Coloured or Clear

Dirk Diggler · 23 May 2018 at 21:08

I've just done a new build with EK PETG Hardline (ITX project in sig) and normally I just leave my loops with X1 clear fluid. This time round, I think it would look better with coloured fluid.

Any suggestions on what type of fluid would be compatible with PETG? Or would I best leaving it clear?

darket · 23 May 2018 at 21:47

My advice ? Always clear coolant , whilst i have no experience with dyes all the pre-mixed coloured coolants (Ek, Mayhems etc) i have ever used have ended up sludging up the blocks over time , since i switched to a clear coolant I've had no such issues.

Dirk Diggler · 23 May 2018 at 22:26

What kind do you use @darket

Disco_P · 24 May 2018 at 01:35

Mayhems pastel have been fine for the last 3 years of use - highly recommended.

Thekwango · 24 May 2018 at 02:01

Been using mayhems X1 clear with uv green added for about a year. Will be draining and rinsing in the next few days so will updates on any sludging.
Will be replacing with mayhems uv green pastel as it seems a much superior and vibrant green.

Smffy · 24 May 2018 at 07:06

In your micro build I would personally say add some colour to liven it up. Or I wanted to try and frost the tube on my old one which would give it a cool look with clear fluid and some light. Spray with window frosting or gentle sand (maybe not sand blast?!).

Up to you, could print some colour swatches to some paper and roll up mock tube in colours to see what you like?

I’ve recently moved over the mayhem’s coolant and no complaints I have to say, favouring the pure H2O and blending colours over off the shelf.

Dirk Diggler · 24 May 2018 at 07:37

Thekwango said:
Been using mayhems X1 clear with uv green added for about a year. Will be draining and rinsing in the next few days so will updates on any sludging.
Will be replacing with mayhems uv green pastel as it seems a much superior and vibrant green.

I'll look forward to the feedback as I'm already using X1 clear so could add the same additive if you've had no adverse effects.

Dirk Diggler · 24 May 2018 at 07:39

Smffy said:
In your micro build I would personally say add some colour to liven it up

Yep, I think it'll finish it off well.

LuckyBenski · 24 May 2018 at 09:01

Smffy said:
In your micro build I would personally say add some colour to liven it up. Or I wanted to try and frost the tube on my old one which would give it a cool look with clear fluid and some light. Spray with window frosting or gentle sand (maybe not sand blast?!).

I reckon a light sandblasting will do it, so long as it's not shot blasting! Alternatively 600-1200 grit wet and dry paper will do a nice job. Best to try and leave the functional ends of the tubes shiny though, for a good seal.

I recently used Alphacool frosted hard-line acrylic. I'm told it's harder to bend but it turned out pretty good, and the look is ace. I also found you could make it a little less frosted with polish, and wire wool smoothed it out too.

Glanza · 24 May 2018 at 09:43

Pastel fluid in whatever colour you want to break it up.

Dirk Diggler · 24 May 2018 at 10:16

Would I be able to mix pastel in with X1 clear, or would I have to drain and flush first?

Disco_P · 24 May 2018 at 10:49

String said:
Would I be able to mix pastel in with X1 clear, or would I have to drain and flush first?

I think mixing collants is a big no no as the chemicals could react with each other.

Glanza · 24 May 2018 at 10:59

String said:
Would I be able to mix pastel in with X1 clear, or would I have to drain and flush first?

Properties & Benefits

Can be used with all of Mayhems Dyes to make your own colours.

pastymuncher · 24 May 2018 at 11:22

I have had Mayhems X1 Red in my loop for around 18 months now and have no sludge/blockadges at all. Nothing in the inline filter either.

bcfc0703 · 24 May 2018 at 14:44

I've been using Mayhems X1 of various colours for the last few builds and never had a problem, I think the sludging is more down to tubing and temperature of the coolant TBH.

LePhuronn · 24 May 2018 at 17:30

Smffy said:
...maybe not sand blast?!.

Baking soda blast would be perfectly safe from what I've read. Was looking at how to properly frost up some clear acrylic for light panels since they're only 5mm thick in places, and something soft like baking soda should do it.

orange_smurf · 1 Jun 2018 at 19:56

I've been using Mayhems Pastel White which works well with RGB strips as it reflects the colour. It's obviously not as distinct as using a Pastel but it looks good if you don't want contrasting colours in your case.

For my next build I’m going back to Mayhems X1 Clear but I’m using Alphacool ‘satin’ tubing as @LuckyBenski has and Alphacool Aurora rather than LED strips to give me a little colour – changing the ambiance when I fancy.

aowc02 · 2 Jun 2018 at 17:05

LuckyBenski said:
I reckon a light sandblasting will do it, so long as it's not shot blasting! Alternatively 600-1200 grit wet and dry paper will do a nice job. Best to try and leave the functional ends of the tubes shiny though, for a good seal.

I recently used Alphacool frosted hard-line acrylic. I'm told it's harder to bend but it turned out pretty good, and the look is ace. I also found you could make it a little less frosted with polish, and wire wool smoothed it out too.

very nice build

faheemrazzaq · 7 Jun 2018 at 10:43

Mayhems Pastel worked well for me. I can recommend that.