Installing
best led light strips can instantly elevate the look and feel of any space, providing a stylish and modern touch. However, when it comes to installing LED strip lights on non-flat surfaces and corners, things can get a bit tricky. In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps to successfully install LED strip lights around corners, ensuring a seamless and professional finish.
Step 1: Measure the Space
Before diving into the installation process, it’s important to take accurate measurements. This will help you determine the length of LED strip lights you’ll need, avoiding any frustrating situations where you run out of strips. Grab a measuring tape and measure the length and width of your room. If the room has no alcoves or protruding surfaces, simply add both measurements and double the total to find the room’s perimeter.
For non-flat surfaces, measure the length of each wall separately to get an accurate perimeter. Repeat this process for each corner you plan to decorate with LED strips. Make a note of these measurements, as they will come in handy when cutting the strip lights later on.
Step 2: Gather the Tools You’ll Need
While installing LED strip lights may seem like a straightforward task, it’s important to have the right tools on hand. Here are the essentials:
LED Strips
Choosing high-quality LED strips is crucial for optimal lighting and durability. Look for strip lights with a high LED density, around 36 LED per foot, to ensure even distribution of light. This will help eliminate any visible dark spots between the light emitters, resulting in efficient and aesthetically pleasing lighting.
In addition, opt for LED strips with a thick PCB (Printed Circuit Board). A thicker PCB makes the strip light more rigid and straight, while also improving electricity conduction due to its low resistance. Lastly, pay attention to the quality of the LED chips themselves. High-quality LED chips with pure phosphorus will produce brighter light.
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How to Easily Install LED Strip Lights Around Corners
Connectors (Optional)
If you’re working with non-flat surfaces, connectors can be useful for creating customized strip light designs. Connector clips can be used to join two LED strips and lengthen them. For corners, L or T-shaped connectors, along with two connector clips, can be used to join the LED strips. Additionally, flexible strip-to-strip extensions will make connecting the strips over uneven walls much easier.
Step 3: Prepare the Surfaces
Most LED
strip lights come with adhesive backing for easy installation. However, it’s crucial to thoroughly clean the surfaces before attaching the strips. Create a mixture of equal parts lukewarm water and vinegar, and use a clean cloth to wipe the areas where the strips will be installed. For greasy spots in kitchens, you may need to use stronger detergents like trisodium phosphate. If you’re installing the strips on cabinets, use a suitable wood cleaner.
Ensure that the surface is completely dry before proceeding with the installation. It’s important to note that LED light strips are suitable only for smooth surfaces and may not adhere well to textured areas.
Step 4: Prepare the LED Strips
This is where the real work begins. There are two methods you can use to install LED strip lights: bending or using connectors. The bending method doesn’t require any additional tools and can save you some money, but it may not work well with all strip lights, especially low-quality ones. Bending these strips might cause some of the LED emitters to stop working.
On the other hand, using connectors and clips offers more flexibility and is compatible with most LED strips. Additionally, it provides a more visually pleasing result compared to bending. Here’s how to install the lights using each method:
The Bending Method- Place the measuring tape on the area where you want to install the strip and mark where you need to make the fold.
- Make sure to choose a spot without soldering, diodes, or resistors.
- Fold the strip to create a 45º angle, bending it in the opposite direction of the corner you wish to round.
- Bend the strip back on itself to create a pleat.
- Firmly press on the crease to secure it.
A couple of tips to keep in mind when using the bending method: remove any light chips in the fold using soldering or a knife, and always test this technique on a smaller strip before applying it to the entire roll to avoid damaging longer LED light strips.
The Cut and Connect Method
As the name suggests, this method involves cutting the strip lights and connecting them using clips. Simply cut the strip at the designated cutting sections, making sure to create a clean and straight cut to avoid damaging the circuit. Next, attach the two strips using the connector before adhering them to the surface. Alternatively, you can install one strip, attach the connector, and then connect the strip-connector combo to the uninstalled LED strip light. Both sequences work fine, but the latter method may be easier, especially for longer lengths.
Step 5: Install the LED Strips
Now that your
led lights room are prepared, it’s time to install them. Follow these steps for a seamless installation:
- Remove a small part of the adhesive backing from the strip.
- Press the strip firmly onto the desired surface to secure it.
- Slowly continue removing the adhesive backing while pressing on the strip to avoid trapping air bubbles.
- Attach a connector clip to the end of the installed strip to join it with the connector.
- Place a second clip on the connector.
- Remove the adhesive backing from the second strip and connect it to the clip.
- Continue removing the adhesive while pressing the strip until you reach the desired length.
- Cut the strip to separate it from the roll.
Once your strip lights are securely installed, connect them to the power adapter and plug it into an electrical outlet to test the strips and enjoy your newly illuminated space.
Remember, high-quality LED strip lights and proper installation ensure not only a visually pleasing result but also a long-lasting and efficient lighting solution.
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How to Easily Install LED Strip Lights Around Corners
