Ever realized your e-juice is too strong for your taste? Or perhaps your current vape juice doesn’t cut to your current taste. Whatever the reason, there is one new trend up and running. Basically, you can make your own vape juice at home and customize the nicotine levels, flavors, and even how much smoke you can use.
This trend has been around basically to help users cut down costs and customize their smoking experience easily. From changing up the flavors or creating your own mixes, this allows users to change up its nicotine levels, how much smoke it produces, to the feeling you get in your throat.
In this small article, we’ll give you a comprehensive guide from the essentials and ingredients and a step-by-step tutorial to creating your own e-juice from scratch. So buckle up. We’ll go on a small journey on how to make vape juice at home in a flash.
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Key Takeaways
- Some of the essential ingredients to craft your own vape juice include Propylene Glycol, Vegetable Glycerin, and flavorings.
- A few tools you might want to take a look at before crafting your e-juice include a scale, containers, gloves, and alcohol to sanitize your working space.
- The process of creating e-juice basically involves calculating the base, mixing the two bases properly, adding flavoring, and letting it steep in its final container.
- Some tips include sticking to a simpler flavor mix and mastering small batches before wasting a full-on bottle.
- Remember the legal limit for nicotine-based e-juice is 20mg per 20ml, so make sure to follow the limits not only to follow the legal guidelines but also to avoid getting too much nicotine in your juice.
Razzleberry Pop - Salt E-Liquid
Home-Making Vape Juice: The Essentials
Before we actually dive into how to make vape juice at home, we need to take a look at some of the essentials needed to create juice at home. From the tools to the ingredients, you need to have a pretty sturdy list as you’ll be consuming your product, and we have to be safe all around.
Generally, the tools and ingredients can all be bought online or at specific specialty stores, so don’t feel like not having a specific pipette or glass container can turn the process of making your own vape juice into a complete mess. Let’s check the tools you’ll need first and some key ingredients before we go to our step-by-step guide on how to make homemade vape juice.
You can also get a quick look at what materials you might need to make your own vape juice in the following video:
The Tools
Safety is the safe word if you want to know how to make vape juice at home with household items. The first thing to get is alcohol to sanitize the surface and get safety gloves, so you can avoid touching nicotine (which can be an irritant in its pure form) or contaminating the e-juice.
Now, we know it might sound like a bore but you will definitely need a scale. Getting the right weight measurement is fundamental to getting the right type of e-juice, so investing in a digital scale from your favorite marketplace should suffice.
However, if you are planning on weighing by volume, you’ll need to buy a pair of blunt tip syringes to gauge by volume. This method requires a lot more testing and might take a little longer, while also being more difficult to clean. So we actually recommend trying the scale or maybe reusing your pastry or cooking scale once it’s fully clean.
Lastly and as a safety tip, try using glass containers with air-tight seals for your final product. While generally, you can get a bottle cap or re-use one of your e-juice bottles, some types of plastic can be porous and lead to bacteria or mold forming. Try getting a glass container instead and sanitize it before adding your mix.
So, to sum it up, here is a baseline of tools you will need:
- A digital scale (if measuring by weight)
- Blunt tip syringes (if measuring by volume)
- Alcohol to sanitize the area
- Safety gloves
- A clean and sanitized, glass or plastic container for your e-juice
- Measuring containers
- A calculator
The Ingredients
Alright, folks, now let’s take a look at a key component of how to make vape juice at home: the ingredients. First things first, you will likely need a solid foundation or base. Think of it like building a house, but instead of bricks and mortar, you’re using Propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG).
Now, depending on your vaping style and the kind of clouds you want to produce, you’ll be mixing these bad boys in different ratios. For those of you who are into MTL and DTL (or RDL) vaping, a good place to start is with a 50:50 VG: PG or a 70:30 VG: PG mix. But hey, don’t be afraid to play around a bit. More VG? You’ll get thicker clouds and a smoother hit. More PG? Expect a sharper throat hit and less vapor. It’s all about finding that sweet spot and balance that works out for your vaping needs.
Quality matters, so it’s important you check your sources for high-quality base ingredients. Always make sure your PG and VG are top-notch. Depending on where you’re from, look for labels like “BP” if you’re in the UK, “EP” in the EU, and “USP” in the US.
Now, for those of you looking for that nicotine kick, most vapers will want to add a bit of the good stuff. While there are specific rules for the UK and EU regarding how much nicotine you should have, we actually recommend following their nicotine limit to get a healthy experience.
