Very new to DIY and need help

[flobiwan]

OK, i'm looking into storing nic and trying DIY for the first time. I found this website which gives instructions but i have some general questions - How to Make e-Juice - Welcome to the DIY eJuice Adventure. As a reference, i currently vape 100% PG at 1.5mg (very low, i know)

1. The nic they sell is diluted with PG or VG. Is that normal? Is it possible to buy undiluted nic? What is best for long term storage in the freezer?

2. Their instructions state to dilute it with PG, but since the PG is already in the nic, is that necessary? (this may be answered in the following question but i want to be thorough)

3. They sell diluted nic in different strengths (from 25mg/ml to 100mg/ml). What is the point of the different strengths if i'm going to be adding PG to my own preference anyway? In other words, for long term storage, even though i only vape 1.5mg, wouldn't it make sense to buy the 100mg/ml so that it takes up less space in the freezer and i can just mix in more pg to dilute it to my preferred strength or would there be another good reason to buy a lower strength nic?

 

[Lannie]

Some people are afraid of 100mg/ml nic, so they feel safer buying the lower concentrations. Some people just buy it at whatever level they vape at, and add flavoring to it, thinking it will be simpler that way. I guess it is, for them, but most people buy it in 100mg/ml strength and then just use less of it when mixing. It comes out way cheaper that way, and takes up less storage space in the freezer. 100mg/ml nic base is 10% nicotine in either PG or VG. If you vape all PG, then get it in the PG base. I like more VG, so I get mine in the VG base. It's all up to your personal preference.

I've heard people say that PG based nic keeps longer in the freezer, and then other people say that VG based nic keeps longer in the freezer, so I guess there's probably not much difference. If kept cold, and away from light, it will last a very long time.

 

[retired1]

1. The nic they sell is diluted with PG or VG. Is that normal? Is it possible to buy undiluted nic? What is best for long term storage in the freezer?

Pure nicotine requires some pretty hefty safety precautions and generally should not be sold to the average DIYer. 100mg nicotine will suit your purposes just fine and last a long time. So yes, "diluting" is normal and safer for the customer.

2. Their instructions state to dilute it with PG, but since the PG is already in the nic, is that necessary? (this may be answered in the following question but i want to be thorough)

Depending on the strength you purchase, yes, you're going to be diluting it. Again, this is normal.

3. They sell diluted nic in different strengths (from 25mg/ml to 100mg/ml). What is the point of the different strengths if i'm going to be adding PG to my own preference anyway? In other words, for long term storage, even though i only vape 1.5mg, wouldn't it make sense to buy the 100mg/ml so that it takes up less space in the freezer and i can just mix in more pg to dilute it to my preferred strength or would there be another good reason to buy a lower strength nic?

Some people are more comfortable using a lower strength base. Purchase what you're comfortable with in using and mixing.

 

[BrotherBob]

"Very new to DIY and need help"
Might like to read:
dannyv45's blog | E-Cigarette Forum
Hoosier's blog | E-Cigarette Forum
DIY Resources
How hard is it to get in to DIY liqiud?
diy_beginners_guide - DIY_eJuice
What you need to know as as far as supplies and safety for the first time juicer. | E-Cigarette Forum
Tips for Beginners – DIY OR DIE VAPING
After reading, might like to ask some more questions. Please do.

 

[flobiwan]

Thanks. A question about PG. Is it likely that PG itself would be banned? Should i bother stocking up on that too? If so, what's the best way to store it long-term?

 

[flobiwan]

Another question about flavorings. Can anyone recommend a good HEALTHY cherry cola flavor? I'm concerned about safety as i understand the biggest risk healh-wise is in the additives/flavorings. I will sacrifice some flavor for health reasons if i have to.

 

[flexy123]

3.) The "point" really and simply is that you'd use a lower amount of PG/VG NIC base when you mix to your preferred percentage and POSSIBLY some $$ savings when you buy higher percentage PG/VG NIC base over a PG/VG NIC base with lower NIC? Otherwise it's moot. (Obviously, if you WERE to mix a liquid with, say, 12mg....you would preferably want a NIC juice with MORE than 12mg - you cant mix your juice at 12mg with a 12MG base since you will have to dilute with flavour, so the result will logically be less than 12mg.)

I started out with 12mg NIC base , then switched to 24mg N base ...and now use 36mg.....I mix all my liquids to 6-7mg and wife even lower, maybe 5mg..so "in theory" it doesn't really matter as long as you you use the right amount. (Should also answer your 2., because of course you have to add PG or VG to bring it down to your desired level)

By the way I *personally* would not like to handle very strong N bases like 100mg, and especially not "undiluted" (LOL), Nicotine is VERY, very toxic....and things like spills etc. can always happen. For instance, we have cats. I wouldn't like to spill a super-strong base like 100mg..or get it on my hands, especially if 12,24 or 36 is totally sufficient.

 

[Zinfandel]

PG ang VG are used for many other purposes than vaping. So no need to buy in large bulk sizes. It will surprise me (and most of us vapers) if PG and VG are suddely on the "ban list".

For storing PG and VG (and nicotine) keep them air tight and away from sunlight and hot storage spaces. PG and VG can be stored in a dark rom (cellar) or in the fridge if you like. For long term storage the freezer is a perfect place to store them (especially nic bases).

