Assemble the Slate
Once your lights are working, it's time to attach them to the acrylic.
A cleanly cut edge will transmit a lot more light than a rough edge. This plastic can be cut with wood-shop tools, like a table saw or chop saw, but you'll get slightly better results if you use the professionally cut edge or cut it to size with a laser cutter. Lasers are fun but definitely not necessary -- a table saw will work just fine.
If you're using this indoors and just want to quickly attach the lights and test it out, your best bet is to use clear packing tape. This tape will stick very well to both the acrylic and the silicone sleeve around the LEDs. It disappears against the plastic and comes off easily if you ever want to re-use your LED strip for another project.
Stick the LED strip down to the center of the tape and then wrap the edges around the acrylic, to be sure it's all centered.
You really only need to cover one edge for acrylic signs up to around 24" wide. If your project is larger than that, or if you're just not getting the glow you want in the middle, wrap the lights around two or three sides, or even all four.
For a more permanent installation, or if you want to put this outdoors, the best way I've found to attach the lights is with silicone adhesive. Not much sticks to the silicone sleeve of the lights, and they won't hold up to winter weather without the sleeve. Clear silicone glue will keep them on there permanently -- though be very careful not to get it onto the plastic anywhere else, since it's very hard to remove.
Page last edited January 21, 2026
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