Basically, you can’t have a concentration higher than 20 mg/ml. But for users out there trying their hand at homemade vape juice, that’ll do the trick. And remember, always source your nicotine from the good guys: suppliers that can vouch for their product’s quality.
Last but not least, let’s talk flavor. There’s a whole world of e-liquid flavorings out there. Start with the big names like Flavor Apprentice, Flavorah, Hangsen, Flavor Art, and Capella. There is a world out there of different flavors to choose from, or even try steeping, which we’ll talk further down the article once we’ve covered how to make homemade vape juice. Just remember, always steer clear of oil-based flavorings.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:
- Propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG)
- Nicotine shots (if you’re into that)
- E-liquid flavorings
Papa Blue - Salt E-Liquid
DIY Vape Juice Making: The Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s now start with our full-on guide on how to make vape juice at home. We’ll break the process into three steps: preparing your workspace, the mixing process, and finally, the storage and steeping. Firstly we’ll delve into some tips and things to take a look at before you start mixing and brewing your e-juice potions.
Then we’ll go with the mixing process, which involves getting your ingredients together, getting your calculations and measurements right, and lastly, using the mixing method that works best for you.
Lastly, we’ll take a look into the steeping and storage process, where we’ll go over three main methods used by DIY experts to get the best flavors and keep the best quality possible. We hope this section helps you master your concoction process, whether you eventually want to open a vape shop and think about vape shops, insurance, and items, or simply want some delicious juice to match your vibe.
Now, to help you out with a more visually detailed video on how this process works and how to make your own vape juice, you can take a look at the next video as well:
Preparing Your Workspace
Before we dive into concocting some delicious vape juice, it is key to have a neat and safe workspace. Think of prepping your kitchen and cooking, which includes three main parts: the essentials like cleaning the surface, using safety glasses and gloves, and keeping your ingredients. Let’s take a look at these preparations.
Essentials
First of all, get all of your tables and surfaces clean. Especially if you are about to create something you’ll inhale. Try spraying alcohol around the surfaces and tables and wash the mixing containers where you’ll put your e-juice with some alcohol as well.
Ever tried cooking in the dark? Yeah, it doesn’t work. Since mixing up your e-juice is pretty similar to cooking, we recommend getting a good light to ensure you can see everything clearly, avoid any mishaps, and see everything you are doing.
Also, try using a place where you can see and fit all of your ingredients and maneuver easily. If you can, try opening windows around the area in case you are using nicotine, as it can be toxic to the touch.
Safety
Safety first, and this includes whenever you are mixing up your own vape juice at home. When dealing with chemicals and concentrates, it’s better to be safe than sorry. A pair of safety glasses can be a real game-changer, so you shouldn’t really overlook getting some glasses when buying your tools.
They’ll protect your eyes from any unexpected splashes or spills. And don’t forget gloves. They’re not just for doctors or scientists. Wearing gloves ensures you don’t get any potent concentrates on your skin and keeps your mix as pure as possible while also giving you an extra grip on your glass containers to avoid the glass slipping off.
Organizing Your Ingredients
Organization is key. Think of your ingredients as the cast of a play. Each one has a role, and you need to know who’s who. Proper labeling ensures you never mix up your flavors or concentrations. Try positioning all of your products in a safe place, away from children and other small paws that could mistake clear liquids.
And when it comes to storage, think cool and dark. Direct sunlight can make glycol or glycerine degrade very quickly. Flavoring can also go bad pretty easily, as sunlight, temperature changes, and weather can create the right environment for mildew and fungi to grow.
Finally, and before you start, always organize your ingredients on a flat surface. Try getting your containers clean and ready before mixing. Lastly, if you have long hair, try using a ponytail or picking your hair up to avoid possible loose hairs contaminating your e-juice, or even accidentally throwing something with your hair. But once you get everything set up on the table, you’ll be ready to start.
The Mixing Process
Starting simple is the way to go. There are plenty of beginner-friendly recipes out there to get you started. Once you’ve got the hang of those, you can start to get a bit more adventurous. Experimentation is the heart of DIY, but remember to always balance creativity with caution. In this section, we’ll talk about creating and following your recipe, measuring the right ingredients, and getting the mixing right. Let’s start.
