Guide to DIY Flavoring

[Nikhil]

Please read these regarding DIY before proceeding:
1) Warning - E-Liquid DIY Safety
2) ***DIY Warning....Please read***

This is mainly a comprehensive collection of others' posts and various peoples' opinions on flavors. The main draw of this thread is to have condensed and important information in one place. Post 3 is a short primer on mixing. Post 2 has information on FlavourArt, Capella, Faerie's Finest, Perfumer's Apprentice, Bickford, Tasty Puff, and Seedman plus an Awards section. For a comparison list of all flavors available from most of these companies, there is an easy to use online chart. Much of the information here is also in Scubabatdan's Excel file, I highly recommend you download it even if you find the calculator part too complex. You can download the first 3 posts of this thread as a PDF file here (Updated March 5).

If this is your first time reading the thread, you may want to look at post 3 first. I have LorAnn's posted first because that's what I started with and it's the oldest one used by vapers, but it has no relevance to quality. With the progress of vaping, more companies have been paying attention to their needs and designing flavors with them in mind, so LorAnn's is not recommended for new DIYers.

Credit goes to Scottes, Scubabatdan, Sun Vaporer, Þornbjörg, DVap, Kurt, AlexTM, SysEx, anyone who contributed in any way, and all forum staff. Shame on you if you use this guide and forum, find out new information and don't share.

LorAnn Flavors - Many thanks to Mistress of Design's color-coded ingredients list (may be easier to read if you're just looking for LorAnn safety)

WARNING: For newer DIYers, avoid buying those that are insoluble in water at first - they are very strong and more difficult to work with. While I have not included ratings for insoluble LorAnn's, many are good. Some people use the oils, but they usually mix them with alcohol first so they mix better with the final solution.
Use food coloring and additives at your discretion - they haven't been fully tested.
A more advanced chart on LorAnn's safety can be found here: http://www.exogenesis.co.uk/Loranne1.htm

You can get them in 1-dram (3.7ml) or 1-oz. (30ml) bottles. It's best to try drams to start with. Good places to buy LorAnn's flavors are:
LorAnn's website (all sizes)
Individual 1-drams LorAnn Oils Gourmet Flavoring .125oz.
Multiple 1-drams eBay Store - chocolate2live4: Animals Bugs, Valentines Day, Easter
Individual 1-oz. LorAnn Oils Gourmet Flavorings
LorAnn's in Australia (mostly 1-dram)

Example Flavor <-- some LorAnn flavors are called Oils, but often don't contain oil.
Contains: Ingredients
Solubility information <-- water soluble is safest, though insoluble ones are sometimes soluble in PG.
Shipping information from LorAnn's website.
Rating: 1 - 5, 1 being disgusting and 5 being absolutely delicious.
Strength: X%, this is the proportion of the final mixture people have enjoyed most when it is the only flavor added.
Notes: This flavor is just an example

Almond Oil
Contains: Artificial flavoring.
Insoluble in water.

Amaretto Flavor
Contains: Artificial flavor,Capryllic triglycerides.
Mostly soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Anise Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Anise Oil.
Insoluble in water.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: 10-15%

Apple Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4/5
Strength: 25-30%

Apricot Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol, Water, Alcohol,Red 40, Blue 1.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: 1/5
Strength: ?%

Banana Creme Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol,Yellow 5.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Bavarian Creme Flavor (Vanilla)
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Ethyl Alcohol, Water.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: 4/5
Strength: 5-10%

Black Walnut Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: 5-10%

Blackberry Flavor
Contains: Aritificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: 20-25%

Blueberry Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol, Red 40, Blue 1.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Brandy Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 10-15%

Bubble Gum Flavor
Contains: Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Butter Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 2/5
Strength: ?%

Butter Rum Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Alcohol.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 10-15%

Butterscotch Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Water, Propylene Glycol,Caramel Color.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 3/5
Strength: 5-10%

Caramel Flavor
Contains: Water, Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4/5
Strength: 20-25%

Champagne Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 3.5/5
Strength: 20-25%

Cheesecake Flavor
Contains: Glycerine, Ethanol, Artificial Flavor.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 25-30%

Cherry Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Alcohol, Propylene Glycol,Red 40, Blue 1.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: 3/5
Strength: 10-15%

Chocolate Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Water, Propylene Glycol, Ethyl Alcohol,Red 40, Yellow 6, Blue 1.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 2/5
Strength: 10-15%

Chocolate Hazelnut Flavor
Contains: Natural and Artificial Flavors, Propylene Glycol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4/5
Strength: 10-15%

Cinnamon Oil
Contains: Natural and Artificial Flavors.
Insoluble in water.

