I need to attach some LEDs to the inside of some hard foam insulation board. Any suggestions on what to use? I thought about using packing tape since it would also help strengthen everything but I am afraid the heat from the LEDs will cause issues. This will be covered front and back with poster board cut to shape so the inside can be ugly.
If you’re using 5v LEDs, I don’t think heat is gonna be much of an issue. I’ve never used 12v sets, so I couldn’t say for sure there.
One alternative is to use small strips of duct tape in between pixels, spaced out, and stick it to the board. Even if the lights do heat up a bit, duct tape can handle a lot.
@Christopher_Kirkman1 They are 5V LEDs duct tape is a good idea but that might be more work than I want. LEDs are 74/m so spacing is fairly tight.
@Brian_Lewis I have used packing tape in a few prototypes that have lasted for years. Its clear and sticks to itself amazingly well. I recommend more than one layer of tape.
@Matt_Richard sweet thanks. I will give it a shot tonight.
High temp hot glue. If they get hot enough to come loose you have bigger issues.
I 2nd the hot glue recommendation. Its what I use all the time.
If they’re going to be there “forever”, my favorite adhesive is marine-grade silicone. It’s one of the few things that sticks to the clear tubing over LED strips.
@allanGEE I could be wrong, but that doesn’t seem ideal. Silicone is good for plastics and glass, but not for foam. Otherwise, yes, I use silicone aquarium sealant for all kinds of projects when hot glue just isn’t enough.
Hell, Brian, why not just use hot glue?
Thanks for all of the suggestions. I settled on a combination of hot glue in the hard to reach areas and packing tape everywhere else. The idea with the tape is to help strengthen the foam and protect it from being crushed so easily by careless people.