What kind of adhesive tape is best for LED lights?

The best kind of adhesive tape for LED lights is one that is strong, durable, and able to withstand high temperatures. 3M VHB tape and Tesa tape are popular choices for their strength and ability to hold up over time.

How to Choose The Right Adhesive Tapes For LED Strip

Q: Can LED tape be cut?

Yes, LED tape can be cut to fit the desired length. However, it is important to ensure that the tape is cut in the designated areas to prevent damage to the LED chips.

by Maisie Ou
Last updated March 15, 2023

LED strips have become an increasingly popular lighting solution for both commercial and residential applications due to their energy efficiency and versatility.

However, to ensure their proper functioning, it is essential to choose the right adhesive tapes to attach them to the desired surface.

With the multitude of adhesive tapes available on the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which one is suitable for your project.

In this article, we will discuss some of the most popular adhesive tapes used for LED strips and their specific features to help you make an informed decision.

We mainly offer the following double-sided tape for led lights.

Adhesive	Usage Scenarios	Adhesive Thickness mils (mm)	Adhesion to Stainless Steel (oz./in.)
3M 200MP	General purpose bonding, metal, plastic, and wood	2.0 (0.05)	40
3M 300MP	High-temperature bonding, automotive and electronics	2.0 (0.05)	45
3M 9080	Low surface energy bonding, plastics, and powder coatings	1.7 (0.04)	70
3M VHB 5608N	Structural bonding, metal, glass, and high surface energy plastics	0.008 (0.2)	180
Tesa 4965	General purpose bonding, metal, plastic, and wood	5.0 (0.13)	44
Blue Thermal Tape	Heat dissipation for electronics, LED strips	4.0 (0.1)	N/A

Note: Adhesion to stainless steel is measured in ounces per inch (oz./in.). The higher the number, the stronger the adhesive bond.

3M 200MP

3M 200MP is a high-performance adhesive tape designed to bond materials with high and low surface energy, making it an ideal choice for attaching LED strips to a variety of surfaces.

It has excellent shear strength and temperature resistance, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use. 3M 200MP can also withstand exposure to chemicals and UV light.

It is made of a thin layer of adhesive that is coated on both sides of a polyester film. The tape is used in a variety of industries, including automotive, electronics, and signage.

Usage Scenarios:

Automotive applications (interior and exterior trims, badges, and emblems)
Electronics (display screens, touchscreens, and membrane switches)
Signage (nameplates, logos, and graphics)

Adhesive Thickness mils(mm):

2.0 mil (0.05 mm)

Adhesion to Stainless Steel:

40 oz./in. (44 N/100 mm)

For more information, you can visit https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/798675O/3mtm-laminating-adhesive-200mp-brochure-in-high-resolution.pdf

3M 300MP

3M 300MP is a high-strength acrylic adhesive tape that offers excellent adhesion to a variety of surfaces, including metal, plastic, and painted surfaces.

It has a thin, 1.7 mil (0.04 mm) adhesive layer and provides excellent shear strength and high-temperature resistance.

Usage Scenarios:

Automotive manufacturing

Aerospace industry

Electronics industry

Signage and graphics

Medical devices

Adhesive Thickness mils(mm): 1.7 mil (0.04 mm)

Adhesion to Stainless Steel: 58 oz./in. (6.4 N/10 mm)

For more information, you can visit https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/1621410O/3m-300mp-acrylic-adhesive-brochure.pdf

3M 9080

3M 9080 is a double-sided adhesive 3m led tape that is designed for bonding lightweight materials in various applications.

It has a clear acrylic adhesive on both sides of a polyester film carrier, making it an ideal choice for applications that require high shear strength and high-temperature resistance.

Usage Scenarios:

Bonding of nameplates and logos

Lamination of foam gaskets and spacers

Mounting of lightweight components in electronic devices

Adhesive Thickness mils(mm): 2.0 mil (0.05 mm)

Adhesion to Stainless Steel: 47 oz./in (51 N/100 mm)

For more information, you can visit https://www.3m.com/3M/en_LB/p/d/v000143146/

3M VHB 5608N

3M VHB double-sided tape 5608N is a very high-bond tape with excellent adhesion to a wide variety of substrates.