Cinnamon Roll Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 25-30%

Clove Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Clove Leaf Oil.
Insoluble in water.

Coconut Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 3.5/5
Strength: 25-30%

Coffee Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Water, Propylene Glycol, Caramel Color.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 2/5
Strength: 5-10%

Cotton Candy Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Cranberry Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: ?%

Cran-Raspberry Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Ethyl Alcohol, Water,Citric Acid, Propylene Glycol,Tri-ethyl Citrate.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: 20-25%

Creme De Menthe Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Ethyl Alcohol, Natural Flavor,Blue 1, Yellow 5.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 5-10%

Eggnog Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol, Yellow 5 & 6, Red 40, Polysorbate 80.
Soluble in water.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: ?%

English Toffee Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Water.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 10-15%

Ginger Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Ginger Oil.
Insoluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.

Grape Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Water,Red 40, Blue 1.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: 20-25%

Grapefruit Oil, Pink, Natural
Contains: Natural Pink Grapefruit Oil.
Insoluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.

Guava Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Water.
Soluble in water.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: ?%

Honey Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Horchata Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Natural and Artificial Flavors.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 15-20%
Note: Described as creamy cinnamon like Aftershock Cinnamon Liquer.

Horehound Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Alcohol.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: ?%

Keoke Coffee Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor,Caramel Color.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 10-15%

Key Lime Flavor
Contains: Natural Flavors.
Insoluble in water.

Lemon Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Lemon Oil.
Insoluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.

Lemonade Flavor
Contains: Natural and Artificial Flavors.
Insoluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.

Licorice Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Alcohol.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: 1-10%

Lime Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Lime Oil.
Insoluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.

Mango Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Ethyl Alcohol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Maple Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Water, Maple Sugar, Glycerine.
Soluble in water.

Marshmallow Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Water.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Menthol Eucalyptus Flavor
Contains: Natural Flavoring, Capric/Caprillic Triglycerides.
Insoluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.

Mint Chocolate Chip Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 3.5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Nutmeg Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Nutmeg Oil.
Insoluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.

Orange Cream Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Water,Polysorbate 80.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4/5
Strength: 20-25%

Orange Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Orange Oil.
Insoluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.

Peach Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Yellow 5, Red 40.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4/5
Strength: 20-25%

Peanut Butter Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Caramel Color.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Pecan Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: ?%

Peppermint Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Peppermint Oil.
Insoluble in water.

Pina Colada Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Water, Alcohol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 3/5 - Highly varied reviews
Strength: 15-20%

Pineapple Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Alcohol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 3/5 - Highly varied reviews
Strength: 1-10%

Pistachio Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Ethanol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 1/5
Strength: ?%

Plum Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor.
Mostly soluble in water.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: ?%

Pomegranate Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Natural and Artificial Flavors.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4/5
Strength: ?%

Praline Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor.
Soluble in water.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: ?%

Pralines And Cream Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Water.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Pumpkin Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavoring, Triglycerides.
Soluble in water.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: ?%

Raspberry Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Water,Red 40, Blue 1.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Red Licorice Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor,Red 40, Blue 1.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 1/5
Strength: ?%

Root Beer Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Water, Caramel Color, Polysorbate 80, Potassium Sorbate.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 1/5
Strength: 15-20%

Salt Water Taffy Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Water, Polysorbate 80.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: 15-20%

Sassafras Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavors.
Insoluble in water.
Strength: <5%

Spearmint Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Spearmint Oils.
Insoluble in water.

Strawberry Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor, Ethyl Alcohol,Red 40.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: 10-15%

Strawberry Kiwi Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 4.5/5
Strength: 20-25%

Tangerine Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Tangerine Oil (Aso known as Mandarin Oil).
Insoluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.

