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can you pour epoxy over led strip lights

by Enos Swift Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Yes, it is safe to embed LED lights in epoxy resin because they do not emit heat. How do you suspend objects in resin? To suspend objects in resin, multiple resin layers are required. Pour in the first layer at least one-third smaller than the total resin pour depth.

First, epoxy produces heat during the curing process and may damage the LED light strips. Second, it is impossible to replace the LED light strip.

Full Answer

Can LED strip lights be attached to epoxy resin?

This technique makes attaching LED strip lights to epoxy resin easy; however, it has 2 issues. First, the peel-off adhesive lacks proper strength to hold the LED lights in place. As a result, they eventually come off with time.

Can I use epoxy/resin to encapsulate SMD LED?

I have considered using an epoxy or resin to encapsulate a SMD LED. I want the epoxy/resin to: 1. Waterproof the LED 2. Be clear enough for the light to transmit clearly through, and 3. Have a UV protector so it doesn’t turn yellow

How do you make LED lights glow with resin?

First, I recommend pouring a thin layer of resin, allow this to cure, and then add the tubing. Obviously, you should only do this if you are using transparent resin or to charge glow powder via UV LED Lights. This suspends the LED lights in resin.

How to epoxy/resin a LED chip?

I want the epoxy/resin to: 1. Waterproof the LED 2. Be clear enough for the light to transmit clearly through, and 3. Have a UV protector so it doesn’t turn yellow My thought was to install the led chip, get the surface to be epoxy/resin level and pour a thin layer over the entire surface allowing it to work like self leveling cement.

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Can you epoxy over LED lights?

If you're using LED lights that have a plug, make sure you leave enough wire at the end so that your project can be plugged in with enough distance to be away from the plug socket, not right up against it. Once the lights are in the rough position in your mold, you can pour in the epoxy resin mix as you normally would.

Can LED strip lights be painted?

LEDs are safe and easy to paint as long as it's done correctly. Use heat resistant glass paint and avoid flammable substances such as oil paint or nail varnish. For a diffused effect, sand the bulb before applying the paint.

How do you seal LED Strip Lights?

1:033:25How To Re-Seal Your Waterproof LED Strip - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you're gonna want to kind of push it in there with your finger. So that it goes in there and itMoreAnd you're gonna want to kind of push it in there with your finger. So that it goes in there and it sort of creates a barrier. So that moisture doesn't get in so this is somewhat of a double seal.

Can you put string lights in resin?

Give A Unique Look To Your Resin Art: Tangle the copper string lights inside the mold (place the switch outside), pouring the resin, and open the light switch after the de-mold, then you will get attractive works which radiates a charming and soothing color and light.

Do LED light strips get hot?

We have measured a typical temperature rise of 54°F (30°C) over ambient temperatures. In other words, for an LED strip in a typical room temperature environment of 75°F (24°C), you can expect the LED strip to reach a temperature of 129°F (54°C).

How do you tint LED lights?

1:403:19Quick Tip #2: How to Change COLOR of LED Lighting the EASY Way!!!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRight below that's blue because this is exactly what you want to do if you have a if you have a tankMoreRight below that's blue because this is exactly what you want to do if you have a if you have a tank of it the white LED.

Can LED strips get wet?

LED strip lights are available uncoated (non-waterproof), or with splash-proof or fully waterproof coatings. With this range of waterproof LED lights, you can install your tape strips almost anywhere – bathrooms and kitchens, externally, or any location where resistance to water is required.

What happens if LED lights get wet?

The danger of an LED light being exposed to water is when it's fully submerged. Electricity flows through the bulb, and because water is a conductor, it's possible for electrocution to occur.

Are all LED lights waterproof?

Example :With an IP65 rating, the LEDs can be used in an outside setting and are water-resistant but they are not waterproof and are not suitable to be submerged. An IP68 can be submerged in water.

How do you put LED lights in resin?

2:113:59How to Embed LED Strip Lights in Epoxy Resin [EASY Technique]YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's important to make sure to cut the end of the rod on each side ultimately. This exposes the rodMoreIt's important to make sure to cut the end of the rod on each side ultimately. This exposes the rod which makes it easy to remove. Once each end of the rod is exposed push it a little from one side

How do you put fairy lights in epoxy resin?

