Trying to get into DIY.

[BigFatDan]

Hello everyone,

I've tried a hand at DIY before and I don't believe I did very well. I mixed it properly according to the ejuice Me Up recipe calculator, however I believe I bought bad flavorings Anyways, I've just purchased 32 oz of PG and 32 oz of VG. I already have a bunch of 36mg nic. I also have 12 ounces of LorAnn flavoring coming may way.

I would just like to clarify and/or ask a few questions I've been thinking about for quite some time... So here goes.


a) I have syringes, needles and empty bottles. Is this all I need to start mixing? I've been looking at centrifuge tubers and graduated cylinders, that sort of equipment. Do I actually need these items or do they just make it easier?

b) Buying PG/VG in a high volume - I've been told that the shelf life of PG and VG was approximately 6 months, however some people have told me that storing it in a dark glass bottles (much like alcohol) preserves its freshness. Is this true or false? If it's true, under what conditions should I store it? (ie: cold, dark, damp, warm, dry, etc?)

c) When measuring PG/VG/Flaving should I use the same syringe, or a new one every time? If I need a new one, would cleaning the used syringe with water be a viable option?

d) Ventilation - I've read and have been told that working with DIY e-liquid (mainly the nicotine) that it is important to have a ventilated work space. I'm just curious about how much ventilation I'm going to need. Should I just buy a small fan or bring my DIY area to my garage where my industrial fan is?

e) Steeping - Much like alcohol, the longer e-liquid sits the stronger it will get. How do I invoke the "steeping" process? Do I just shake my bottle and let it sit somewhere? How long should I let my liquid steep before vaping? Does it have to steep before I vape it? Is there a point where my e-liquid can steep for "too long" and become too flavorful?

f) Alcohol/PGA in e-Liquid - I've heard mixed things about PGA/Alcohol in e-Liquid. Some people told me that it enhances throat hit and some people tell me vaping alcohol, even in small amounts can cause emphysema. I've tried researching but no luck. Does anybody have hardcore, legitimate facts on this subject?

g) Thin N' Clear VS. Thick N' Dark e-Liquids - once again, I've been told that the lighter and clearer e-Liquid inside a carto/atty/what have you, will last longer than thick and dark e-liquids. Is this true? If it is, I would really appreciate this being elaborated on. Is it just the flavoring? Or does it have something to do with the thickening agent (VG?) or the absence of the thinning agent (PG)?

h) What is a good percentage of total flavoring in an e-liquid recipe? I've heard people say nothing more than 10%, 15% is pushing it. However I've talked to a lot of people that have been DIYing for over 2 years and they use over 25%-30% flavoring in their e-liquids. I'm assuming it's just taste, but there has to be some type of limit on how far taste can vary.


i) e-Liquid Storage (The Long Run) I plan on finding my "perfect" percentage of total flavoring for my "all-day-vape" and then creating a giant bottle "base liquid" (PG/VG/Nic) in a bottle. What are the most IDEAL storage conditions for e-Liquid? How long can I store it before it rots/spoils?


I'm sorry for asking so many questions and I'm aware most of them will not be answered, because of my post's length. However if you see something, please enlighten me. I'm not new to ecigs but DIY is slightly frightening for me because I don't want to spend all this money and then have my e-Liquid turn out bad right from the get go.


Any help/advice/tips you guys and girls want to tell me, I'm all ears.


Thanks everyone,
Big Dan

 

[Glock Rock]

I'll answer what I can. But keep in mind, that I'm still sort of new to it myself. I've only been at it for about a month or so, but I've learned a fair amount in that time. If a vet chimes in and says I'm wrong, they're probably right.

a) They aren't really needed. I don't use them and I'm getting along just fine. But then, I'm also not making massive amounts at once.

b) Can't really help you here. I don't buy in terribly large amounts. At a guess, I'd say someplace cool and dark, like a closet.

c) I rinse them with water. Works fine for me. I haven't noticed any cross-contamination when doing this, myself.

d) Heck, I do it right at my desk. I just open the window and lay down some disposable shop rags just in case I spill something, then toss the rags in trash if they get dirty. I've heard no complaints about smell or anything and no one has fallen ill, so I'd assume that what I'm doing is fine.

