The guide to DIY flavoring is a great post; however I don't understand it as much as others will. I found some equipment kits at DIY Flavor Shack, some flavors at Perfumers Apprentice, and the Nic juice. I have yet to order most of it because in my mind it is as simple as using an ejuice calculator, wearing some gloves, taking stringent safety measures, measuring, and putting it all together (not in that order). Also of course I need to get the money too. I have a feeling I am wrong about what it takes. I don't know what percent flavoring, and what percent water. I keep seeing stuff about sweetners but wouldn't know how much to put in and how much I would need. I saw the newbie video and it was great! I just want to know what I am doing before I get too far into this.
Want to try DIY
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For me I started simple, I wanted a basic tobacco. For that I use Seedman Commercial flavoring and a bit of Tobacco Absolute diluted (available at multiple places, "diluted" means it is TA cut with 50% pure grain alcohol, though a high proof vodka could also be used).
Got a couple of oral syringes from a local pharmacy -- they gave them to me free, just asked at the desk. 3ml or 5 ml are nice -- markings are every 0.2 ml.
You'll need pure VG USP, and likely pure PG USP. The VG can be picked up at just about any pharmacy -- ask at the desk, it might well say something like "Glycerin USP"; mine was labeled "Skin Protectant", but the ingredient list showed exactly one thing, glycerin (99.5%) anhydrous, which is appropriate (higher % is also okay).
Mixing -- a small, clean, area. I have a work area in my basement, store all my bulk stuff in some cheap plastic organizers.
Yup, it is simple. Pick a desired final mg/ml strength, and that tells you how much nic liquid to use. For instance, I have 60 mg/ml, and want to make a batch of 10ml at 24 mg strength. 24x10 = 240 mg, so I want 240/60 = 4 ml of the nic liquid. Put 4 ml in the bottle.
A general % flavoring, at least for simple mixes, is 10 - 15% of a flavoring. For my Seedman Commercial I use 15%. .15x10 = 1.5 ml of the flavoring goes in the bottle.
I've used up 4 + 1.5 = 5.5 ml. pretty common mix is about 80% PG, 20% VG. 0.2 x 10 = 2 ml of VG goes in the bottle.
I'm at 7.5 ml, can add 2.5 ml more of plain PG, or maybe 2 ml PG and 0.5 ml of 160 proof vodka (since you can't buy PGA in NY).
I've now got 10 ml of 24 mg strength tobacco liquid. I add 4 drops of TA diluted per 10 ml of liquid to firm up the flavor, slightly enhance the throat hit that I perceive. This is drops, only about 0.1 ml -- try adding just one or two drops, shake the whole thing up, vape it; if you want it stronger, just add another 1 or 2 drops, shake and vape.
Be careful on keeping things clean, any spills, etc. 60 mg strength nic liquid doesn't bother me, but many people, as well as children and pets, are much more sensitive to it. Clean well, put unused liquids safely away, and enjoy!
Got a couple of oral syringes from a local pharmacy -- they gave them to me free, just asked at the desk. 3ml or 5 ml are nice -- markings are every 0.2 ml.
You'll need pure VG USP, and likely pure PG USP. The VG can be picked up at just about any pharmacy -- ask at the desk, it might well say something like "Glycerin USP"; mine was labeled "Skin Protectant", but the ingredient list showed exactly one thing, glycerin (99.5%) anhydrous, which is appropriate (higher % is also okay).
Mixing -- a small, clean, area. I have a work area in my basement, store all my bulk stuff in some cheap plastic organizers.
Yup, it is simple. Pick a desired final mg/ml strength, and that tells you how much nic liquid to use. For instance, I have 60 mg/ml, and want to make a batch of 10ml at 24 mg strength. 24x10 = 240 mg, so I want 240/60 = 4 ml of the nic liquid. Put 4 ml in the bottle.
A general % flavoring, at least for simple mixes, is 10 - 15% of a flavoring. For my Seedman Commercial I use 15%. .15x10 = 1.5 ml of the flavoring goes in the bottle.
I've used up 4 + 1.5 = 5.5 ml. pretty common mix is about 80% PG, 20% VG. 0.2 x 10 = 2 ml of VG goes in the bottle.
I'm at 7.5 ml, can add 2.5 ml more of plain PG, or maybe 2 ml PG and 0.5 ml of 160 proof vodka (since you can't buy PGA in NY).
I've now got 10 ml of 24 mg strength tobacco liquid. I add 4 drops of TA diluted per 10 ml of liquid to firm up the flavor, slightly enhance the throat hit that I perceive. This is drops, only about 0.1 ml -- try adding just one or two drops, shake the whole thing up, vape it; if you want it stronger, just add another 1 or 2 drops, shake and vape.
Be careful on keeping things clean, any spills, etc. 60 mg strength nic liquid doesn't bother me, but many people, as well as children and pets, are much more sensitive to it. Clean well, put unused liquids safely away, and enjoy!
The more you practice the better you'll get, so don't worry about doing anything complicated at the start. Try doing a basic no-nic mix with some standard percentages using flavors that you know you like and/or are popular here. You don't need water unless you want to thin your liquid, and you won't know if you need that until you have done some mixing and vaping. The same goes for sweetener. As long as you have the safety down the worst thing that will happen is you make some bad batches. Just don't give up and remember to have fun! Good luck.