1:316:13How To Make A Resin Sign With Fairy Lights and Dried Flowers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd stick out of the back. So now you can pour your first layer. Over top and it's okay if some ofMoreAnd stick out of the back. So now you can pour your first layer. Over top and it's okay if some of the lights stick out because we're gonna fix. That. So like i said some of them stick.

How do you put lights in resin art?

6:5214:28Putting LED lights in epoxy resin - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I just cut it off as you can see I just cut it off using the presses as long as you cut it offMoreSo I just cut it off as you can see I just cut it off using the presses as long as you cut it off after the bulb that the last bulb that you want to use then the way they're wired up.

Why epoxy over LED lights?

The more voltage applied, the hotter they get, and the shorter life they’ll have. Adding epoxy over them will cause them to retain more heat. More heat, shorter life. So first you should use the lowest voltage you can to achieve the effect you want.

Why are epoxies opaque?

Unfortunately, the high thermal conductivity epoxies are usually opaque, because they have a mineral or metal powder filler. Take care with the volumes your pour, and take steps to keep things cool - slow curing is usually a good idea if you want maximum clarity, as it allows air bubbles more time to escape.

How deep should epoxy resin be poured?

Polyester resins (often called "casting" resins) can be poured deeply into molds or cells without problems, but most epoxy resins usually shouldn't be poured deeper than 1/8-1/4" at a time (though can be poured in many layers).

Can epoxy be used as potting compound?

Most standard epoxy resin is rated for use as a circuit potting compound, so you just need to confirm this with the spec sheet. A quick search on the web found this which looks suitable: (I'm in the UK), but I'm sure you will find others local to you: Clear epoxy resin, clear casting resin, clear resins, clear resin.

Can resin be polished?

Most resins will release easily from the mold with this option. Any residue on the surface of the resin can be easily polished away. Once again be careful with corners and details. In this case you should be careful to get into these areas and still be sure to clear any excess powder out before pouring your resin.

Can epoxy melt in a cup?

Or it may end in a thermal runaway. Then, if you are lucky, the resin will simply solidify in the cup before you can do anything useful with it. If not, it may melt the cup, burn your hands, or even start a fire. In general, the larger the amount of epoxy you mix, the bigger the chances of a thermal runaway.

Can you use potting resin on circuit boards?

There is something called potting resin for circuit boards, which is usually black, but you can also get it in clear. This has the advantage of being guaranteed non-conductive, so will not short out your circuitry, and neither will it corrode your bare metal.

Tools & Material I Used

In addition, be sure to visit my favorite epoxy resin tools and material.

Video Tutorial

There are several things which are difficult to fully explain with words and images, so be sure to check out the video tutorial below!

Introduction

I received many questions/comments regarding the technique I used to embed LED light strips in epoxy resin for this LED wall art project. As a result, I decided to provide more detail regarding the technique I use for embedding objects in resin. Additionally, I’ll show you how this technique makes it easy to replace LED strip lights embedded in resin. Keep in mind, I use the term ’embed’ in this article as a synonym for submerge, suspend, and encase..

Embed LED Strip Lights in Resin

There are many ways for embedding objects in resin. Essentially, I’ve either used or considered using the 3 techniques outlined below.

Create Tunnel in Resin

Hands down, this is the best technique for embedding led strip lights in epoxy resin.

Glue LED Light Strips

This technique is widely used because it is simple. Additionally, most LED light strips have an peel-off adhesive on the back.

Fully Encapsulate LED Strip Lights in Epoxy Resin

Since I don’t recommend this technique for embedding objects in resin, I will only list the cons.

Hot Glue And LED Strip Lights

While using hot glue is one of the most common methods for securing led to a surface, there are a few things to consider when you hot glue led strip lights.

Benefits Using Hot Glue To Attach Led Strop Lights

Hot gluing led strips are very quick and easy to use. You can do this without having too much experience or needing so many tools. All you need is a heat gun and hot glue sticks.

Bad Things About Using Hot Glue To Attach Led Strip Lights

If you use too much, hot glue can warp the led strip light surface. This will be evident when there are bubbles or even bulges forming on the surface of the led strip lights.

