Somewhat new to DIY vape juice. Ive purchased multiple concentrates from multiple different vendors. Probably over 100 concentrates. I've tried 3 different VG/PG bases. I've tried 3 different nic manufacturers. Everything is ALWAYS harsh. I vape at 3mg and I measure accurate. I've replaced my PG with distilled water and still harsh. Funny thing is I tried vaping just pure PG and it still somewhat harsh. I know PG isn't supposed to be harsh. But it is. Not as harsh as the full mix but still not smooth as silk like it should be. I've used nicotine river PG/VG and liquid barns PG/VG. All harsh to me. What can I do? I vape store bought vape and it's beautifully smooth. I steep for a month with rotating caps on and off. Does saline make it any smoother? I must not be adding something to my mixes. Any help would be much appreciated.
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PG is supposed to be the harsher of the pg/vg equation. Vg is the smoother of the two. I find no problem with either but that’s what I’m told. Anyway seems strange that you are having this problem since commercial juice should have the same combination your diy does. The only thing that I can suggest is nicotine salts. Nicotine river sells smooth and hit salts so maybe the smooth will help. It’s said to be smoother than freebase so that and mixing max vg will be the smoothest combo you can mix.
Nic river sells both smooth and hit salts, but at 3mg, it shouldn't be noticed with freebase.
@Froggy661 what ratio PG/VG do you buy your store bought? Have you tried just PG/VG in a similar ratio? No flavor, no nicotine, but just base?
This is an unusual complaint. In the interest of finding a solution, provide a practical example of a recipe you made that you found harsh, as well as the equipment you vape on. The flavors aren't super important since you say you've tried many, but the PG/VG ratio is. We've already identified one misconception: you thought PG wasn't supposed to be harsh.
What is your total percentage of flavoring? Too high will cause harshness, especially the ones that need a long steep.
How about providing us with your recipe for one of these mixes you've made?
It's possible your mix is off.
PG is the harsher of two main ingredients. Distilled water should only be used sparingly.
It's possible your mix is off.
PG is the harsher of two main ingredients. Distilled water should only be used sparingly.
Need More Details on EXACTLY what you have. And what EXACTLY you are Mixing.
Things like PG|VG Ratios. And a Full Recipe of something you have made that is Harsh would Help.
I agree with the couple of suggestions above. Try your liquid base without flavorings. That's a key test. I've mixed up some diy juices and they were irritating in one way or another, with a base which I normally use unflavored without issue.
I use 90%VG with Nic. and 10% distilled water it is never harsh. UNLESS my coil is gunky a fresh coil and that mix is never harsh.
Keep trying you'll find your sweet spot.
Keep trying you'll find your sweet spot.
Having gone through this myself, the harshness could be one of many issues and perceived differently from individual to individual. First I would check the quality of your nicotine for even good nicotine from a reputable vendor can oxidise. Does it have a pungent, musty smell to it? Is it darker yellow/brown in colour? Make a couple of small samples, say 5ml of plain ejuice (no flavouring), one with nicotine, one without.
You could also be sensitive to specific flavourings depending on the compounds used. I am sensitive to either Diacetyl, Acetyle Propionyl and or Acetoin (or all), which to my understanding are used to give that buttery, rich and creamy perception to flavourings. Capella Vanilla Custard is one that comes to mind that I just can not use in my recipes. To me, this has a strong peppery taste, like vaping a pepper shaker. But could easily be perceived as being harsh.
The quantity of flavouring used could also be perceived as harsh. You can use sites such as “DIY Vape Recipes” and “E-Liquid Recipes” to check the medium percentage that is used for your flavourings. Use this as a reference.
And as others have mentioned it could also be your VG to PG ratio.
There is no simple answer (or perhaps there is) so a little effort may be needed to find out what is giving you that harshness. Making small 3 or 5ml single flavour samples could identify specific flavourings that you maybe sensitive to, along with trying different VG/PG and even DW ratios. It’s a process of elimination.
You could also be sensitive to specific flavourings depending on the compounds used. I am sensitive to either Diacetyl, Acetyle Propionyl and or Acetoin (or all), which to my understanding are used to give that buttery, rich and creamy perception to flavourings. Capella Vanilla Custard is one that comes to mind that I just can not use in my recipes. To me, this has a strong peppery taste, like vaping a pepper shaker. But could easily be perceived as being harsh.
The quantity of flavouring used could also be perceived as harsh. You can use sites such as “DIY Vape Recipes” and “E-Liquid Recipes” to check the medium percentage that is used for your flavourings. Use this as a reference.
And as others have mentioned it could also be your VG to PG ratio.
There is no simple answer (or perhaps there is) so a little effort may be needed to find out what is giving you that harshness. Making small 3 or 5ml single flavour samples could identify specific flavourings that you maybe sensitive to, along with trying different VG/PG and even DW ratios. It’s a process of elimination.
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