Its unique viscoelastic properties allow it to bond with dissimilar materials and conform to irregular surfaces.

The 3m double-sided tape is commonly used in automotive, electronics, and construction applications where high strength and durability are required.

Usage Scenarios:

Bonding metal and plastic panels

Mounting signs, nameplates, and emblems

Attaching decorative trim and moldings

Securing stiffeners and reinforcements

Bonding glass to metal in architectural applications

Bonding of dissimilar materials

Adhesive Thickness: 20 mils (0.5 mm)

Adhesion to Stainless Steel: 192 oz./in. (21 N/100 mm)

3m VHB tape application guide

3M VHB (Very High Bond) Tape is a high-performance bonding tape used in a variety of applications, including LED strip light installations. This tape is specially designed to provide a strong and reliable bond between surfaces, without the need for screws or other mechanical fasteners. Here is a brief application guide for using 3M VHB Tape with LED strip lights:

Surface Preparation: To ensure maximum adhesion, the surface must be clean, dry, and free from any contaminants such as dirt, dust, oil, or grease. Clean the surface with a mild solvent or soap and water, and then dry it thoroughly.

Tape Selection: Choose the appropriate 3M VHB Tape for the application based on the surface type, the weight of the LED strip light, and the environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, moisture, UV exposure). For LED strip lights, 3M VHB Tape 4941 or 5952 is recommended.

Tape Application: Cut the tape to the desired length and apply it to the back of the LED strip light, ensuring that the tape covers the entire width of the strip. Press firmly to ensure good contact between the tape and the surface. For best results, use a roller or other tool to apply pressure evenly across the tape.

Tape Bonding: Allow the tape to bond for at least 72 hours before subjecting it to any stress or load. During this time, the bond strength will increase as the adhesive cures.

Other Considerations: It is important to consider the weight of the LED strip light and any other factors that may affect the strength of the bond, such as vibration or temperature fluctuations. For heavy-duty applications, multiple strips of tape may be required.

By following these steps, 3M VHB Tape can provide a strong and durable bond for LED strip light installations, without the need for screws or other mechanical fasteners. Always refer to the product data-sheet and application guide for specific product recommendations and instructions.

For more information, you can visit https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/999190O/3m-automotive-heat-activatable-acrylic-foam-tape-5608.pdf

tesa 4965

tesa 4965 is a double-sided adhesive tape that offers high bonding strength and excellent resistance to temperature and humidity.

It is a good choice for attaching LED strips to smooth and rough surfaces, and it is also suitable for outdoor use.

tesa 4965 is easy to handle and can be used in automated assembly processes.

tesa 4965 is a double-coated tape that offers high bonding strength and good temperature resistance. It is commonly used in automotive, electronics, and industrial applications.

Usage scenarios: bonding and mounting applications, particularly in the automotive, electronics, and industrial sectors.

Adhesive thickness mils(mm): 8 mils (0.20 mm)

Adhesion to Stainless Steel: 95 oz./in (10.5 N/cm)

For more information, you can visit https://www.tesa.com/en/industry/tesa-4965.html

Blue Thermal Tape

Blue thermal tape is a heat-resistant adhesive tape that is ideal for attaching LED strips to heat-sensitive surfaces.

It has excellent thermal conductivity, making it suitable for dissipating heat from LED strips. Blue thermal tape is also easy to apply and remove, making it a versatile choice for various applications.

Blue Thermal Tape, also known as thermal interface tape, is a type of adhesive tape used for thermal management in electronic devices.

It is typically made of a thin layer of a thermally conductive material such as silicone or acrylic, coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive on one or both sides.

Usage Scenarios: Blue Thermal Tape is commonly used to attach heat sinks, thermal pads, or other cooling components to electronic devices, particularly in applications where space is limited and traditional mechanical fasteners cannot be used.

It is also used in the automotive and aerospace industries for thermal management applications.