How To Hot Glue Led Strip Lights

Hot gluing led strip lights to the surface is very easy if you follow these simple instructions:

Steps For Removing Hot Glue From The Surface Of Led Strip Lights

If you made a mistake and over-applied the hot glue, you can use rubbing alcohol to help with removing it. Just make sure the rubbing alcohol is 91% and higher.

Final Thoughts

Hot gluing led strip lights can be a fun and easy application. However, when you are using hot glue to stick the led strip light to surfaces, there is always a chance that it will cause damage in one way or another.

Why does my LED light overheat?

Heat dissipation seems to be the biggest issue, as either the lack of open air causes the LED to overheat and die faster, or the tight quarters causes the epoxy to crack/craze when the lens expands due to heat.

Can LEDs be heated?

You're way over thinking this. LED bodies are made from the same epoxy resin. Unless they're BIG LEDs, like several watts, heating isn't an issue, either during curing or operation. They'll last just as long in free air. Check the datasheet for absolute maximum temperature. I guarantee that the resin gets nowhere near as hot as they can take without failure.

How to make LED chip work?

1. Waterproof the LED. 2. Be clear enough for the light to transmit clearly through, and. 3. Have a UV protector so it doesn’t turn yellow. My thought was to install the led chip, get the surface to be epoxy/resin level and pour a thin layer over the entire surface allowing it to work like self leveling cement.

Can epoxy cure without tackiness?

However, things such as mixing off ratio (even though it still can cure without tackiness), putting over an improperly cured lacquer, excessive heat, and or constant exposure to sunlight can speed up the yellowing process. How long the epoxy will last in its clear state is very difficult to predict.

Is epoxy waterproof?

Assuming the epoxy completely encloses everything that could be underwater (light, wiring, etc.), it would be waterproof. As long as you use a clear resin, it will be clear enough to see light transmitted through the resin. The challenge is going to be the yellowing part. Unfortunately, all resins are going to yellow over time.

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1.Videos of Can You Pour Epoxy Over LED Strip Lights

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33 hours ago  · How to embed LED strip lights in epoxy resin additional detail: https://bit.ly/2UFH5yLThis new resin technique to pour epoxy resin over LED strip lights inv...

2.How to Embed LED Strip Lights in Epoxy Resin [EASY …

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUspvsCluvQ

5 hours ago LED’s have a wide range of voltages in which they will illuminate. The more voltage applied, the hotter they get, and the shorter life they’ll have. Adding epoxy over them will cause them to …

3.Is it safe to pour and set epoxy resin over LED lights?

Url:https://www.quora.com/Is-it-safe-to-pour-and-set-epoxy-resin-over-LED-lights

15 hours ago  · This videos shows how to embed led lights in epoxy resin. There are two projects here, one for the very beginner on using LED lights in epoxy resin and the ...

4.Embedding LED Strip Lights in Epoxy Resin - Pahjo Designs

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11 hours ago You can also use silicone adhesive or epoxy depending on your application requirements as well. Just make sure that whatever adhesive you choose does not seep into the circuitry of your led …

5.Putting LED lights in epoxy resin - YouTube

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5 hours ago  · Guest. I am making a set of cornhole boards (bags) with bottle caps and resin. I am hoping to have the casting deep enough that I can have a strip of led lights around the …

6.Can You Hot Glue Led Strip Lights? (11 Pros And Cons)

Url:https://ledlightplanet.com/can-you-hot-glue-led-strip-lights/

8 hours ago If you’re using LED lights that have a plug, make sure you leave enough wire at the end so that your project can be plugged in with enough distance to be away from the plug socket, not right …

7.Putting LEDs inside epoxy resin? : led - Reddit

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29 hours ago So the actual project: I have a staircase with 14 steps, 90cm in width. I want to lighten every step individually. I did some research and found that WS2812B LEDs are a nice way to go. So I want …

8.Submersible LED light in resin - Resin Obsession

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19 hours ago  · Waterproof the LED. 2. Be clear enough for the light to transmit clearly through, and. 3. Have a UV protector so it doesn’t turn yellow. My thought was to install the led chip, get …

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