Good luck with your DIY endevours, you can make some fantastic tasting e juices (better than most store bought juices in my opinion). Start out with some recipes others have allready tried/made (don't go with the most complicated recipes first), and when ready be your own masterchef ☺

Regards
Zinfandel

 

[flobiwan]

Thanks. BTW, i did the math and with the cost of flavorings, nic and PG at the strength i vape (very low - 1.5mg), it seems like mixing my own is a heck of a lot cheaper than buying it - like less than $4.00 for a 60ml bottle! What in the world have i been doing buying pre-made eliquid all this time??!!!

 

[Train2]

Yep!!
My cost runs something like $0.055/ml.
Leaves moar $$ for modz!!

Thanks. BTW, i did the math and with the cost of flavorings, nic and PG at the strength i vape (very low - 1.5mg), it seems like mixing my own is a heck of a lot cheaper than buying it - like less than $4.00 for a 60ml bottle! What in the world have i been doing buying pre-made eliquid all this time??!!!

 

[CagedSpam]

Another question about flavorings. Can anyone recommend a good HEALTHY cherry cola flavor? I'm concerned about safety as i understand the biggest risk healh-wise is in the additives/flavorings. I will sacrifice some flavor for health reasons if i have to.

FlavourArt has Cola and Black Cherry flavor.

Not my recipe but-
4% Cola with 2% Black Cherry is a good place to start. Quite enjoyable and simple.

 

[flobiwan]

I made my first small DIY batch yesterday with the Flavourart cola and black cherry. I used Heartland Vapes nicotine. I think i went too light on the flavor (used 6%). I didn't find as good of a throat hit or vapor production with my batch as i do with the stuff i usually get from Mister-E-Liquid. Used the same ratios i get from them (1.5mg, 100%PG) but i did find my stuff lacking in TH and vapor. I think i'll try some other nicotines.

Another thought. Could my less-than-stellar results have been from the particular PG i used? I got it from RTS Vapes. I assumed PG was all pretty much the same as it's a straightforward chemical but maybe i'm wrong.

 

[Capt.shay]

I have rarely if ever heard of a juice made 100%PG. Are you sure that the juice you are trying to mimic isn't 100% VG ? This is more common. It would also account for the lack of vapor and some other things.

 

[flobiwan]

Definitely not. I always get 100%PG. I use a tank so 100%VG would be too thick.

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

I made my first small DIY batch yesterday with the Flavourart cola and black cherry. I used Heartland Vapes nicotine. I think i went too light on the flavor (used 6%). I didn't find as good of a throat hit or vapor production with my batch as i do with the stuff i usually get from Mister-E-Liquid. Used the same ratios i get from them (1.5mg, 100%PG) but i did find my stuff lacking in TH and vapor. I think i'll try some other nicotines.

Another thought. Could my less-than-stellar results have been from the particular PG i used? I got it from RTS Vapes. I assumed PG was all pretty much the same as it's a straightforward chemical but maybe i'm wrong.

It could be the nic also. A lot of vapers like a smoother hit so some of the vendors are geared to that. As a test, you could mix some pg and nic to whatever your strength is(can always use it later in a recipe) and vape it. Let it set out for a few days to allow some air to get to it. And then try it again. Could be the throat hit comes from when the nic starts to age a little(dunno) but certainly worth a try.
Vapor comes more from vg, so you could also try maybe 5 or 10% to see if that helps with vapor.

 

[kiba]

vg based nic oxidises slower at room temperature, but once you put pg diluted nic in a glass bottle, vacu-seal bag it and put in the freezer, the difference is minimal. I'd get whichever you use more of, I use 70vg/30pg so I normally get my nic diluted in vg.

As far as the concentration, there's really no point in getting anything besides 100mg, it's easier, takes up less room in the freezer and lasts a lot longer as well.

 

[flobiwan]

I do get 100mg. Since i vape at 1.5mg, i figure the liter i have will last 20 years!

 

[Fozzy71]

I made my first small DIY batch yesterday with the Flavourart cola and black cherry. I used Heartland Vapes nicotine. I think i went too light on the flavor (used 6%). I didn't find as good of a throat hit or vapor production with my batch as i do with the stuff i usually get from Mister-E-Liquid. Used the same ratios i get from them (1.5mg, 100%PG) but i did find my stuff lacking in TH and vapor. I think i'll try some other nicotines.

Another thought. Could my less-than-stellar results have been from the particular PG i used? I got it from RTS Vapes. I assumed PG was all pretty much the same as it's a straightforward chemical but maybe i'm wrong.

Most of the Mr E juice I used to buy before I got into DIY was usually 70% PG or so from the vape shops. You ordered it direct at 100%PG from their site? You will get better vapor production if you up your VG. I vape 50/50 now as when I tried 80vg it would cause my chest to tighten up some if I vaped a lot. The 70vg juices I tried didn't bother me like that but I just decided to go with 50/50 now to be sure I didn't have those issues again.

 

[flobiwan]

Unfortunately VG costs me in TH and since i only vape at 1.5mg, i don't want to lose any TH.

Regarding taste, do different PGs affect taste a lot? I got my PG from RTS. If i got it from somewhere else, could i possibly see a change in taste and/or vapor or is all PG pretty much the same?

 

[tokarev]

You could try adding some Flavour Art Flash. It isn't a flavor per se but an additive specifically to add throat hit. Although if you are truly using 100% PG I can't believe you don't have enough TH. I use 50/50 myself but a long time ago I tried 100% PG and it nearly ripped my throat out!