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EK Waterblock Polishing Guide

Akula

EK Waterblock Polishing Guide.

Just a quick guide for the polishing of EK Plexiglass Waterblocks, generally used for CSQ Design blocks but can be used for a wide range of other Plexiglass blocks.

The idea of this polishing guide is to remove the clouded/blurred look of the Original CSQ Design while maintaining the CSQ Circles for some people enjoy.

 

Sure you could go and buy the newer EK Clean CSQ Design but this is a good method regardless.

 

To start you'll need a few things that can be bought from your general hardware store or automotive store.

  • 2000 Grit Wet & Dry Sandpaper
  • Polishing Cloth (Microfiber) & Drying Cloth
  • 10 Minutes worth of your time per block
  • Meguiar's Ultimate Compound Polish (Other polisher's will work although I've only used this particular one)

Optional

  • Sanding Block for tougher edges
  • Razer blade or sharp knife

 

Step 1

Depending on the type of waterblock you are polishing you may be required to remove the Plexiglass outside casing from the Nickel/Copper heat-sink, during this demonstration I'll be using a Plexiglass FC Bridge so i won't need to worry about this step.

Although for all CPU & GPU Waterblocks, you'll be required to remove the Plexiglass top from the block, it's a matter of unscrewing 5-10 EK Screws and it will come straight off, make sure you keep the O-Ring that's within the block for when you re-install ;)

 

Gather your required gear for polishing

 

e1wp.jpg
 

Step 2 (Recommend)

Depending if your waterblock has the EK Silver Badge, i highly recommend removing the badge prior to any wet/dry sanding - You will get a horrible finish on the badge if you attempt to sand with the block.

This is where that sharp knife or razer blade comes in handy, pick the edge of the badge and eventually if you come off, it's only held together with some thin double sided tape so you can reapply straight afterwards.

 

fdeg.jpg

 

Step 3

Begin sanding each side of the waterblock with 2000 Grit Sandpaper (Do not use anything lower than 2000) Sand all 6 sides including the back of the block for a few minutes each side, the larger waterblocks can be a little more difficult, i didn't find it necessary to get into each little groove on the back of the blocks either, so you shouldn't have to worry about that section.

 

I recommend Wet sanding using 2000 Grit Sandpaper, i find you get a far better cutting action and a cleaner final look, although i had some success with dry sanding.

Every now and then rinse the block with some water so you remove any foreign dust/material - It will also give you a greater look at your sanding to see if it's enough ;) Generally a few minutes each side is all that is required.

 

k59y.jpg
 

m95l.jpg

 

Step 4

Rinse the block in water, try and get rid of all dust and gunk from the wet sanding so when you start polishing you are not polishing the dust into the Plexiglass.

You'll notice it doesn't look very transparent yet, Don't worry the Polishing will bring out that shine ;)

 

g8a4.jpg

 

Step 5

Apply a small portion of your Polishing Agent, in my case Meguiar's Compound Polish to a Microfiber cloth, a normal cloth can also be used although i had one laying around for when i polish my car :)

Begin rubbing the block in a circular motion polishing all 6 sides for a few minutes. You'll start to notice the shine straight away.

 

un8u.jpg

 

Step 6

Once you have polished all 6 sides, including the back that mounts directly to the Nickel/Copper block, with a cealn section of the towel/rag clean the entire block.

You should have a similar result, hopefully better :)

 

If you're not happy with the end result, you can always re-sand & re-polish :)

 

4syi.jpg

 

pqay.jpg

 

m8xh.jpg


 

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Woah, the final product is amazing! :o I'm not a fan of the CSQ circle design but sanding down the "frosting" makes it look SOOOO much better.

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Woaw!

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Very nice! :D

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  • 2 weeks later...

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