Neon Flex

How to cut LED Neon Flex

1 min read June 06, 2025

How to Cut LED Neon Flex: Step-by-Step Professional Guide

LED Neon Flex is a revolutionary bendable, waterproof alternative to traditional glass neon that you can cut to custom lengths for perfect-fit installations in any space.

Think of it like this: LED Neon Flex is like cutting ribbon - but instead of cutting anywhere, you need to find the special marked points to keep your lights working perfectly.

📋 WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE:

Why Custom Cut Neon Flex?
Essential Tools & Preparation
The Cutting Process
Sealing & Finishing Ends
Common Mistakes to Avoid

Why LED Neon Flex Beats Traditional Glass Neon

✂️ Cuttable
Custom lengths on-site

💪 Shatterproof
Flexible silicone body

💧 Waterproof
IP65-IP68 rated options

⚡ 80% More Efficient
Lower running costs

🎯 Why Cut LED Neon Flex?

Custom cutting allows perfect-fit installations without waste or compromise. Made from flexible silicone with embedded LEDs, Neon Flex is lighter, cheaper, and greener than traditional glass neon tubes.

🏢 Border Lighting

Perfect for: Building outlines, window frames, architectural features

Example: 12.5m storefront needs exact cuts at corners - no excess

✨ Accent Lines

Perfect for: Cove lighting, under-counter strips, display cases

Example: 3.75m bar top needs precise length for clean finish

🎨 Custom Signs

Perfect for: Bespoke neon signs, logos, decorative shapes

Example: Multiple cuts for complex letter designs

🔧 Essential Tools & Preparation

🛠️ Must-Have Tools

Sharp utility knife or box cutter
Tape measure (precise measurements)
End caps for sealing
Appropriate connectors
Clean, firm cutting surface

🔌 Optional Equipment

Soldering iron (for direct wire connections)
Heat shrink tubing
Silicone sealant
Wire strippers
Multimeter for testing

⚠️ CRITICAL - Finding Cut Points:

Look for copper oval marks on WeLoveLEDs Neon Flex
Cut points occur every 10-500mm depending on profile
Most static colours: 25mm or 50mm intervals
RGB versions may have different spacing

💡 PRO TIP: Can't see the cut marks clearly? Power the strip briefly to spot the slightly dim gaps between LED segments - these indicate safe cutting zones. Always disconnect power before cutting!

✂️ The Cutting Process

Simple 3-Step Cutting Process:

Disconnect from power (NEVER cut live strips)
Place on firm surface (ensure strip is flat and stable)
Make clean perpendicular cut (straight across at marked point)

📐 Cutting Technique:

✅ DO:

Cut straight and perpendicular
Use sharp, fresh blade
Apply steady pressure
Support strip on both sides

❌ DON'T:

Cut at an angle
Use dull blades (causes dragging)
Bend or twist while cutting
Cut between marked points

❌ COMMON MISTAKE: Cutting between marked points breaks the circuit permanently! If you cut in the wrong place, that entire section won't light. Always double-check cut marks before cutting.

🔒 Sealing & Finishing Ends

After cutting, you must seal the open end to maintain waterproofing and electrical safety. The method depends on your Neon Flex profile type.

Profiles WITH Connectors

Simple plug-and-play method:

Fit end cap over cut end
Apply silicone adhesive inside cap
Push firmly into place
Use heat-shrink for extra seal

Time needed: 5 minutes
Skill level: Beginner

→ Shop Connector-Ready Flex

Profiles WITHOUT Connectors

Soldering method:

Trim back silicone (expose copper pads)
Solder supply wires (red = +, black = -)
Cover with power end cap
Seal completely with silicone

Time needed: 15-20 minutes
Skill level: Intermediate

→ Shop Cables & Connectors

⚠️ SAFETY: Always let soldered joints cool completely before reconnecting power. Test with a multimeter if available to ensure proper connection.

🔍 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Cutting While Powered

Can cause electrical shock and damage to LEDs.

✅ Solution: ALWAYS disconnect power before any cutting or modification.

2. Cutting Between Marks

Breaks the circuit - section won't light.

✅ Solution: Only cut at designated copper oval marks. When in doubt, measure twice!

3. Poor Sealing

Water ingress causes failure and safety hazards.

✅ Solution: Use proper end caps with silicone sealant. Test seal before installation.

4. Using Dull Blades

Creates jagged cuts that are hard to seal properly.

✅ Solution: Always use fresh, sharp blades. Replace if dragging occurs.

📊 Quick Reference: Cut Intervals by Type

Neon Flex Type	Cut Interval	Best For	Shop Link
Static White	25-50mm	Architectural, accent	View Options →
Static Colour	25-50mm	Signage, decoration	View Options →
RGB Colour	30-500mm	Dynamic displays	View Options →
Mini Neon	10-25mm	Detailed work	View Options →

📐 Waste Calculator

Minimise waste by planning cuts carefully:

Example: Need 3.7m length
Cut interval: 50mm (0.05m)

3.7m ÷ 0.05m = 74 intervals exactly
→ Perfect cut with zero waste! ✅

Always round up to the nearest cut point to avoid short circuits.

🤔 Need Help With Your Neon Flex Project?

Our technical team provides FREE consultation on custom cuts and installations

Email: sales@weloveleds.co.uk

Or call: 0113 418 2920

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