The majority of vapers myself included having succeeded in giving up smoking using a pre-mixed e-liquid in their vape pen or pod. It’s easy, and quite often, you find a tasty e-liquid that becomes your favourite as you stick with that. But an increasing number of vapers are now choosing to buy the different components of e-liquid and mix them to form liquids to their specific tastes and strengths.
What’s In My E-Liquid?
Before discussing mixing your e-liquid, it is essential to understand the main ingredients of e-liquid; there are four of them, each with the characteristics that lend themselves to creating excellent e-liquids. The main components are –
- Propylene Glycol – known as PG, is a food and medicine additive. It is a thin liquid that is an excellent flavour carrier used for over 60 years.
- Vegetable Glycerin – (VG), produced from plant oils, is a clear, odourless liquid used in food and cosmetic products.
- Nicotine – the nicotine element in e-liquid will be one of two different types – more on this shortly.
- Food-based flavouring – are the standard flavours used in the food industry for many years.
A high percentage of e-liquids are mixed with PG and VG at an even 50/50 split giving a nice even vape, but there are also e-liquids available mixed to different ratios. E-liquids with a higher level of PG are known as 80/20 and produce a superb vape high in flavour, and an exceptional throat hit. On the flip side to this is the e-liquid higher in VG, referred to as 70/30; designed to be used in conjunction with a vape device with a sub-ohm coil to produce vast clouds of vapour for those who dream of being a cloud chaser.
The Nicotine Element
As previously stated, there are two different types of nicotine used in e-liquid, they are known as Freebase and Nicotine Salt or Salt nic. The body does not easily absorb nicotine in its standard form. Tobacco manufacturers developed freebase nicotine over 50 years ago and used a harsh chemical process to make the nicotine more easily absorbed. Nicotine salt is a newer product that uses a much more natural process; it is becoming more popular as it produces a smoother vaping experience.
Shortfills And Shots
Now you know what’s in your e-liquid, we can move on; the easiest way to mix e-liquid is to what is called Shortfills and Shots. Most good vaping suppliers now stock both; in brief shortfill e-liquid contains PG, VG, and the chosen flavour to add the shot containing the nicotine element. Many shortfill e-liquids supplied with bottles containing enough space so that it is an easy process to pour the shot into the shortfill to create your chosen e-liquid at your prescribed strength.
Going a Step Further
It is also possible to mix your e-liquids in more significant quantities using some basic utensils and larger amounts of shortfill liquids, and the number of shots. There is no fixed ratio for mixing more considerable quantities, so it’s the best process to start with smallish amounts and work upwards when you get the desired end product. It is the pinnacle of e-liquids and something not attempted by many so take some time to investigate before proceeding.
There we have it; I hope you are now more aware of what is involved with mixing our e-liquids. It might be something you can enjoy in the future.