Teaberry Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor.
Slightly soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: ?%

Tropical Punch Flavor (Passion Fruit)
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol.
Soluble in water.
Not eligible to ship by air.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: ?%

Tutti-Frutti Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Propylene Glycol,Red 40, Blue 1
Soluble in water.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: 15-20%

Vanilla Butternut Flavor
Contains: Artificial Flavor, Water, Propylene Glycol.
Soluble in water.
Rating: ?/5
Strength: ?%

Watermelon Flavor
Contains: Propylene Glycol, Artificial Flavor,Red 3, Red 40.
Soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: 15-20%

Wintergreen Oil, Artificial
Contains: Methyl Sal.
Slightly soluble in water.
Rating: 5/5
Strength: ~5%

Wintergreen Oil, Natural
Contains: Natural Wintergreen Oil.
Insoluble in water.

See next post for other suppliers.

 

[Nikhil]

LorAnn is the oldest brand, but every company has its strengths and weaknesses, and even general quirks or specialties. If you just want to see which brands carry which flavors, they're organized here.

FlavourArt - list of global resellers here. Best prices I've found so far at ecigExpress (30ml) and me (3ml).
Some of their flavors are very strong while others are average in strength, and have overall been reviewed as good quality. They taste more realistic and natural than other companies, many flavors have an Italian style to them, and unlike most companies they are not innately sweet. A full list of flavors and safety information here. Sometimes FlavourArt seems to take a little extra time to fully diffuse through the final solution, probably because it's so concentrated.
FlavourArt average strength needed: 2-15%
Spicy Cinnamon Candy: ?%, 1/5
Butterscotch: 10-15%, 5/5
Cappuccino: 10-15%, 5/5
Cherry: 10-15%, 5/5
Chocolate: 5-10%, 5/5
Citrus Mix: 10-15%, 5/5
Cocoa: ~5%, 5/5
Coconut: 5-10%, 5/5
Concord Grape: 10-15%, 5/5
Cookie: 5-10%, 5/5 <-- Recommended for combining with other flavors, not standalone.
Mango: ~10%, 5/5
Panettone: 5-10%, 4/5
Pear: 10-15%, 5/5
Peppermint: 5~%, ?/5
Pineapple: ~10%, 5/5
Strawberry: 10-15%, 5/5
Vienna Cream: 5-10%, 5/5
Whipped Cream: ~15%, 4.5/5 <-- Recommended for combining with other flavors, not standalone.

Following %'s taken from FlavourArt's site as suggestions for flavoring usage, however many people here report using some of these at up to 15% for good flavor. User recommendations here will be added in (parentheses):
Perique Black 1%
Cuban Supreme 2%
Dark Vapure 2.5%
Mellow Sunset 2%
Burley 3%
Latakia 2%
Virginia 2%
Maxboro Ultimate 2%
Cowboy blend 1%
Camel Ultimate 2%
Shade 2%
Desert Ship Blend 1%
Torrone 4%, 5/5
Coffee Espresso 2%
Blackberry 1%
Apple Pie 3%
Hazelnut 2% (~4%), 5/5
Chocolate 4%, 5/5
Vanilla 2%, 5/5
Tiramisu 3% (5-8%), 5/5
Anise 1%
Peppermint 3%
Spearmint 3%
Menthol 3%
Licorice 4%
Cinnamon Ceylon 3%
Black Cherry 3%
MaxUT has an excellent taste chart for FlavourArt's tobaccos converted from info on their site.

Capella - Available in Canada at HappyVaper and a few in the US at ecigexpress.
The flavor drops are more evenly calibrated in strength than other flavors and often innately sweet, and they specialize in more complex bakery/confectionary/drink flavors as opposed to the basic flavors. There haven't been a lot of specific reviews, but they don't seem to make anything that's just bad. Recommended for new mixers who don't want to get into combining multiple flavors right away. Their site also has a section for e-liquid use if you're wondering about safety.
Capella average strength needed: 10-20%
French Toast strength needed: 15-20%, 5/5
GoodDog's review of 11 flavors.

