LED Strip Lights Under Awning

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like I need to prepare the surface first and then I'll go ahead with the 3M tape that I'll pick up today. Thanks again!

Canuckistani wrote:
If you're using the LED lights off amazon that come from 'overseas', I've heard several people say that the tape supplied with the strip doesn't hold very well.

As a workaround, I've heard people using black silicone to hold the strip in place, but when all else fails, there's always 3M VHB tape.

I picked up some 3M Extreme Mounting tape that says it's suitable for indoor or outdoor use, but haven't had a chance to install my LEDs yet, so I can't speak to it's suitability.

I installed a string out by our pool using the supplied backing--- lasted a few days before it started coming down. I then put contact cement on the string and the surface and it's been up for a few months now. On the motorhome, I put on a strip of real 3M VHB ( I doubt the stuff from China is really 3M) and it has held up on the motorhome for a couple of months now.

I bought 3 6 foot strips of plastic light strip channel at HD. Used 3M double sided tape to the 5ver and mounted the strips inside that. Been thru rain....snow and hot weather. No problems so far.

Mine is going on 2 years now with nothing but the adhesive that was on the back. I also installed it on the channel part and used alcohol to clean it first.

Awning clips

I have a strip for 120VAC but would like a similar strip for 12VDC.

I went straight for the 1/2" 3M auto molding tape as I didn't trust the factory stickem' to not come off at 60mph. Cleaned with alcohol first too. It added $15 to the project when the LEDs were only $20 but I figure my time if I had to redo it is well worth at least that much. It's working beautifully.

My led strip has been up a little more than a month now, hardly a long time, but I prepped the surface with 409 and then IPA, and I made sure to firmly press the strip to the siding after install. It's a pressure activated adhesive, so the more pressure, the better the bond (imho)... no need to go crazy, that will damage the LEDs, but I did wet the heel of my hand, and firmly press and slide along the length of the strip after install, and then again an hour later.

The white outdoor rated gorilla tape I used to cover the hole I drilled in the side of my RV is peeling already, and that tape is EXPENSIVE, I'm rather disappointed... same prep routine as the led strip.

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We Cant Wait wrote:
I'm willing to bet that at least 3/4's of those that have hade tape failure it was due to not properly and completely prepping the surface before applying. I'm getting ready to due mine and I have planned set 1) Turtle wax rubbing compound to FULLY remove any wax/dirt, 2) Wipe down 2-3 times with rubbing alcohol to fully remove any residue, and fully dry the surface before application.

Agreed! I installed my LED strip a few weeks ago. I installed it on the aluminum channel to which the awning is attached. Cleaned the area with 409. Went back and wiped it with a Magic Erasure, and then cleaned it with alcohol (let it dry completely). No issues with it. I did buy a small role of 3M "gel-tape" in case there are any issues.

I'm willing to bet that at least 3/4's of those that have hade tape failure it was due to not properly and completely prepping the surface before applying. I'm getting ready to due mine and I have planned set 1) Turtle wax rubbing compound to FULLY remove any wax/dirt, 2) Wipe down 2-3 times with rubbing alcohol to fully remove any residue, and fully dry the surface before application.