Adhesive Thickness mils(mm): The adhesive thickness of Blue Thermal Tape can vary depending on the specific product, but typically ranges from 3 mils (0.076 mm) to 10 mils (0.254 mm).

Adhesion to Stainless Steel: Blue Thermal Tape is designed to have excellent adhesion to a variety of surfaces, including stainless steel. The specific adhesion strength can vary depending on the product but is typically rated in ounces per inch or grams per square meter.

Typically, it is affixed onto a high-output LED strip, which is then mounted onto the aluminum profile, enabling efficient heat dissipation from the LED strip to the aluminum profile, thereby maintaining optimal operating temperatures for the LED strip.

FAQ:

The best tape to use for LED strips is 3M VHB tape or Tesa 4965 tape, as they provide strong adhesion and can withstand the heat generated by the LED strips.

3M VHB tape is used for bonding various materials together, such as metals, plastics, and even some painted surfaces. It is known for its high strength, durability, and versatility.

The weight that 3M VHB tape can hold depends on various factors, such as the surface it is applied to, the type of material being bonded, and the amount of tape used. Generally, 3M VHB tape can hold up to 20 pounds per square inch of tape.

The longevity of 3M VHB tape depends on the conditions it is exposed to, such as temperature, humidity, and UV exposure. Under normal conditions, it can last up to 15 years or more.

Yes, 3M VHB tape can be removed, but it may require some effort, depending on the surface it was applied to. Using a heat gun or adhesive remover can help soften the tape and make it easier to remove.

3M VHB tape and 3M 300LSE tape are both excellent options for LED strip lights, as they provide strong adhesion and can withstand the heat generated by the LED strips.

No, scotch tape is not recommended for use on LED lights, as it may not provide strong enough adhesion and may not be able to withstand the heat generated by the LED lights.

To remove 3M VHB double-sided tape, you can use a heat gun or adhesive remover to soften the tape and then slowly peel it off.

3M VHB tape is designed to provide a permanent bond, and it may be difficult to remove once it has been applied.

There are few adhesives that are stronger than 3M VHB tape, but some options include epoxy adhesives and structural acrylic adhesives.

The longevity of 3M VHB tape depends on various factors, but under normal conditions, it can last up to 15 years or more.

The best tape to use for LED lights is 3M VHB tape or Tesa 4965 tape, as they provide strong adhesion and can withstand the heat generated by the LED lights.

Yes, LED strips can be connected using tape, but it is important to ensure that the tape used is strong enough to hold the weight of the strips.

Yes, the LED tape can be cut to fit the desired length. However, it is important to ensure that the tape is cut in the designated areas to prevent damage to the LED chips.

The best tape for LED lights is one that can provide a strong and reliable bond, is easy to use, and is compatible with the surface it is being applied to. Double-sided adhesive tapes are commonly used for attaching LED lights to surfaces, with the 3M VHB tape and Tesa tape being popular choices due to their high bonding strength and durability. However, it is important to choose the right tape for the specific LED light and surface being used, as not all tapes will be suitable for all applications.

Conclusion

As we have seen, there are a variety of adhesive tapes available in the market, each with its unique features and benefits. Choosing the right adhesive tape for LED strip applications is crucial to ensure a secure and long-lasting bond.

Among the tapes we discussed, 3M 200MP and 3M 300MP are excellent choices for general-purpose bonding, with good adhesion to a wide range of substrates.

3M 9080 is ideal for mounting applications, where a clean and invisible finish is required.

3M VHB 5608N provides excellent bonding strength and durability, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications.

Tesa 4965 is a high-performance tape with good adhesion to difficult surfaces, while the blue thermal tape is ideal for heat dissipation in LED strip applications.

When choosing an adhesive tape for LED strips, it is important to consider the surface to which the tape will be applied, the conditions of use, and the required level of bonding strength. Each of the above-mentioned tapes offers specific features and benefits that make them suitable for various applications. By understanding the properties of each tape, you can choose the right one for your LED strip project and ensure its long-lasting performance.