Faerie's Finest
These flavors have been pretty popular partly because they are made from all natural flavors unlike most other brands. The strength and quality from flavor to flavor varies like LorAnn's but none are overly strong. A list of which ones are safe for vaping is here.
Faerie's Finest average strength needed: 10-30%
Butterscotch: ?%, 4.5/5
Lemon-Lime: 10-20%, 5/5
Pumpkin: ?%, 1/5
Pie Spice: ?%, 4/5
Grape: 15-25%, 5/5
Rum Cream: ?%, 5/5
2x Clear Vanilla: ?%, 5/5

The Perfumer's Apprentice - 6ml/15ml available cheaper here with coupon code "ECF"
A relatively new DIY supplier, they are great for the price. They also sell other DIY materials and basic ingredients for mixers, notably Menthol Crystals and pre-diluted Menthol drops, diluted Sucralose sweetener (although I recommend using pure Sucralose), and Ethyl Maltol (links are to forum threads about how to use them, products are available on PA's site). A few flavors are clearly stated as being oils.
Perfumer's Apprentice average strength needed: 5-15%
Little_Girl has graciously blogged in detail about her experiences with a huge variety of TPA flavors. I will not attempt to reduce her analysis to numbers.
Almond Amaretto: 5-10%, 5/5
Apple: 10-15%, 4.5/5
Black Cherry: 5-15%, 5/5
Bittersweet (Choc): 10-15%, 4/5
Caramel: 10-15%, 5/5
Caramel Candy: 15-20%, 5/5
Cheesecake: 5-15%, 2/5
Chocolate: 10-15%, 5/5
Cinnamon Red Hots: 5-10%, 5/5
Coconut Extra: ~10%, 5/5
Cotton Candy: 10-20%, 5/5
Graham Cracker: 10-15%, 5/5 - This flavor recommended for combining with others.
Lime (oil-based): 1-5%, 4/5
Milk Chocolate: 20%, 4/5
Peanut Butter: 10-15%, 5/5
Pear: 10-15%, 4.5/5
Pizza: ~5%, 5/5
Plum: 5-10%, 4/5
Sweet Cream: 5-10%, 4/5 - This flavor recommended for combining with others.
Tangerine (oil-based): 1-5%, 5/5
Tobbaco Absolute (TA): <1%
Vanilla Bourbon: 10-15%, 4.5/5
Waffle: 20%, 5/5
Wintergreen: 20%, 5/5
PA Sucralose Sweetener: 2%+, 4.5/5

Bickford Flavors
These are often weak relative to the rest. They're said to be good, some moreso than others. A thread on safety information for all flavors available here.
Bickford average strength needed: 20-40%

Tasty Puff Flavors - available cheaper here or here.
These underdogs have received little attention but have gotten some consistently good reviews all around - here's the most extensive one. Their range of flavors isn't huge, but they seem to be worth it. Their flavors are safe for vaping, but some have artificial coloring.
Tasty Puff average strength needed: 1-15%
Chumpy Chocolate: 2-15%, 5/5
Chick Magnet Cherry: 2-10%, 5/5
Pucked Up Pineapple: 5-15%, 4/5
Midnight Spice: 2-10%, 2/5
Joosy Froot: 5-15%, 3/5
Rasta Rootbeer: 1-5%, 4/5
Electric Banana: 2-10%, 5/5
Pimpy Fresh Peach: ~4%, 5/5
Convicted Melon: 5-10%, 4/5
Awesome Apple: 2-10%, 4/5
Cotton Mouth Candy: 2-10%, 4.5/5
Jungle Juice: 2-10%, 5/5
Blueberry: 2-10%, 3/5
Strawberry: 2-10%, 5/5
Nilly Vanilla: 2-10%, 5/5

Seedman's Flavors
This company carries a lot of tobacco flavors along with a few others that go well with tobacco. Since they are aimed at home-grown tobacco users, make sure you buy the Top Note Flavors (at the bottom of their page). A thread with some initial reviews and recipes available here.
Seedman's average strength needed: 5-15%
Honey strength needed: 5-10%, 5/5

Other Flavoring Suppliers:
Decadent Vapours
Healthcabin
Nature's Flavors - Not recommended for new DIYers, PG-Free (Use Coffee & Tea Flavoring section)
BlueMist Vaping - 8-15% recommended.
McCormick's Extracts - Check ingredients, some unusable.
Spice Barn - Check ingredients, some unusable.
Flavor West
Splendex/EZ-Sweetz Sucralose - 0.5-1% (1-2 drops per 10ml)

Awards Section
When multiple brands carry a popular, similar flavor, people want to know which one to buy. There is no REAL best when it comes to flavor, this is just a recommendation.