Thanks for the advice and encouragement NIKchil and markfm. To me this is a huge thing. With all the stuff I have to buy this doesn't seem cheaper by much (I found premixed stuff under $9). My main reason for doing it is the customization of nic levels. It is a pain to find in every possible number. I want to wean myself down slowly - 18, 17, 16, 15..... Some premixed stuff has an 18 and the next down is like 11.
Do I really need all the stuff in this kit? The "SILVER" DIY Kit - No Nic In This Kit or would it be cheaper to buy just the few things I will need? I will need a storage container, syringes, dropper bottles, mixing containers, and maybe measuring cups for measuring vg. Pipettes don't seem good at precise measurements such as 6.2 ml. I can't imagine needing much more than those things I just listed.
The flaovrs I am interested in are:
apple, grape, chocolate, cappuccino, pomegranate, mint, blueberry, bubblegum, rootbeer, vanilla, and french vanilla, bittersweet chocolate.
I may be interested in more later, but I have very simple tastes. Those in bold I found at Perfumer's Apprentice.
Do I really need all the stuff in this kit? The "SILVER" DIY Kit - No Nic In This Kit or would it be cheaper to buy just the few things I will need? I will need a storage container, syringes, dropper bottles, mixing containers, and maybe measuring cups for measuring vg. Pipettes don't seem good at precise measurements such as 6.2 ml. I can't imagine needing much more than those things I just listed.
The flaovrs I am interested in are:
apple, grape, chocolate, cappuccino, pomegranate, mint, blueberry, bubblegum, rootbeer, vanilla, and french vanilla, bittersweet chocolate.
I may be interested in more later, but I have very simple tastes. Those in bold I found at Perfumer's Apprentice.
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To me a lot of that stuff isn't necessary, and for VG I highly recommend a higher gauge needle than the kit's 18 gauge. The kit also only has 20ml each of PG and VG, which won't last long. The initial investment on equipment does seem expensive, but the only things you will have to replace are the liquid ingredients, so it should save you money eventually.
Also, Perfumer's Apprentice has Blueberry flavoring and also carries PG and VG.
Also, Perfumer's Apprentice has Blueberry flavoring and also carries PG and VG.
Another place to consider for flavorings and some supplies is Pure Vapes Pure Vapes: Home. He carries 3mL bottles of FlavorArt flavorings for $1.50 apiece. This gives you a chance to try out different flavors without spending a fortune. If you don't like the flavor ( taste is very subjective) it's not a huge loss.
I like to use at least an 18 guage needle for DIY, but better a 14 gauge for the VG. Pure Vapes also carries the 14 gauge blunt needles ( I just ordered 3). His prices are very good and worth checking out.
Perfumer's Apprentice also carries flavors in small bottles.
I like to use at least an 18 guage needle for DIY, but better a 14 gauge for the VG. Pure Vapes also carries the 14 gauge blunt needles ( I just ordered 3). His prices are very good and worth checking out.
Perfumer's Apprentice also carries flavors in small bottles.
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Pipettes are a hassle and not worth it -- what do other's think of the OSDIT kit? its simpler and more useful IMO.
I started because I won some nic juice from Electronic Ash, started realizing I could add the nic myself. Also, I had flavors that I didn't like and combined them and voila', I had something tasty. Its progressed for me from there and I've tried multiple recipes I've seen on the forum, some I like and some I don't, its all subjective. One thing to remember -- don't add a bunch of drops of anything at a time, taste can change quickly, and try to give your DIY a couple days to jell, they'll always taste better.
I started because I won some nic juice from Electronic Ash, started realizing I could add the nic myself. Also, I had flavors that I didn't like and combined them and voila', I had something tasty. Its progressed for me from there and I've tried multiple recipes I've seen on the forum, some I like and some I don't, its all subjective. One thing to remember -- don't add a bunch of drops of anything at a time, taste can change quickly, and try to give your DIY a couple days to jell, they'll always taste better.
I have never heard of the OSDIT Kit. Where is it found? Are needles necessary? Some syrninges have a tip on them. I fill my own printer ink to speical refillable cartridges and the syringes have a tip on them.
Sorry, I meant the One Stop DIY Shop kit they have, its ok, gives you some of the basics from what I remember.
VG is super thick, you need those 14 ga needles, syringes are just better, get some little funnels and plastic measuring cups for the larger amount of vg/pg when you get going some but always use a syringe with gloves when doing the nic, nitrlie gloves, not the regular ones, the nitrile ones are impermeable. Look around, the deals and steals thread in PIF more than likely has all the links you're looking for, finding them is another challenge!
I wen to Purevapes site but no needles
VG is super thick, you need those 14 ga needles, syringes are just better, get some little funnels and plastic measuring cups for the larger amount of vg/pg when you get going some but always use a syringe with gloves when doing the nic, nitrlie gloves, not the regular ones, the nitrile ones are impermeable. Look around, the deals and steals thread in PIF more than likely has all the links you're looking for, finding them is another challenge!
