Led strip adhesive

sharthun · 03-27-14, 01:38 PM

I have been having trouble keeping the standard 3m adhesive on led strips to stay attached to ceiling of my animal plastic cages. I tried hot glue but that didn't hold as well. I also tried some RPI double sticky tape with the same results. Suggestions?

dbank999 · 03-27-14, 01:43 PM

Go to autozone and ask for 3M body/molding trim double sided tape. 10 bucks for a roll.

Then make sure you absolutely want to mount it the location you choose.

OR use construction staples that are wider than the strip, the ones with the plastic wire gaurds.

Would be my two solutions... that I'm probably going to have to use since we have the same LED light set-ups essentially LOL

LarryS · 03-27-14, 01:47 PM

If you don't mind spending the $ you can mount the strips in aluminum profiles that screw to the cage ceiling.
Im actually surprised that the strips aren't sticking for you, you might try using a degreaser before applying the strips. I use spray electrical cleaner a lot for these applications.

sharthun · 03-27-14, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryS

If you don't mind spending the $ you can mount the strips in aluminum profiles that screw to the cage ceiling.
Im actually surprised that the strips aren't sticking for you, you might try using a degreaser before applying the strips. I use spray electrical cleaner a lot for these applications.

Yeah, I emailed AP and this is their response:

The PVC material is somewhat adhesive resistant, which is probably why your LEDs aren't sticking. When we integrate the LEDs into the cages, we route a recess they fit into. Not only does that offer a rougher surface for the adhesive to stick to, the recess also holds it in place. You may be able to try the sealant we sent with the cage. It would take a while to cure, but it may give the backside of your strips the extra "grip" they need to stay put.

I may give the double sticky body trim tape a try.

sharthun · 03-27-14, 07:15 PM

Looks like this is going to hold!

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...artNumber=true

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbank999

Go to autozone and ask for 3M body/molding trim double sided tape. 10 bucks for a roll.

Then make sure you absolutely want to mount it the location you choose.

OR use construction staples that are wider than the strip, the ones with the plastic wire gaurds.

Would be my two solutions... that I'm probably going to have to use since we have the same LED light set-ups essentially LOL

dbank999 · 03-28-14, 05:40 AM

The link doesn't work for me but if it is the stuff I talked about, then it will definitely do the trick.

I originally bought it to use for mounting my slim ballasts inside the engine compartment when I upgraded my fog lights to HID's.

They have so far held up all through the New England winter, with 120 miles of driving a day mon-fri...

Also just used the same stuff last night to mount my new LED controller to the canopy above my reef tank - realized 20 minutes later that the controller is gonna be there for a long time.... lol

Now that is some cool light control features..

Current USA Orbit Marine LED Aquarium Light

sharthun · 03-28-14, 07:32 AM

Hmmm the link works for me,but it's the 3m body molding tape. Super sticky for sure! It even held overnight! The standard led backing adhesive didn't hold for an hour! I did sand the the plastic a bit before using the body molding tape.

Try this link:

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=517047_0_0_

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbank999

The link doesn't work for me but if it is the stuff I talked about, then it will definitely do the trick.

I originally bought it to use for mounting my slim ballasts inside the engine compartment when I upgraded my fog lights to HID's.

They have so far held up all through the New England winter, with 120 miles of driving a day mon-fri...

Also just used the same stuff last night to mount my new LED controller to the canopy above my reef tank - realized 20 minutes later that the controller is gonna be there for a long time.... lol

Now that is some cool light control features..

Current USA Orbit Marine LED Aquarium Light

That's one heck of a led controller!

dbank999 · 03-28-14, 09:25 AM

That's the stuff!

Should hold for a very very long time, especially since the weight of the LEDs is pretty minimal..

I'm still playing around with that controller, so many settings.. plenty of play time coming up this weekend

sharthun · 03-28-14, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbank999

That's the stuff!

Should hold for a very very long time, especially since the weight of the LEDs is pretty minimal..

I'm still playing around with that controller, so many settings.. plenty of play time coming up this weekend

Cool man! Yeah I switched to 5050 led strips and it's heavier than the 3528 strip. That stuff really sticks!