French Vanilla (ice cream-like): 1) PA French Vanilla 2) LorAnn Bavarian Creme
Creamy Vanilla: 1) Capella Vanilla Custard 2) PA Vanilla Bean Ice Cream / Vanilla Custard
True Vanilla: 1) FA's Vanillas 2) PA Vanilla Bourbon
Chocolate Flavor: 1) Capella Double Chocolate 2) FA Cocoa / Chocolate 3) Tasty Puff Chocolate
Coffees: FA / PA
Toffee: 1) LorAnn English Toffee 2) PA English Toffee
Caramel: 1) PA Caramel Candy 2) FA Caramel
Honey: 1) Seedman's Honey 2) FA Honey
Cinnamon (Candy-like): PA Cinnamon RedHots
Cinnamon (Bakery): PA / FA Cinnamon, LA Cinnamon Oil (strongest)
Cheesecake: LorAnn Cheesecake
Licorice/Anise: PA / FA
Tobacco: Varies - Seedman's / PA / FA
Cherry (none are that great): 1) Seedman / FA Cherry 2) PA Black Cherry / Maraschino Cherry
Watermelon: 1) TastyPuff (fruit) 2) FA/PA (fruit-like) 3) LorAnn (candy-like)
Mint: 1) LorAnn Creme de Menthe 2) PA / FA

 

[Nikhil]

Short Primer on Mixing for Newbies
Due to popular demand, here is a simple introduction to mixing for the complete beginner. If you're new to E-Cigarettes in general, first check out the ECF library and learn about liquids and PV's before getting into DIY.
Other DIY guides: German (AlexTM)


1) What is DIY?
DIY stands for "do-it-yourself." Just like fixing something yourself, it's usually much cheaper. The basics of mixing liquids is fairly simple, and the large variation in peoples' taste buds makes DIY e-liquid a common choice amongst experienced vapers. However, if you're just starting with your PV, it's best to buy some pre-mixed flavors first while your taste buds rejuvenate after stopping cigarette usage. This will also help you decide what type of flavor you prefer - some people think they won't like nutty flavors or fruit flavors but vaping flavor is not the same as food.

2) Where do I start?
Read this guide! Actually, the easiest way to start is something you can probably do without ordering anything. If you have a recently finished or nearly finished bottle of e-liquid, just grab another flavor you have that you think would taste good with the old one. Add a few drops of your newer e-liquid to the remaining bit of the old one, and voila, you have a new flavor you made yourself. If you like it, write it down! Keeping a record of your mixtures is important so you know which ones to never repeat and which ones you loved (or were at least on the right track with).

3) Seriously, what do I do first?
Read, read, read. Then make a list of materials you will want. Dan has a DIY materials guide for new mixers in the library. You'll need empty bottles, syringes with low gauge needles, droppers/pipettes, unflavored PG and/or VG with nicotine (unless you are going 0 nic), pure PG and/or VG, and flavoring. This is the BARE minimum, but remember safety is very important. Syringes provide more precise measurements than drops so you don't get too much nicotine or unreliable mixtures, but they're also easier to use when mixing larger batches. Other important tools are latex/nitrile gloves for protection, isopropyl alcohol for cleaning, trays to catch spills, and tweezers. Optional stuff includes graduated cylinders, funnels, menthol crystals/drops, PGA for insoluble flavors or diluting liquid that's extremely thick (distilled water can do this too), Sucralose/Stevia, and Ethyl Maltol. This nicely formatted spreadsheet can help you pick flavors.

