LED light strip adhesive

You can get the 3M tape from WalMart or just about any automotive store. You want 1/2" automotive molding or trim tape.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/3M-Super-Strength-Molding-Tape-1-2-x-5/16913678

Auto stores usually have bigger rolls, at 5' you may need to buy a few from WalMart.

Wipe down the area with alcohol, put on the molding tape, peel back the outside protective layer, do the same to the LED strip and stick it on. A year and a half now for mine, holding fine through snow and summer desert temperatures.

I found that clear silicone sealant works great. I installed my 18 foot strip under the awning about a year ago with silicone and my wife's help. It is still in good shape. You really need two people to hold it in place as you go so that it has a little time to stick. The LED roll I bought had no adhesive at all on it.

GordonThree wrote:

0rion wrote:

GordonThree wrote:

btcruzer wrote:
So, do you do anything to remove the original adhesive from the light strip?

x2 on this... If folks are leaving the original tape on,then it's really what's doing the work.

My Chinese 3M tape seems to be holding better than the Gorilla tape I used to cover the pass through hole.

not really....the 3m tape will still be doing the work if you use it. It'll be what's grabbing the original tape not the other way around. I'm not sure if it's needed or not....I just wasn't taking any chances because the Chinese have been known to skimp on a few things. :D

but what's holding the led strip itself?

good point....I would still think that tape to light seal would be much better than the tape to RV seal. Guess I'll just have to cross that bridge when I come to it.

0rion wrote:

GordonThree wrote:

btcruzer wrote:
So, do you do anything to remove the original adhesive from the light strip?

x2 on this... If folks are leaving the original tape on,then it's really what's doing the work.

My Chinese 3M tape seems to be holding better than the Gorilla tape I used to cover the pass through hole.

not really....the 3m tape will still be doing the work if you use it. It'll be what's grabbing the original tape not the other way around. I'm not sure if it's needed or not....I just wasn't taking any chances because the Chinese have been known to skimp on a few things. :D

but what's holding the led strip itself?

I installed some a few weeks ago and it did not stick well. I caulked all the edges with clear exterior grade silicone caulking. held for 2 trips so far!

GordonThree wrote:

btcruzer wrote:
So, do you do anything to remove the original adhesive from the light strip?

x2 on this... If folks are leaving the original tape on,then it's really what's doing the work.

My Chinese 3M tape seems to be holding better than the Gorilla tape I used to cover the pass through hole.

not really....the 3m tape will still be doing the work if you use it. It'll be what's grabbing the original tape not the other way around. I'm not sure if it's needed or not....I just wasn't taking any chances because the Chinese have been known to skimp on a few things. :D

btcruzer wrote:
So, do you do anything to remove the original adhesive from the light strip?

x2 on this... If folks are leaving the original tape on,then it's really what's doing the work.

My Chinese 3M tape seems to be holding better than the Gorilla tape I used to cover the pass through hole.

3M makes about 50 different double sided adhesive products, many for industry. Look at the 3M VHB (Very High Bond) line, not commonly sold in stores but available from sources like McMaster Car. Available in different widths and sizes. Very strong stuff.

So, do you do anything to remove the original adhesive from the light strip?

I cleaned area good with alcohol used the tape that came on it. Then I put a seam of clear silicon calk along the edge on both sides. I smoothed it along wth my finger. Once it set seems to be doing great, I just got back from a 120 mile trip. Nothing moved.