What is COB LED Strip Light?

COB LED tape is a high-density strip lighting solution designed for projects requiring smooth, uninterrupted illumination. It’s built to eliminate visible spotting, even in shallow channels or exposed applications, making it ideal for joinery, display, signage and close-surface lighting.

This guide explains how COB LED tape works, how it compares to standard SMD tape, and when to specify it for commercial and architectural use.

What Is COB LED Strip Light?

COB LED tape is a high-density strip lighting format that provides seamless, uninterrupted illumination along its entire length.

Unlike standard LED tape, which shows individual light points, COB (Chip-on-Board) tape delivers a continuous line of light, even in shallow profiles or exposed installations.

It works by mounting densely packed LED chips directly onto the PCB, then applying a uniform phosphor coating to blend the output into a single beam.

Choosing the Right COB LED Tape

At Ultra LEDs, COB LED tape is available in two core formats to suit different project requirements: Professional and Essential.

The Professional range is built for commercial-grade performance. It includes high CRI outputs, extended run lengths, and cut-to-length flexibility, suited to architectural, retail, and display integration.
The Essential range offers a cost-effective solution for detail lighting and joinery. It retains seamless output and is ideal for compact installs where dotting must be avoided but long runs or specialist specs are not required.

Both ranges include 12V and 24V options, static and tunable white variants, and models designed for use in shallow or standard profile systems.

For more specific requirements, Ultra LEDs also supplies:

A cut-anywhere COB tape for maximum flexibility where precise lengths are required without fixed cut points
A long-run COB option designed for consistent output across extended lengths with reduced voltage drop

Where To Use COB LED Tape

COB LED tape is designed for installations where seamless output and visual consistency are critical. Its uniform beam, even in close quarters or exposed settings, makes it a reliable solution for precision detail work.

Typical applications include:

Joinery, under-cabinet, and furniture lighting
Retail and display shelving
Built-up letters, logo signage, and edge-lit acrylics
Surface-mounted architectural features and trim lighting
Museum and gallery installs where tape remains in view
Shallow aluminium profiles with minimal diffuser depth
Projects requiring extended runs using long run COB.

Its dot-free output eliminates spotting, even in tight spaces, making it well suited for any specification where the tape is visible or surface-mounted.

When Not to Use COB Tape

COB LED tape is versatile and suitable for most indoor applications, but it may not be the most efficient choice in projects that require:

Pixel-addressable effects or mapped animations where standard RGB or pixel tape is more suitable
Optical control using lenses or focused beam outputs
Outdoor use without appropriate IP-rated models and protective housing
Extended system integration where control protocols or load balancing require specialist solutions

For best results, match the tape type to the lighting function, control system, and environment. COB performs best where clean output and visual clarity are priorities.

Installation Considerations

COB tape can be installed with or without a profile, depending on heat management, edge concealment, and lifespan requirements.

Key guidance:

Use aluminium profiles where heat dissipation is needed
Ensure all surfaces are clean, dry and thermally stable
Do not bend, fold or stress the strip around corners
Observe minimum bend radius as stated in the specification
Use the correct drivers and dimming systems to avoid flicker, overvoltage or early failure

Explore Our COB LED Tape Range

Ultra LEDs supplies a full COB tape range for commercial, architectural, and display lighting applications:

12V and 24V constant voltage formats
Static white, tunable white, and RGB variants
Cut-anywhere and long-run performance options
High CRI models for colour-critical environments
Compatible widths for standard and low-profile aluminium channels

If you're specifying COB tape for your next project, get in touch for tailored advice on drivers, accessories, and system integration.

Get in touch with Ultra LEDs today

Supplying everything from COB tape to RGBW drivers and control systems, Ultra LEDs supports complex installs across retail, broadcast, and exhibition environments. Explore more projects or get in touch to specify yours.