4) Wow, where am I going to get all that stuff?
Pamster has compiled an excellent DIY Vendor Supplies List.
A lot of it comes in kits from DIY suppliers e.g.: DIYFS, OneStopDIY, eCigExpress
Quality unflavored nicotine in VG/PG: XtremeVaping, MFS, lots more have sprung up recently.
WARNING: When you start out, try to get LESS than <60mg/ml nicotine PG/VG (that is the concentration of nicotine in weight per volume [w/v]). Higher concentrations can be extremely dangerous, even fatal.
Search sites like eBay and Amazon and you can find lots of stuff.
Most of the equipment (bottles, syringes, funnels, gloves, etc) can be found at US Plastics.
Various bottles: Glass - Specialty Bottle, Plastic - CandleChem, Both - Sunburst.
Other materials can be obtained at local stores like Tractor Supply, which carries PG. Walgreen's carries syringes and pet stores often have useful materials as well. Perfumer's Apprentice carries most of the optional stuff, but is constantly expanding their selection. You can always look through the suppliers section for more options as well as sales/coupons. If you want a more extensive list, see step 6. Also, Scubabatdan's calculator has some information on where to buy what.

5) I got my stuff, what now?
Even if you're experienced, it's a good idea to test individual flavors by themselves before jumping into advanced multiple flavor mixing. There's a thread on how to go about testing flavors if you have a lot you want to try. There are a variety of calculators (even an iPhone app) to help you get the amounts correct, 5 of which are usable offline that I've uploaded to a drop.io center. Dan's Excel version covers pretty much anything, but if you can't use Excel there is an old offline calculator app (.exe) and a newer one by breaktru software. The third is a simple Excel calculator by Switched, the fourth is by ddavelarsen. There is a very simple web calculator here, and a slightly advanced one that can handle multiple flavors here. Search the forums for more specific information such as recipes and you'll likely find what you need. Start off mixing small amounts, and use low amounts of flavor (if the guide says 10-15%, start with 10%) then work your way up if it's too weak. It's easier to add a drop of flavor than another 2ml of all of the other stuff. Also, concentrated flavors take time to diffuse throughout the liquid even after much shaking or stirring, so don't vape it immediately or you may be wondering where the flavor is. I tend to wait at least 5-10 minutes PER ml (so 2.5-5 hours for 30ml, or 15-30 minutes for 3ml). Even non-DIYing fans of made-to-order liquid say that letting it "age" improves the flavor.

6) What next?
The sky's the limit! I'll put links to more in-depth stuff here.Don't forget to come back and report dead links or new information/reviews!
Flavor Reviews subforum in the E-Liquid Reviews forum! Post!
Pay It Forward DIY style - give away flavors/materials you don't want, get something in return.
Storing e-liquid (outdated, fridge not recommended for flavored e-liquid/flavorings): http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/myfreedomsmokes/43742-smoke-juice-storage-tips.html
Where to get wide needles / small syringes.
Pre-diluting especially strong flavors for easier mixing.
Making Vanilla and buying the right (extraction) beans.
Menthol Crystals and video on diluting them (0:50-4:30), Sucralose sweetener, and Ethyl Maltol.
Free sample of Sucralose sweetener from EZ-Sweetz. Larger quantities here.
Bulk PG and VG.
Discussion about Essential Oils vs. Oil-based flavorings.
Want to make your vape sour?

Acronyms: FA - FlavourArt, PA / TPA - The Perfumer's Apprentice, EM - Ethyl Maltol, TA - Tobacco Absolute

 

[Nikhil]

I guess people are overwhelmed by this thread, but I'm not looking for much in the replies. Any suggestions for improving the information is great, or just a nod if it helped you.

I suppose I'll throw in my review of flavors I've tried.

LorAnn Mango - great flavor if you like the fruit. I use about 15% in an only-Mango mixture. I give it a 5/5.

LorAnn Cheesecake - one of the best flavors by LorAnn according to many, although I think English Toffee may be better (I have a sweet tooth ). It's pretty weak, I use 25% by itself but I usually mix it with another flavor now. I give it a 5/5

LorAnn Chocolate Hazelnut - tastes a bit like chocolate syrup or liqueur, but I'm quite a connoisseur of chocolate (I won't eat Hershey's), so I wasn't surprised that it wasn't up to par. It still tastes great mixed with mint, like a Junior Mint or York. It's very strong, I use about 12% by itself. I give it a 4/5.

 

[MaxUT]

Nice job Pure!

