Can you move LED strip lights? No doubt, if you’re considering relocating, you want to take your LED strip lights with you.
And for a good reason. After all, LED lights top the list of efficient and convenient lighting. But can you remove them and reuse them?
If so, what’s the best way to remove and reattach them without damaging them?
This article discusses everything you need to know about moving LED strip lights.
Can You Remove LED Strip Lights and Reuse Them?
Unlike other bulb fixtures, you can move your LED strip lights. That’s because LED strip lights have a strong adhesive that makes them stick to the wall.
Therefore, while it’s not impossible to remove LED strips from the wall, it needs patience, and you must exercise a lot of caution.
Also, after taking them off, you must be careful how you pack them for moving. And then, to reuse them, you must make them sticky first before reattaching them.
How to Remove LED Strip Lights Without Damaging Them
Unplug and Heat
First, unplug the LED strips from the power source. Because while it’s true that LEDs are low-voltage lighting systems, you may experience some levels of shock.
Now figure out how to remove the adhesive. See, it can hold the strip onto the wall very securely.
Therefore, you must be careful when removing it, as it will take time to come off. You can apply some heat using a hairdryer to loosen the strip.
But first, adjust the heat to medium or low and then move it slowly along the length of the strip. It helps if you know the strip’s ability to withstand heat.
Simply do some research on the LED strip lights specification from the manufacturer.
Alternatively, you can use a solvent, specifically acetone or isopropyl alcohol. Or you can use an absorbent cloth and warm water or rubbing alcohol.
Peel Off the Strip
Next, peel off the strip from one end to the other. Preferably, choose the end that’s near the plug moving forward.
To simplify the process, slide a thin, flat object beneath the strip, such as a coin. But be careful not to damage the paint on the wall.
At this point, the adhesive is soft enough to allow you to remove the strip. Gently pull the strip before the adhesive hardens again.
It’s still challenging, and it’s best to have someone assist you.
(Caption: Image of a person peeling off ED strip)
How to Move LED Strip Lights
It’s a good idea to make plans before packing the LEDs considering their delicate nature. Also, think about the power source options.
You want one that keeps them from overheating, increasing their chances of getting damaged.
To this end, start by grouping the strip lights into manageable sections.
For example, you can separate them per room. Or you can arrange them according to type.
Pack your lights carefully in the respective boxes and seal them carefully with tape. Also, label the boxes to ensure you know the content of each.
This is critical when reusing them, especially if they’re many in number and variety.
How to Reattach LED Strip Lights
First, clean any residue or dust on the wall.
To do this effectively, use a wet sponge or cloth with some water and clean the wall employing a circular motion.
Preferably, use your thumb to ensure you don’t scratch the paint on the wall.
More importantly, ensure that no fluid, even water, comes into contact with the strip lights.
Now reattach the strip lights on the wall gently and carefully to ensure you don’t damage them.
How to Make the Adhesive Sticky
Before you reattach the strips, you must acquire an appropriate adhesive. For example, you can choose adhesive sliced into stripes, as these are easy to use. Other options include:
- Glue gun. Undoubtedly, this choice of glue is reasonably good. The problem is you may need to push the LED lights against the wall for them to stick well. And unfortunately, doing so may damage your strip lights.
- Superglue: Alternatively, you could use superglue, although you must be careful when using it and where it lands.
- Double-sided tape: This is the best option, as you don’t need to push down the strips. Just ensure the back of your LED strips is dry before adding the double-sided tape.
(Caption: Double-sided tape)
How to Reattach LED Strip Lights Around Corners
(Caption: Installing LED strip lights around a corner)
For sure, reattaching LED strip lights on the wall can be a hurdle when you have to do it around corners. That said, it’s possible to get it right. Here’s how:
Cut and Jump
In this method, you use a LED strip light jumper connector. You must cut the strip and attach the connector in between your pieces of strip lights.
But if your strip lights are not bendable, you’re better off using a connector.
Simply attach the strips with the connector at the corners. What’s equally great about using a connector is that it reduces the chances of damaging your strip lights.
90-Degree Pinch (Ribbon Bend)
If you don’t want to spend a lot on connectors, the 90-degree pinch, also known as the ribbon bend, is another way to go about reattaching strip lights on corners.
The way to use it is to loop the ribbon around the back of the strip in a tight curve.
Just ensure you don’t damage the strip in the process.
What will happen is you will get a turn in direction, making it possible to attach the strip around corners.
Note that even though the corner part of the strip might not stick on the wall, it will not affect your installation.
The Corner Fold
Now this method provides a neater finish. Thus, it’s the best one to use if your strip lights are going to be visible.
It involves making a 90-degree fold on your stip lights. To do so, follow these steps:
- First, lay your strip flat and determine where you intend to have the fold.
- Next, bend the strip 45 degrees in the opposite direction, then bend the fold back.
- Then, crease the fold and hold it in place using superglue
FAQs
Can You Cut LED Strip Lights and Reconnect Them?
Yes, you can cut LED strips. However, you must do it correctly by cutting the strips at the marked points.
Otherwise, cutting it the wrong way will damage the strip lights.
Do LEDs Work In Both Directions?
No, they don’t. See, LED lights only allow current to flow in one direction. That way, it protects the LEDs against damage from plugging backward.
Where Do You Put LED Strip Lights In a Room?
Based on your design idea, you can place LED strip lights anywhere you dim fit.
For example, you can put them around your artwork, pictures, or collectibles to make them pop.
Also, you can put them on, under, or behind furniture to make a room more inviting.
Or you can use them to light up dark areas like inside drawers or pantries.
Conclusion
So, can you move LED lights? If you had any trepidation, now you know you don’t have to worry about relocating your LED strip lights.
That’s because their design allows removing them and reattaching them.
Thankfully, you now know how to go about it. Just follow the steps outlined above and be careful how you handle them because they’re fragile and can easily get damaged.