e) There really isn't much to steeping. Shake the ever loving crap out of the bottle. Drop it in a bowl of hot water to speed the process a tad, if you want. Then set it someplace cool and dark and let it do it's thing. There are tons of posts about the proper way to steep here on the forums.

f) No idea. I don't use PGA.

g) Again, I have no idea. None of my juice lasts long enough for it to go bad.

h) I use 20% - 25% most of the time. I'd say don't go above 30%, but I have nothing to back up that claim on the scientific front. More than that just seems like you're entering the danger zone, to me. Plus, flavor gets just gets too strong at that point for my taste buds. Everything else is just a matter of your own tastes, I should think.

i) Once more, I don't really know. Like I said, none of my stuff lasts long enough to go bad. I've heard that it'll go bad after 6 months, and I've heard that it's good up to a year. I'm not sure, to be honest.

 

[Spazmelda]

a) I have syringes, needles and empty bottles. Is this all I need to start mixing? I've been looking at centrifuge tubers and graduated cylinders, that sort of equipment. Do I actually need these items or do they just make it easier?

When I mix small amounts I just use syringes. I have an all day vape I make in 100ml amounts, so when I make that I use a graduated cylinder, but it's not really useful for smaller amounts.

b) Buying PG/VG in a high volume - I've been told that the shelf life of PG and VG was approximately 6 months, however some people have told me that storing it in a dark glass bottles (much like alcohol) preserves its freshness. Is this true or false? If it's true, under what conditions should I store it? (ie: cold, dark, damp, warm, dry, etc?)

I don't know. I haven't heard that they go bad. I get my PG in liter bottles and just sore it in my bathroom closet in the container it came in. I pour some out into an empty, washed VG bottle (4oz Humco) because the smaller volume bottle and squirt cap is handy when I'm making smaller batches.

c) When measuring PG/VG/Flaving should I use the same syringe, or a new one every time? If I need a new one, would cleaning the used syringe with water be a viable option?

I use the same. I pour my liquids into the top of the syringe with my finger over the bottom, so I don't have to worry about 'contaminating' flavors or ingredients. Then I use the syringe plunger to push the liquid into the mixing bottle.

d) Ventilation - I've read and have been told that working with DIY e-liquid (mainly the nicotine) that it is important to have a ventilated work space. I'm just curious about how much ventilation I'm going to need. Should I just buy a small fan or bring my DIY area to my garage where my industrial fan is?

I don't use any special ventilation. I mix in the bathroom, but I don't turn the fan on. I've never noticed fumes, even with 100 mg/ml liquid. I don't keep the bottle open any longer than I have to and I don't get down there and take a big whiff. Thats all I do.

e) Steeping - Much like alcohol, the longer e-liquid sits the stronger it will get. How do I invoke the "steeping" process? Do I just shake my bottle and let it sit somewhere? How long should I let my liquid steep before vaping? Does it have to steep before I vape it? Is there a point where my e-liquid can steep for "too long" and become too flavorful?

I think this just depends on the flavor. From what I've read some flavors improve with steeping and some really don't need it.

f) Alcohol/PGA in e-Liquid - I've heard mixed things about PGA/Alcohol in e-Liquid. Some people told me that it enhances throat hit and some people tell me vaping alcohol, even in small amounts can cause emphysema. I've tried researching but no luck. Does anybody have hardcore, legitimate facts on this subject?

No, sorry. I put a small amount of vodka in some of my juices just to make them flow better in tanks. At 2% I don't really notice any difference with throat it. I've never heard the emphysema thing.

g) Thin N' Clear VS. Thick N' Dark e-Liquids - once again, I've been told that the lighter and clearer e-Liquid inside a carto/atty/what have you, will last longer than thick and dark e-liquids. Is this true? If it is, I would really appreciate this being elaborated on. Is it just the flavoring? Or does it have something to do with the thickening agent (VG?) or the absence of the thinning agent (PG)?

I have heard that dark juices clog more often.

h) What is a good percentage of total flavoring in an e-liquid recipe? I've heard people say nothing more than 10%, 15% is pushing it. However I've talked to a lot of people that have been DIYing for over 2 years and they use over 25%-30% flavoring in their e-liquids. I'm assuming it's just taste, but there has to be some type of limit on how far taste can vary.