Here's one for the awards section:
Best Watermelon: Lorann Watermelon

 

[Ragman]

Pure, thanks for the guide, it is helpful for us newbies.

We all know that nicotine is dangerous and what we are mixing we are taking into our own lungs so we are ALL cautious. Thanks for your help in informing us.

Funny, I used to be nervous about modding my Playstation Portable.

 

[AlexTM]

FlavourArt Torrone strength needed - 10-15%, 5/5

That stuff is strong at 4%! 10% probably is way, way, way too much. Actually, I have not found a single FA flavour where I ever came even remotely close to 15%.

This is what they suggest for pre-mixed liquids:
Perique black 1% (Q: Flavourart)
Cuban supreme 2% (Q: Flavourart)
Dark vapure 2,5% (Q: Flavourart)
Mellow sunset 2% (Q: Flavourart)
Burley 3% (Q: Flavourart)
Latakia 2% (Q: Flavourart)
Cowboy blend 2% (Q: Flavourart)
Desert ship blend 2% (Q: Flavourart)
Virginia 2% (Q: Flavourart)

Black cherry 4% (Q: Flavourart)
Torrone 4% (Q: Flavourart)
Coffee espresso 2% (Q: Flavourart)
Vanilla bourbon 4% (Q: Flavourart)
Blackberry 1% (Q: Flavourart)
Apple pie 3% (Q: Flavourart)
Tiramisu 4% (Q: Flavourart)

 

[Nikhil]

Thanks AlexTM, I saw you post that list somewhere while I was still working on the LorAnn section, and it got lost before I did the FlavourArt section. As for the Torrone, I saw someone else post their recipe that used 15%, but I changed it since it doesn't seem to fit with their own data or their overall trend. Just goes to show how opinionated the results currently are! A lot of taste testers are needed . In fact, I just ordered 10 flavors from PA and will put my results up when I test them.

Nice job Pure!

Here's one for the awards section:
Best Watermelon: Lorann Watermelon

Thanks, have if you've tried any other Watermelons? I put it up there, since it has been raved about, but I wonder if it has any competition.

Ragman, I was once a newbie too, and I learned quite a bit while putting this together. It started out as a kind of collective DIY journal, so I and other new members wouldn't have to taste test every new flavor they bought without any idea of where to start. But I kept finding little pieces of useful information and I ended up with all this junk! Good luck.

 

[TameraB1]

Wow, good work here. I noticed reading your guide, which was excellent, and then reading the excel chart that some oils which were marked insoluble in water were not marked unsuitable. Is that because alcohol rendered them suitable?

I am considering the use of some essential oils in vaping. Was worried it would destroy an atty or the carto, what is your opinion on this if I add alcohol?

Thanks for the great work!

Tamera

 

[Nikhil]

Wow, good work here. I noticed reading your guide, which was excellent, and then reading the excel chart that some oils which were marked insoluble in water were not marked unsuitable. Is that because alcohol rendered them suitable?

I am considering the use of some essential oils in vaping. Was worried it would destroy an atty or the carto, what is your opinion on this if I add alcohol?

Thanks for the great work!

Tamera

Glad it helps. The chart is a bit outdated and the ** means that TW (Totally Wicked) designates that flavor (which they sell) as unsuitable for vaping. The ones that aren't marked as such but are oil-based are left unmarked in that column because they aren't sold by TW. They are still marked as NOT water soluble.

I haven't used any oil-based flavors, so my opinion isn't really worth much in that area. As for others, the ones who have used them have been fairly successful but you MUST thoroughly pre-mix it with a high proof alcohol, but they are much stronger than water-based flavors, so you won't have to add much even after mixing it. One experienced advocate of this method is Guineahill, so you might want to talk to her/him. You might also check the recipes section. Here is one of her recipes.

EDIT: Subabatdan replied with some more detail on using non-water-soluble flavors, read the next post!

 

[Scubabatdan]

Glad it helps. Unfortunately, I can't edit the first 3 posts anymore for some reason (EDIT: there's a 2-day time limit on editing). The chart is a bit outdated and the ** means that TW (Totally Wicked) designates that flavor (which they sell) as unsuitable for vaping. The ones that aren't marked as such but are oil-based are left unmarked in that column because they aren't sold by TW. They are still marked as NOT water soluble.

