{"id":3246,"date":"2012-01-11T22:05:15","date_gmt":"2012-01-12T02:05:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/vapingguides.com\/blog\/?page_id=3246"},"modified":"2012-03-27T11:28:10","modified_gmt":"2012-03-27T15:28:10","slug":"a-beginners-guide-to-diy-electronic-cigarette-e-liquid","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/vapingguides.com\/blog\/vapor-trails\/a-beginners-guide-to-diy-electronic-cigarette-e-liquid\/","title":{"rendered":"A Beginners Guide to DIY Electronic Cigarette E-Liquid"},"content":{"rendered":"

DIY E-Liquid Mixing Guide<\/strong><\/h1>\n

<\/strong>An introduction to the Do-It-Yourself vaping experience<\/p>\n

Mixing your own e-liquid flavors can be a fun, cost effective and rewarding experience and isn\u2019t nearly as complicated as you might think. \u00a0With some unflavored nicotine, your favorite flavors and a few simple tools, you can be on your way to becoming a \u201cmix-master\u201d in no time.<\/p>\n

The General Idea<\/strong><\/p>\n

All of the juices that are used in an electronic cigarette consist of at least three main ingredients. Like any recipe, these three ingredients can be adjusted to suit your tastes.<\/p>\n

\u2022 nicotine
\n\u2022 propylene glycol (PG) and\/or vegetable glycerin (VG)
\n\u2022 flavoring<\/p>\n

Nicotine is the obvious ingredient, and you will want to make sure you mix your juice to the nicotine level that\u2019s right for you. \u00a0The level of nicotine is expressed in milligrams per milliliter or mg for short. \u00a0Most vapers will stick to a level of nicotine somewhere between 6mg and 24mg. \u00a0Unflavored nicotine for mixing usually comes in a higher strength so that it can be diluted to suit individual tastes. \u00a0Undiluted nicotine can be extremely poisonous <\/strong><\/em>and is absorbed through the skin, so great care should be taken when using it. \u00a0Wear protective clothing and gloves \u00a0and obviously keep it out of the reach of children and pets.<\/p>\n

Propylene Glycol (PG) or Vegetable Glycerin (VG) are used to dilute the concentrated nicotine liquid to the desired strength. PG makes the vapor and is partly responsible for the cigarette-like \u201chit\u201d that e-cigarette vapor gives the user. Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is smoother and gives less of a throat hit, but creates more vapor. It is often too thick to be used by itself, however. Many vapers prefer a mix of 80% PG to 20% VG while others prefer a 50\/50 mix. It\u2019s all a matter of taste.<\/p>\n

Flavoring is where a lot of trial and error comes in. While the other ingredients are mixed to exact measurements, the amount of flavor that a mixture needs varies widely depending on the strength of the flavor, the type of equipment being used and of course, personal taste. In general, starting with about 5% flavor and working your way up is a good idea. Even at 5%, though, some flavors will be overpowering and will be best when mixed with other lighter flavors. \u00a0Flavorings are added by-the-drop to avoid contaminating measuring equipment. \u00a0Generally, 20-30 drops are in a ml.<\/p>\n

The Ingredients and Tools<\/strong><\/p>\n

There really is very little required to get started in mixing your own juice. Here are the basics that you will need:<\/p>\n