Not sure if there is any definitive answer, but I can say that my tastes have changed over the course of DIY. My favorite all day, I used to make at about 20% total flavorings, but it became unbearably strong for me a few months ago, and I had back off on all the flavorings and sweetener.


i) e-Liquid Storage (The Long Run) I plan on finding my "perfect" percentage of total flavoring for my "all-day-vape" and then creating a giant bottle "base liquid" (PG/VG/Nic) in a bottle. What are the most IDEAL storage conditions for e-Liquid? How long can I store it before it rots/spoils?

Live read that glass bottles in the freezer is best. I've heard 2+ years occasionally, but some people report storage for longer. It doesn't really rot, per se, but the nicotine will oxidize.

ETA: I misread... If you've got the flavoring in, I've heard not to store in the freezer for long term. Don't know if that's true or not. I think I read it could muck with the flavorings. Like I said above, I make 100 ml of my all day vape, and that lasts me a little less than a month. I just keep it in a closet during that time.

I couldn't answer them all, but I tried to give my opinion! HTH at least a little!

 

[BigFatDan]

Thanks for all the help fellas!

 

[salemgold]

I will give you my opinions just remember that everyones opinions may be different. Hope it helps.

Hello everyone,

I've tried a hand at DIY before and I don't believe I did very well. I mixed it properly according to the eJuice Me Up recipe calculator, however I believe I bought bad flavorings Anyways, I've just purchased 32 oz of PG and 32 oz of VG. I already have a bunch of 36mg nic. I also have 12 ounces of LorAnn flavoring coming may way.

I would just like to clarify and/or ask a few questions I've been thinking about for quite some time... So here goes.


a) I have syringes, needles and empty bottles. Is this all I need to start mixing? I've been looking at centrifuge tubers and graduated cylinders, that sort of equipment. Do I actually need these items or do they just make it easier?

Sounds like you have everything that you need to start. IMO the graduated glass cylinders make it easier if you do alot of mixing.

b) Buying PG/VG in a high volume - I've been told that the shelf life of PG and VG was approximately 6 months, however some people have told me that storing it in a dark glass bottles (much like alcohol) preserves its freshness. Is this true or false? If it's true, under what conditions should I store it? (ie: cold, dark, damp, warm, dry, etc?)

I have heard that the shelf life is two years minimum on these. I have VG that I have had about 1 1/2 years that is still as good as the day I got it.


c) When measuring PG/VG/Flaving should I use the same syringe, or a new one every time? If I need a new one, would cleaning the used syringe with water be a viable option?

I clean my syringe between each ingredient in very hot water. Some strong flavorings are hard to remove from the plastic part of syringe so you may need dedicated syringe for those. Another reason that I like glass cylinders.

d) Ventilation - I've read and have been told that working with DIY e-liquid (mainly the nicotine) that it is important to have a ventilated work space. I'm just curious about how much ventilation I'm going to need. Should I just buy a small fan or bring my DIY area to my garage where my industrial fan is?

I mix in my kitchen and have never found the need for additional ventilation.


e) Steeping - Much like alcohol, the longer e-liquid sits the stronger it will get. How do I invoke the "steeping" process? Do I just shake my bottle and let it sit somewhere? How long should I let my liquid steep before vaping? Does it have to steep before I vape it? Is there a point where my e-liquid can steep for "too long" and become too flavorful?

I have found that the more condensed flavors such as FlavourArt benefit from the most steep time. I have not reached the point where there was too long of a steep period with the condensed flavors. However, the weaker flavors start losing their taste within a few months IMO.


f) Alcohol/PGA in e-Liquid - I've heard mixed things about PGA/Alcohol in e-Liquid. Some people told me that it enhances throat hit and some people tell me vaping alcohol, even in small amounts can cause emphysema. I've tried researching but no luck. Does anybody have hardcore, legitimate facts on this subject?

I have never heard that inhalation of alcohol causes emphysema. It does improve TH IMO

g) Thin N' Clear VS. Thick N' Dark e-Liquids - once again, I've been told that the lighter and clearer e-Liquid inside a carto/atty/what have you, will last longer than thick and dark e-liquids. Is this true? If it is, I would really appreciate this being elaborated on. Is it just the flavoring? Or does it have something to do with the thickening agent (VG?) or the absence of the thinning agent (PG)?