I haven't used any oil-based flavors, so my opinion isn't really worth much in that area. As for others, the ones who have used them have been fairly successful but you MUST thoroughly pre-mix it with a high proof alcohol, but they are much stronger than water-based flavors, so you won't have to add much even after mixing it. One experienced advocate of this method is Guineahill, so you might want to talk to her/him. You might also check the recipes section. Here is one of her recipes.

A note on oils, just because it says insoluble in water means just that WATER. However PG is not water and I have found if you are using 1% oils which I cannot seeing going beyond that as they are strong, mix just fine in PG with or without alcohol. I use clove and anise oil at 1% for my clove juice and they mix good without separation. That is about 4 drops of oil to 10ml of juice when using a pipette that has a ratio of 40 drops = 1ml. I do advocate dilution in a very small amount of alcohol just to thin it and allow and easier infusion process.
Hope this helps
Dan

 

[ddavelarsen]

Thanks a million PV! This is a fantastic resource; I haven't even begun to absorb it yet. But I will. I'll look over the flavors list closely and offer any of my limited experience that applies.

 

[Nikhil]

Thanks Dan, I'll work on adding more about using water insoluble flavorings. I'd rather link to another discussion of that since I don't have experience with oils.

Update: Added some information on Seedman's.

 

[Lilibet]

It's late here and I haven't had a chance to read everything yet but PV, I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate this information. I've been dabbling in mixing my own liquids and your guide is going to prove invaluable and will help so many of us to avoid costly and potentially dangerous mistakes.

 

[Nikhil]

I'm glad it helps. I made some general updates, added a few links, and did some formatting so it's easier to read. If you couldn't tell, I love links . I could use some tips on the Awards section if anyone has tried a specific flavor from multiple brands (it doesn't have to be one of the already listed flavors). A good example would be Almond. I'm getting about 10 flavors from Perfumer's Apprentice and I'll add in %'s on those when I try them.

 

[Ast_Isis]

Purevapor...this is awesome!

I do think that once it has been fleshed out with more feedback it should be put into a PDF. That way it can be stored on a persons phone or computer.

(Yes, I will find time to post comparisons and %'s since I mix a lot)

 

[supertrkre2812]

PureVapor,
This is AWESOME.
I have learned so much from reading it, as flavors really aren't my thing, LOL
And I totally agree with you on the unflavored nic juice.
If you are new to DIY mixing, start out with the 25mg or 36mg until you get used to dilution ratios and mixing percentages.
SAFETY FIRST!!!
Another good place to find supplies is Tractor Supply. They carry syringes and needles, as well as a decent PG, Walmart for a decent VG.
Thanks for all the info.
Levy

 

[316lvm]

Ditto on what Scubabatdan said about oils. I use Lorann's Sassafras with the Rootbeer flavoring. The Sassafras oil gives the rootbeer more of a rootbeer flavor.

For a 15ml bottle of 24mg, VG and distilled water, I'll use about 5-6 drops of the Sassafras. I use about 15 drops of the rootbeer. (The amounts aren't exact - sometimes I like a very strong flavor.)

I've noticed that at the amount that I use, I have to blow out the atty (a 901) a little more frequently. I haven't blown an atty on this yet.

Tasty Puff flavors are great and very strong. I use about 3-4 drops for a 15ml, 24mg, VG and distilled water mix. (I used 3 drops of rootbeer to a pre-mix of cola 18mg. Holy Hannah! Was it ever good!)

Just my DIY experiment.

 

[Nikhil]

I found somewhere else people using Tasty Puff's flavors at 15% or so, but if you use just 3 or 4 drops for 15 ml that's like 1%! That makes it stronger than any other brand, and if they taste that good with a pretty low price it seems like a winner. Can you compare the strength of specific flavors of Tasty Puff with similar flavors from other brands? That way I can update with more specific information.

I have made a PDF file just for fun since I have access to Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro Extended but never used it. I don't know how often I'll update the PDF, but if people find it useful I will when the thread updates merit it.

 

[Raven1]

Just bookmarked this thread to my computer. EXCELLENT resource!