how to make an led backlight for stained glass pane
1. Choose LED Strip Lights
Choose LED Strip Lights Choose warm white or RGB LED strip lights. Warm white LEDs will provide a natural glow behind the stained glass. RGB LEDs will allow you to create colorful effects and change the color of the light shining through the glass. RGB LEDs offer more options but warm white is simpler to install.
2. Get a LED strip light kit
These kits will include everything you need – the LED strips, power supply, and sometimes a remote or controller. Popular brands for LED strip lights include KOSOOM, and SILU
Using RF (Radio Frequency) remote control to control LED backlight is a good choice. RF remote control has the following advantages.
– Longer effective distance. Compared to infrared remote controls, RF remote controls can work through objects with a signal range of 30-100 meters, which is sufficient for most home and commercial applications.
– RF signals can penetrate glass, walls and other obstacles, so you can use the remote control to control LED lights while standing at the other end of the room or in another room.
– No direct alignment required. Unlike infrared remotes, you can use RF remotes without having to point directly at the LED device. This makes it easier and more convenient to use.
– Multiple devices can be controlled. One RF remote control can pair and control multiple LED devices or light sets without interfering with each other. This is very useful when controlling LED lights in larger areas.
– More secure and reliable. RF signals are more secure and reliable than infrared signals, and less susceptible to the outside environment. This can minimize the risk of signal interference and loss.
Therefore, the use of RF remote control to control the entire stained glass window backlighting system is a wise choice. A single RF remote control can easily control multiple LED strips and power adapters, choosing different combinations of color, effect and brightness to create the desired visual effect.
I recommend choosing an RF remote control with multiple RF transceivers, each of which can control a section or group of LED strips. This allows you to control the entire LED system more flexibly, creating more complex and fascinating light effects.
3. Determine the size
Determine the size of your stained glass panel. You want to get enough LEDs to provide even light over the entire panel. As a guide, you want at least 60-80 LEDs per square foot for brightly and evenly lit panel. For most DIY kits, you can link multiple reels of LEDs together to get the right number.
4.Attach the LED strips
Attach the LED strips around the outer edge of the glass panel. Clean and dry the glass first. Then peel off the backing from the double-sided adhesive tape on the LED strips and stick them to the edge of the glass so the light shines inwards. Place them close enough so the light overlaps in the center.
5. Secure the strips
Secure the strips in place. Once stuck on, you may need to add some tape, clamps or clips to securely hold the strips in the right position, especially if you have long strips. Make sure not to block any of the actual LEDs.
6. Connect the power adapter
Connect the power adapter. Plug in the LED strip light transformer or power adapter into the LED strip input wire, then plug into an outlet. Turn on your LEDs to see the effect behind the stained glass.
7. Add a frame (optional)
You may want to build a frame around the edge of the glass panel to hide the edges of the LED strips for a more polished look. A frame will also help securely hold the whole panel/LED kit together.
8.Add diffuser (optional)
Diffusers help to make the light softer and more even, improving the quality of lighting. Place it between the LED strip and the glass window.
Diffusers change the direct light produced by LEDs into diffused light. Direct light is usually harsh, while diffused light is soft and comfortable.
Diffusers help make the light more uniform. Without diffusers, the brightness of the light will be brightest above the LED strip, and will gradually become darker elsewhere. Diffusion film can be somewhat mitigated this effect, so that the light in the entire area more uniform.
Diffusion film can change the color temperature of the light. For example, you can choose a neutral white or warm white diffuser to provide a softer light color temperature.
Diffusers can also prevent the LED spot effect. Sometimes you can see individual LEDs emitting dots of light, diffusers can be a good mix of these dots of light, eliminating the dot effect.
Recommended diffuser materials include.
Milky white acrylic or polycarbonate sheets – These plastic sheets can diffuse light well and come in a variety of colors and thicknesses, depending on the need.
Quartz fiber cloth or woven fabric – these fabrics have good diffusion properties, are very thin and light, and can be installed close to the LED strip and glass windows.
Diffusion shield – This is a diffusion shield specially designed for LED strips, which can be installed directly on the LED strips and is very convenient.
9. Consider safety.
Since this is powered by mains electricity, make considerations for water exposure and shock risk. Outdoor installations will need to be waterproofed.
10.Connector
Used to connect multiple LED strips. The connectors are useful if you buy LED strips that do not reach the required length of the glass window
