Top 6 Waterproof LED Strip Types & IP Rating you should Know

When choosing LED strip lights for your project, waterproofing is one of the most important factors, especially if you’re installing them in bathrooms, kitchens, gardens, outdoor facades, or anywhere exposed to humidity or weather. But not all “waterproof” LED strips are created equal.

Depending on the IP rating, waterproof manufacturing process, and protective materials, waterproof LED strips vary significantly in durability, heat dissipation, clarity, and suitability for different applications. Here’s a clear breakdown of the 6 most common types you’ll find in the market, along with their real-world pros and cons.

Let’s start with the most basic type,non-waterproof LED Strip, rated IP20. These LED Light strips have no protective coating at all. The LEDs are soldered directly onto the bare flexible PCB, with all the electrical components fully exposed.

Best for: Dry indoor environments like cove lighting, cabinet backlighting, or display shelves.

Avoid in: Kitchens, bathrooms, or anywhere with condensation or dust buildup.

Key benefit: Highest brightness and fastest heat dissipation due to lack of covering.

This is one of the newer waterproofing technologies,nano-coated LED strips. A thin (0.1–0.3 mm) nano spray layer is applied over the entire strip, forming a transparent shield against moisture and dust without compromising flexibility or heat dissipation. The New Nano coating can solve a series of problems of the traditional waterproof LED Strip Lights IP65: heat dissipation, UV resistance, yellowing resistance, no color temperature drift, light weight, and its Color temperature drift is small, waterproof performance is good (waterproof grade IP65), moisture-proof, long-term environmental temperature -20 to 50 degrees, humidity 90 degrees without yellowing phenomenon, simple production process.

Best for: Damp indoor areas, semi-outdoor use (like balconies), or high-humidity indoor zones.

Advantages over traditional glue coatings:

• Lightweight and flexible
• UV resistant (no yellowing over time)
• Minimal light color shift (excellent color stability)
• Improved thermal performance

This is the most widely seen form of coated waterproofing, a layer of silicone, PU (polyurethane), or epoxy resin is spread directly over the top of the LED strip, including all the solder joints and contact points. It can protect against water and moisture.

Best for: Indoor wet zones (bathrooms, kitchens), covered outdoor spaces.

Consider this: While epoxy and PU offer good sealing, they tend to yellow over time and can trap heat, reducing lifespan. Silicone is more stable and UV-resistant but slightly more expensive.

Each material has trade-offs in transparency, longevity, flexibility, and heat tolerance—choose based on your project’s demands.

In this design, the LED strip is enclosed in a hollow silicone sleeve, which can later be sealed at the ends. This creates a waterproof barrier that doesn’t directly touch the LEDs, preserving better heat dispersion than full potting.

Best for: Outdoor signage, facade lighting, patios—especially when the ends are properly sealed with waterproof caps.

Pro tip: Make sure the endcaps are sealed with silicone adhesive for long-term performance. Improper sealing = water damage.

This setup takes the previous tube design further by filling the interior with silicone glue or PU Glue, providing both external and internal protection. It’s a popular option for harsh outdoor environments.

Best for: Building outlines, bridges, garden walls, park lighting, and more.

IP67 rating means: It can withstand temporary immersion in water (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes), making it ideal for exposed environments—rain, snow, splash zones.

Balanced protection and flexibility make this a strong middle ground between basic waterproofing and full submersion-rated products.

6. IP68 Waterproof LED Lights

It is highest IP-rated waterproof LED Strip, It is an All-in-one Silicone solid extrusion waterproof to achieve waterproof effect, can be used for underwater light strips, such as pools, swimming pools, waterscape, manufacturing, etc., you need to use high-level waterproof light strips.

This is the most robust waterproof option, an All-in-one solid silicone extrusion, where the LED strip is entirely encased in a dense silicone body. There are no hollow spaces or air gaps, making it truly submersible.

Best for: Underwater lighting (swimming pools, fountains), marine installations, and high-humidity industrial sites.

IP68 rated: Can be fully submerged in water long-term without risk of failure, provided proper connectors are used.

Note: The extrusion process ensures uniform protection but limits flexibility slightly; make sure it suits the installation space and bending radius required.

When it comes to LED strip light, waterproofing isn’t one-size-fits-all. From basic indoor strips with no protection to fully submersible IP68-rated ones, each type fits different needs. The right choice depends on where you’ll use them, how much moisture they’ll face, and how long you want them to last without fading or failing.

• For dry indoor spots, go with IP20 strips—no waterproofing needed.
• In kitchens, bathrooms, or slightly humid areas, IP65 strips with nano or silicone coatings work well.
• For outdoor walls, signs, or bridges, IP67 strips with glue-filled silicone tubing offer better protection.
• And for underwater or marine use, IP68 fully sealed silicone strips are your safest bet.

Matching the waterproof rating to your project helps avoid early failures and saves you time and money on repairs.

At Sunroleds, we’ve spent over 13 years refining waterproof LED strips, from nano coatings to IP68 Extrusion designs. Whether you’re lighting up architecture, landscapes, or moisture-prone industrial spaces, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit.

Need advice? Reach out anytime. Our engineers and sales team will guide you to a reliable, long-lasting solution.