer or heat gun at the stuck-on LED strips and allow them to heat before gently lifting them off. If you’re working with an especially strong adhesive, you may need to repeat this process several times before it’s completely gone.

Using a scraper is another effective way to remove LED strips without painting over them. Choose a metal spatula or putty knife with a dull edge and gently scrape away at the edges of the LED strips until they come free from their sticky base. 

Be sure not to use too much force when scraping, as this could scratch or damage your walls and surfaces.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is possible to remove LED strip lights without painting the LED. There are a few methods that can be used to achieve this. Each method has its benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the method that is best suited for the individual’s needs.

Read also: Do LED strip lights attract bugs? The best lighting solutions for your yard