Can You Make an IP20 LED Strip Waterproof with Silicone?

GL LED

If you're working on a lighting project in a humid or outdoor area, waterproofing becomes a must. But what if you already have IP20-rated LED strips — designed only for dry, indoor use? Can you simply apply silicone to make them waterproof?

It’s a question many DIYers ask — and the answer is more complex than it seems.

💡 What Is an IP20 LED Strip?

An IP20 rating means the LED strip is protected against solid objects (like fingers) but has zero protection against water or moisture. These are common in dry indoor areas — think cove lighting, under cabinets, or backlighting for displays.

🧪 The DIY Idea: Add Silicone to Waterproof

At first glance, it makes sense: silicone is waterproof and flexible — why not just apply a layer over your IP20 strip?

While technically possible, doing this is not a reliable or professional way to waterproof LED strips.

⚠️ The Risks of DIY Waterproofing

1. Incomplete Sealing

Manual application often results in air gaps, bubbles, or uneven layers, which allow water to seep in - especially over time or under temperature shifts. Dust-free environment is needed when the waterproof strip light is being produced.

2. Heat Retention

LED strips generate heat. When covered in silicone, that heat has nowhere to go. Excess heat can reduce LED lifespan or cause premature failure.

3. Poor Adhesion

Silicone may not stick properly to all parts of the strip, especially around connectors and solder joints, increasing the risk of delamination or leaks.

4. Silicone Corrosion

Acidic ones can corrode electronic parts, which will destroy the lights. Neutral-cure clear silicone is used in the factory.

🌈 Color Temperature Shift: The Hidden Problem

One critical issue that most DIYers overlook is color temperature drift caused by waterproofing materials.

Let’s say your strip is rated at 3000K (warm white). Once you apply silicone, the final color may no longer look like 3000K.

Why?

  • Silicone affects how light is refracted and filtered, often causing a cooler or hazier output.

  • Manufacturers know this and may use 2400K to 2700K LED chips during production so that after waterproofing, the result is true 3000K.

  • The composition and clarity of the silicone also play a big role — different formulas will shift the color output in different ways.

  • Achieving accurate final color temperature requires extensive photometric testing, precise binning, and material matching — all of which happen in a factory setting with advanced tools.

✅ Better Alternatives for Waterproof LED Strips

For a more reliable and long-term solution, consider these options:

1. Buy Factory-Sealed Waterproof Strips

Look for LED strips rated IP65, IP67, or IP68, depending on the environment. These use professional encapsulation techniques and materials tested to preserve color and performance.

2. Use Waterproof Channels

Mount your IP20 strip inside aluminum or plastic channels with waterproof lenses or covers. Some also support sealants or gaskets for IP65+ protection.

📝 Final Thoughts

Yes — you can apply silicone over an IP20 LED strip in an attempt to waterproof it. But should you?

Probably not, unless it’s a low-risk, temporary setup where color accuracy and long-term reliability don’t matter.

Professional waterproof LED strips aren’t just dipped in silicone — they are the result of careful material matching, optical engineering, and repeated testing. DIY can’t offer that — and in most cases, trying to mimic it may lead to poor performance, overheating, or color distortion.

If you’re serious about waterproof LED lighting, it’s better to choose the right product from the start — and if you need help choosing, we’re happy to guide you.

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