I have come to the conclusion that it may be the caramel coloring in some of the darker flavors that cause cartos/attys to clog. The less flavoring that I use, the longer my cartos last.

h) What is a good percentage of total flavoring in an e-liquid recipe? I've heard people say nothing more than 10%, 15% is pushing it. However I've talked to a lot of people that have been DIYing for over 2 years and they use over 25%-30% flavoring in their e-liquids. I'm assuming it's just taste, but there has to be some type of limit on how far taste can vary.

You will find lots of different opinions on this. I am a firm believer that it is best to stay low on flavoring % since we have no idea what the effects of inhaling flavoring will be.



i) e-Liquid Storage (The Long Run) I plan on finding my "perfect" percentage of total flavoring for my "all-day-vape" and then creating a giant bottle "base liquid" (PG/VG/Nic) in a bottle. What are the most IDEAL storage conditions for e-Liquid? How long can I store it before it rots/spoils?

I would only make batch sizes that you will vape within a few weeks at a time using LA flavors.
Ejuice is said to be good for 1 year but I have had some of the weaker flavorings taste "off" after a month or two. JMO


I'm sorry for asking so many questions and I'm aware most of them will not be answered, because of my post's length. However if you see something, please enlighten me. I'm not new to ecigs but DIY is slightly frightening for me because I don't want to spend all this money and then have my e-Liquid turn out bad right from the get go.


Any help/advice/tips you guys and girls want to tell me, I'm all ears.


Thanks everyone,
Big Dan

 

[Iffy]

WOW... great info above!

I'll just add my 'exceptions'.

When mixing PG/VG/nic, I use the same container; a syringe for small (3-30ml) batchs or a graduated cylinder for larger volumes (especially for my base that I mix at a minimum of 120ml).

I always use one separate syringe for one or all flavs. They're gonna be mixed together if more than one anyways.

For me, flav % is vendor and flav dependent. I do have to revisit some past failures due to OVER flavoring...

(knowing that Hoosier is LHAO)


BTW, welcome to da 'Dr. Fill' forum!

 

[salemgold]

WOW... great info above!

I'll just add my 'exceptions'.

When mixing PG/VG/nic, I use the same container; a syringe for small (3-30ml) batchs or a graduated cylinder for larger volumes (especially for my base that I mix at a minimum of 120ml).

I always use one separate syringe for one or all flavs. They're gonna be mixed together if more than one anyways.

For me, flav % is vendor and flav dependent. I do have to revisit some past failures due to OVER flavoring...

(knowing that Hoosier is LHAO)


BTW, welcome to da 'Dr. Fill' forum!

Ha, ha! That is also true for me. I also use a seperate syringe for flavoring than I do for nic/pg/vg.
Actually I just recently got a few glass graduated cylinders and am loving the fact that they rinse clean so easily.

I also always keep a glass bottle with my nic/pg/vg already mixed to the level that I use. That way I am able to just add my flavoring when I want to mix a new flavor. It works well for me.

 

[J**2]

The biggest mistake I did when starting out was to add too much flavoring. Go easy at first. Start with fruit flavors.

The main issue with nic fluid below 100mg is skin absorption. Nicotine is readily absorbed through the skin. With 24mg juice one teaspoon is theoretically a lethal dose. Wash immediately if spilled. I'd start out with much less concentrated base.

Get large Gage blunt needles and an assortment of syringes. Wash everything with plan water.

Buy 3-4 hundred dollars of flavor from each vender and have fun ;-)))))


GG, Provari, iatty2, DIY wannabe chef

 

[Iffy]

Get large Gage blunt needles

That's several things I bought and never used. Not that I'm adverse to 'em, I just don't need 'em.

 

[Spazmelda]

I bought large gauge needles from tractor supply and then blunted them by sawing off the point with a dremel. Turns out I never use them for mixing, only for filling my tanks.

 

[Hoosier]

...For me, flav % is vendor and flav dependent. I do have to revisit some past failures due to OVER flavoring...

(knowing that Hoosier is LHAO)...

That's the main reason I keep reading this sub. The giggles never stop.