How to Remove LED Strip Lights Without Damaging Wall?

When you remove the LED strip lights, how do I remove them without damaging the paint or the wall? Or have you ever encountered a situation where the LED strip lights fall down? How to reinstall them?

Of course, we also have many ways to prevent the LED strips from falling in advance. In this article, we focus on analyzing how to remove the LED strip lights without damaging the wall, and how to stick them safely.

What Kind of Adhesive for LED Strips?

Most of the LED strip lights on the market are made of 3M adhesive, regardless of the model and length. They all have 3M adhesive on the back. It is known as the most durable tape on the market. That’s because it’s made from high-performance acrylic.

This acrylic has different uses. Because it is an elastic solid and an extremely viscous liquid, regarding its viscoelasticity, 3M adhesives can bend into surface ridges and imperfections. After application, it creates a strong bond.

But 3M adhesives don’t respond well to moisture and moisture. Therefore, most people will choose to glue the LED strips by themselves. Foam tape, double-sided adhesive dots, hot glue, and Gorilla Tape to name a few.

Will LED Strip Lights Damage the Walls?

Most LED strip lights will not damage your wall paint. But it depends on the adhesive and the material of the wall. If you use a cheap adhesive on the strip there is a good chance that the paint will be carried away during the removal process.

Plus, if your walls are tile, wood, or plastic, the LED strip lights are relatively easy to peel off without causing damage to the wall. Problems can arise if your surface is bare drywall, paint, or wallpaper.

How to Remove LED Strip Lights From Wall Safety?

If you want to replace or remove the LED strip lights, we cannot guarantee that you will not damage the wall. If you follow the steps below to remove the LED strip, you may minimize the risk.

• First, the first step is to unplug the LED from its power source.
• Next, heat the adhesive in the LED strip with a hair dryer. Doing this will soften the adhesive and make it easier to remove.
• Then, remove the LED strip from the edge or corner. Use a credit card or butter knife to gently scrape the LED strip off the wall.
• Finally, slowly pull the strip away from the surface. until you see the strip come off completely.
• Please note that if a sticky adhesive residue remains on the wall, use your thumb to wipe it off in a circular motion. Alternatively, use a mild cleaner that won’t damage the paint.

Will the Paint Peel Off After the LED Strip Lights Is Removed?

This depends on the quality of the paint on the wall. Even if your paint is of the highest quality, it will start to age and become more brittle over time.

If your paint is fresh, it’s less likely to peel off when you remove the LED strip. However, old paint that resists water/moisture damage over the years is just as prone to peeling.

In addition, the application process of the coating also has an impact. Paint applied to rusty, dusty, dirty, or unprimed walls may interfere with the LED strip removal process. Nothing will change if you don’t move the walls. But when you remove the LED strip, you’ll see chunks of wall paint come off.

How Do I Stick LED Strip Light Without Hurting the Paint?

In fact, if the LED strip is installed on a painted wall, we cannot guarantee that it will not be damaged when installing the LED strip. Note the following two points.

How To Prepare a Painted Wall for An LED Strip?

• You have to make sure the paint has been on the wall for at least 5-8 weeks and has fully cured.
• Use latex paint instead of paint.
• Check that walls are clean and dry

How To Choose the Adhesive for A Painted Surface?

• Use the regular 3M adhesive backing on the back of the strip. It creates a strong bond with the wall. But it has the disadvantage that it may cause the paint to peel off in the future.
• Use double-sided tape. Tape tends to be weaker than duct tape, so it can only support your LED lights at fixed tape intervals. It also leaves a sticky residue which you can remove with warm water, or rubbing alcohol.
• Use command strips. It’s a good choice for uneven surfaces. Because the strips create a flat adhesive layer to the strips to adhere to. After pulling, the command strip should peel off without damaging the paint.

Conclusion

LED strip lights are ideal for task lighting and mood lighting. It not only brightens your room but also enhances the ambiance of your living space. Chances are you’ll have to remove or replace the LED strip lights before it’s in the desired location. You can pull it off slowly and check to see if the paint is coming off. If not, you can attach LED strips without worry.

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