I wen to Purevapes site but no needles
OSDIY kits - DIY Artisan Kits - One Stop DIY Shop Store
You don't always need needles, but often you won't be able to reach the liquid without them. Also it's messier without the needle and that's not good with nicotine. Sometimes it's useful to go without the needle when working with plain VG, though.
Ripple, it's in the thread. Site isn't updated.
You don't always need needles, but often you won't be able to reach the liquid without them. Also it's messier without the needle and that's not good with nicotine. Sometimes it's useful to go without the needle when working with plain VG, though.
Ripple, it's in the thread. Site isn't updated.
Thanks I'll look now!
I need to pm you on the flavors, I am curious about how they compare.......is that OK?
I just read somewhere that flavouart flavors may only need to be mixed at 1% versus 20% for others I have seen. Could this be true? If so they may be a winner.
That's not really true, although it can apply to some of the tobacco flavors if you like a mild taste or have sensitive taste buds. Many are a little stronger than other brands, but you still need 10-15% much of the time. Some of the stronger ones like Tiramisu or Pandoro can be mixed at around 5% though.
You might find it easier to look through the recipes like StormFinch said then make your shopping list from the ones you want to try.
GoodDog love your avatar! So cute!
I second what GoodDog said. Just find something you wanna try, maybe just one flavor, like tiramisu. Once you get the nic, flavoring, pg & vg, just add your info into the ejuice calculator and follow it from there - even if you have to do a small 3ml batch at first and just use drops. Then you can get more complicated and start using syringes and other things.
I second what GoodDog said. Just find something you wanna try, maybe just one flavor, like tiramisu. Once you get the nic, flavoring, pg & vg, just add your info into the ejuice calculator and follow it from there - even if you have to do a small 3ml batch at first and just use drops. Then you can get more complicated and start using syringes and other things.
I do DIY very simply. The cartos that I like best are the chocolate at V4L. I ordered their VG chocolate liquid for refill and found I liked that too. My reason for DIY was to save money. My nic level for the juice I was ordering from them was already down to 6 mg, which was only $8 for 30 ml. So I simply ordered the same juice in 36mg/30ml. (Same price, which is very reasonable if you look at the cost of "plain" 36 mg nicotine liquid at most places - it's usually a lot more expensive than that.)
When I make a bottle of liquid I fill it up about 1/5th the way with the V4L juice. Then I add about the same amount of Capella's Dark Chocolate flavoring. I fill the rest of the way with VG from Walmart ($3, and has a dropper top, so no messing with needles for thick ole VG - that's a pain). Add 1-2 drops of Capella's Super Sweet. There ya go, that's all there is to it (unless you want to add some PG, which Capella also carries, just use less VG). The only equipment needed is an eyedropper for the favoring because after the first normal-sized bottle was used up, I needed to get the buik size bottle, I was using so much of it. The first time I ordered the flavor I got the usual drip tip bottle, so the eyedropper just refills that one for me out of the bulk bottle. No big deal.
So I can make a 30 ml bottle of juice for about $3, and that lasts me 2 weeks. Not bad.
I like that flavor so much more than all of the others that I've tried, I don't want to branch out. Maybe sometime. But the same principle can apply. Since I also vape zero mg sometimes, I've tried making this DIY without the V4L liquid and it tastes the same. So when I get around to it, I intend to order some "plain" nic liquid at high mg just in case a ban happens someday, then I'll be well supplied.
Anyway... fwiw that's my "half-homemade" approach to it which is very easy and doesn't require much if any equipment.
ps Added bonus - now I use the Super Sweet in my coffee, so I've kicked the nasty artifical sweeteners too. (And some chocolate drops in the coffee ain't bad either.)
When I make a bottle of liquid I fill it up about 1/5th the way with the V4L juice. Then I add about the same amount of Capella's Dark Chocolate flavoring. I fill the rest of the way with VG from Walmart ($3, and has a dropper top, so no messing with needles for thick ole VG - that's a pain). Add 1-2 drops of Capella's Super Sweet. There ya go, that's all there is to it (unless you want to add some PG, which Capella also carries, just use less VG). The only equipment needed is an eyedropper for the favoring because after the first normal-sized bottle was used up, I needed to get the buik size bottle, I was using so much of it. The first time I ordered the flavor I got the usual drip tip bottle, so the eyedropper just refills that one for me out of the bulk bottle. No big deal.
So I can make a 30 ml bottle of juice for about $3, and that lasts me 2 weeks. Not bad.
I like that flavor so much more than all of the others that I've tried, I don't want to branch out. Maybe sometime. But the same principle can apply. Since I also vape zero mg sometimes, I've tried making this DIY without the V4L liquid and it tastes the same. So when I get around to it, I intend to order some "plain" nic liquid at high mg just in case a ban happens someday, then I'll be well supplied.
Anyway... fwiw that's my "half-homemade" approach to it which is very easy and doesn't require much if any equipment.
ps Added bonus - now I use the Super Sweet in my coffee, so I've kicked the nasty artifical sweeteners too. (And some chocolate drops in the coffee ain't bad either.)
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