Creating Your Recipe
Starting simple is the way to go. There are plenty of beginner-friendly recipes out there to get you started, so start with a simple 50:50 VG: PG with very few drops of flavoring. That aside, we’d actually recommend not adding nicotine until you get your base mastered.
Once you’ve got the hang of those, you can start to get a bit more adventurous. But remember to always balance creativity with caution.
Measuring Ingredients
Now, you will definitely need precise tools to get the right consistency. Now, you can measure ingredients two ways while making e-juice. You can use the volume method, which basically uses volume ratios to get the perfect base and flavoring.
Others prefer the weighing method, which uses scaling and grams instead of volume. This method is much easier because you’re going to be pretty much dumping the VG and PG together in a container, while the others require precise tools like pipettes.
Mixing Technique
Mixing is where the magic happens. It’s a delicate dance of combining your ingredients in just the right way. Take your time, follow the steps, and remember that patience is key. When getting to know how to make vape juice at home, getting your mixing is definitely key.
One method some professionals use is mixing the VG and PG base with the flavoring, then putting it in another clean container, and lastly, pulling everything with a clean syringe and filling your end container.
You can definitely try mixing with non-porous materials to avoid bubbles, like stainless metal. Try mixing in slow, gentle motions, as you need precision, not swiftness. You can also gently tap the container to help the trapped bubbles float to the top.
Storage and Steeping
You’ve mixed your juice, but you’re not done yet. Now it’s time for the finishing touches: storage and steeping. These final steps can make all the difference to the quality and flavor of your vape juice. In this last section, we’ll cover the last part of the process, mainly getting the proper storage and getting your steeping right. Let’s take a quick look.
Proper Storage
When it comes to storing your freshly made vape juice, not all containers are created equal. Picture this: you’ve spent hours perfecting your blend, only to store it in a sub-par container that messes with the flavor. Tragic, right? That’s why it’s basic to choose the right container. Glass is the gold standard here.
Glass is mostly preferred because it’s non-reactive, which means it won’t mess with your e-juice flavor or composition. Plus, it’s easy to clean and reusable and will last for a while. If you’re serious about your DIY vape juice, investing in some good-quality glass containers is a no-brainer. They’ll keep your juice fresh, pure, and tasting just as it should.
Now, let’s talk about where to keep your collection safe and sound. You might be tempted to display your vape juice creations on a sunny windowsill or next to the toaster, but resist the urge. Sunlight, heat, and vape juice are not a good mix. Instead, think cool, dark, and dry. A cupboard or drawer away from direct sunlight and heat sources is ideal.
This kind of environment will help preserve the flavor and potency of your vape juice, ensuring it stays top-notch for longer. And if you’re making large batches or planning to steep your juice (more on that in a bit), consider dedicating a specific storage space just for your vape juice. It can definitely make your life easier and your vaping experience better.
The Art of Steeping
Steeping is essentially the process of letting your vape juice sit for a while to allow the flavors to meld and develop. Think of it like aging a fine wine or letting a stew simmer to bring out the flavors. Over time, the different components of your vape juice will interact with each other, resulting in a smoother, more harmonious flavor. Some juices might taste great straight after mixing, while others might benefit from a little steeping time.
There’s more than one way to steep vape juice, and each method has its own set of pros and cons. Here are a few of the most popular methods:
- Shake and Store: This is the simplest method. Just give your juice a good shake, store it in a cool, dark place, and let time do its thing. Pretty easy and straightforward.
- Warm Bath: This method involves placing your sealed vape juice container in a warm water bath for a few hours. The heat can help speed up the steeping process, but be careful not to overdo it. Too much heat can mess with the flavor, so you need to get the perfect spot.
- Breathing: This involves opening the cap of your vape juice container and letting it sit for a few hours. This can help any volatile compounds evaporate, resulting in a smoother flavor. However, be cautious with this method, especially if your juice contains nicotine, as it can lead to a loss of potency.
In the end, the best method regarding steeping is genuinely the one that works for you. It might take a bit of experimentation to find your preferred method, but that’s all part of the joy of how DIY works. Remember, DIY vape juice is as much an art as it is a science. So, embrace the process, trust your taste buds, and enjoy the journey.
Tips and Tricks from Experienced DIYers
Now that you get the basics, there are a few things that you can also do to amp up your experience while you make your own vape juice. Firstly, you can enhance your flavors by mixing and matching your different flavors. There are also a few common mistakes you can avoid to make your process seamless. Let’s take a look.
