Can You Hang LED Strips With Thumbtacks/Push Pins? - A and D World
Strip lights

Can You Hang LED Strips With Thumbtacks/Push Pins?

Can You Hang LED Strips With Thumbtacks/Push Pins?

If you’re looking for a way to make your home look brighter and more welcoming without spending a lot of money, consider installing strip lights. Strip lights are thin, flexible LEDs that you can install in just about any location. Plus, they make the perfect DIY projects and have many tutorials and resources online.

When installing strip lights in your home, there are several things you should know before making the purchase. For one, do not use sharp objects, including thumbtacks/push pins to hang your lights. It can damage your strip circuit, and it will not work.

In this post, I will discuss:

  • Why you should not use thumbtacks or push pins?
  • The safest way to stick LED strips.
  • Sticking strips with adhesive.
  • Applying strips to wallpaper.
  • Finally, tips for attaching temporary light strips.

Stay Away From Sharp Objects Like Nails, Thumbtacks, And Pins

LED strip lights feature the following components:

Heat sink: This is a metal plate or piece of material that transfers heat from the LEDs. Without a heat sink, the LEDs would burn out quickly.

LEDs: These are tiny light-emitting diodes that produce light. They come in different colors and brightness levels.

PCB (printed circuit board): This is a thin board that connects all the components in an LED strip light. It also provides a place for soldering wires so you can connect your LED strip lights to an external power source.

Metals such as aluminum or stainless steel are great at conducting electricity and heat, making them ideal for using LEDs.

The plastic has an adhesive coat on one side that allows you to stick the LED strip lights to almost any surface. Further, the adhesive is also heat resistant. So you can use it in harsh environments like kitchens and bathrooms.

Thus, using a thumbtack or push pin to hang your strips will damage the circuit board or LEDs.

The Safest Way To Hang Strip Lights Are With The Adhesive Backing

Make sure the surface is clean and dry before applying the strip. If there’s grease or dust on the surface, wipe it off with a damp cloth before proceeding.

Measure where you want to place the strips to ensure you have enough for that area.

Peel back the backing from one corner of your strip and place it on your wall, lining up the edges with your markings.

Place the strip where you want it on the wall and hold it firmly while pressing down on all sides until there are no gaps between it and the wall.

Hold it in place for five seconds. Your strips should stay on the wall. If your strip adhesive is weak, you can always purchase a durable double-sided tape.

Sticking LED Strips Without Adhesive Backing

Most of the time, the adhesive of the LED strips does not work, or they are simply weak. If this is the case, there are some alternatives you can use.

Double-Sided Tape

Double-sided tape is extremely versatile, and you can use it in a variety of different situations. You can apply it to almost any surface without leaving a residue behind. The application includes adding one side of the tape to the back of your strip lights and the next sticky part to your wall.

LED Strip clips

There are clips designed for sticking light strips. You can find them in plastic and in many shapes, sizes, and colors. These clips are sold in sets or individually, depending on the buyer’s needs. Similarly, you can stick the clips onto the wall and slide the strips inside. 

Mounting putty

The major benefit of using this type of putty is that it won’t leave any marks on the wall when you remove it later. It is used to mount photographs and artwork. However, you can use it the stick your strips to your wall.

Staples

Staples are quite invasive, and they can damage the LEDs and your wall if done incorrectly. Do not pierce the strips, instead allow the staples wires to go over them.

Sticking LED Strips On Wall Paper

LED strips can stick on your wallpaper, but they will damage your wall when removed. Therefore, do not use the adhesive that comes with the strips. Instead, purchase a double-ended tape that leaves behind no residue.

When applying strips to wallpaper, the same rules apply: ensure the wall is free of dirt and dust and measure the area to ensure you have enough strips. But in this case, add the tape and stick it to your wall.

When you don’t know the strength of the adhesive, it is better to be safe than sorry and use tape that does not rip your wallpaper.

How do I attach a LED strip temporarily?

LEDs strips are not only for bedrooms or cabinets, you can use them for parties or movie nights. In those scenarios, you will need your LEDs for a day or two.

I recommend using command double-sided tape or strip clips. It again will not damage the surface, and you don’t have to use adhesive on your strips until you want to install them in a permanent place.

To Recap,

Do not use any sharp objects to hang your strip lights. Instead, use double-sided tape, clips, or putty.

Anais

I am a mom with two kids. I am also a writer, avid DIYer, and tech enthusiast. My favorite things are writing, shopping online for gadgets, and gizmos I can't afford (yet). Being at home with my kids is the best part of my day!

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