Enhancing Flavors
Alright, now that we’ve taken a closer step towards becoming a vape mixologist, we have to talk about flavor. The key to this is patience and experimentation. Try not to overload your mix with too many flavors at once. So, how do you get to more complex flavors? Layering.
Layering is key. Start with a base flavor and slowly add complementary flavors in smaller amounts. As a pro-tip, think about mastering a simple recipe and then proceed to steep your e-juice to create a better taste.
As a newcomer to the mixing world, try using a smaller flavor and nicotine concentration at first to avoid juices that are simply gross to vape. You should attempt to make smaller batches at first until you can get the flavor just right.
You can learn more about vape e-juice tricks in the following video:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few common mistakes you can definitely avoid if you are looking at how to make your own vape juice at home. The first is to avoid mixing different manufacturers, so try sticking to ingredients that come from the store if you can avoid cross-contamination.
Also, it is important you stick to one method, whether you want to create your mixes through volume or weight measuring. Don’t start by weighing volume with pipettes and follow with using a digital scale. Stick to one and follow through so you don’t end up guessing the ratios.
Don’t go crazy with flavorings. With your first mixes, use only one or two flavors like coffee, and start experimenting with small quantities. Also, it’s important to keep in mind that you should only use vape flavorings. Food flavorings will ruin the taste of your vape.
Always mix in ventilated rooms and use a mask if possible. Also if you are handling nicotine, try keeping it in a dry and safe place.
Risks and Responsibilities of Making Your Own Vape Juice
We are almost done with a “how to make vape juice at home” guide, but there are a few things you do have to know about the risks and responsibilities of crafting your own vape juice. First and foremost, safety should always be your priority while creating juices, from taking enough considerations and using proper sanitization and items.
The second part is taking a look at the legal considerations surrounding e-juice. While making it is not forbidden, there are limitations and things to take a look at regarding nicotine content. Some people might also want to add THC or CBD products to this, so if you were looking at how to make THC vape juice at home, there are a few things to consider.
Safety First
So before we go mixing at home, think of it as a bad cooking show. Too much of this, and a dash of that can definitely be a recipe for disaster, specifically with nicotine. Try sticking with no nicotine in your first batches to master your first recipe.
Other potential risks include oils, water, or other ingredients to “thin out” your batch. While you can use distilled water to help this, we actually recommend adding more glycerin or simply starting over if you use too much flavoring or base.
A big warning though: skip the essential oils. Only use flavorings from known brands that can be used with the e-juice base. Always sanitize your area before and after work, giving special care and attention to your tools and containers.
Lastly, if we’re looking at how to make THC vape juice at home, we actually recommend skipping the e-juice part. Depending on where you live, you probably should look for a distillate or concentrate vape pen instead, as the density and distillate can definitely break your vaping device due to distillate used for THC concentrate vape pens and juice is quite different and can break your vaping device.
If getting your own e-juice might get too complicated, we recommend trying pre-made products like the ELF Bar Tobacco Vape or the ELF Bar Clear flavor to first try the vaping experience before delving into creating your own.
Legal Considerations
So, generally, you must know that making vape juice in the U.S. is basically regulated by the FDA. Unless you plan to sell your concoctions, you should be good to go, as long as you ensure the limits on the nicotine concentration up to 20mg per milliliter.
Since this is a homemade tobacco product, the personal use of said product falls into a gray area. The real legal considerations come into play if you want to sell or distribute your homemade mixes, and in that case, you’ll have to make considerations like getting a local manufacturing and selling license, packaging, labeling, and getting your ingredients list clear.
But in a nutshell, as long as it’s for personal use, you are safe to experiment. Just make sure to keep nicotine below the legal limit and skip additives like vitamins, caffeine, or other supplements since these are considered illegal.
Vape Juice DIY: Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Ingredient Brands for DIY Vape Juice?
There is a world out there of different ingredient brands, but we recommend starting with big names like Flavor Apprentice, Flavorah, Hangsen, Flavor Art, and Capella.
Can I Create Nicotine-Free Vape Juice?
Yes! You can create nicotine-free vape juice by skipping the nicotine shots altogether.
How Can I Ensure My DIY Vape Juice Is Safe?
Some tips to ensure having safe e-juice are sanitizing your space, using high-quality ingredients, and only using materials from safe sources.
