Bases

DIY E-Liquid Bases for Creating Your Own Vape Juice

DIY e-liquid base is the main component used when preparing your own vape juice. Generally made from propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG) or a combination of both, it provides the carrier for flavour concentrates and helps determine the characteristics of the finished e-liquid.

Neutral bases are available in different PG/VG ratios for different vaping requirements. Balanced compositions provide a compromise between fluidity and vapour production, while higher-VG bases produce thicker liquids intended for hardware capable of wicking them correctly.

Understanding PG and VG in an e-liquid base

Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine have different characteristics. PG is relatively fluid and works effectively as a carrier for flavourings. A higher PG content generally produces a thinner e-liquid and can increase throat sensation.

Vegetable glycerine is considerably more viscous. Increasing the VG percentage generally produces denser vapour and a smoother inhalation, but requires coils with adequate e-liquid flow to keep the cotton correctly saturated.

The PG/VG ratio is therefore an important consideration because it affects viscosity, vaping sensation, vapour production and hardware compatibility.

50/50 PG/VG base: a versatile balance

A 50/50 base contains equal proportions of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine. This popular ratio provides a balance between fluidity, flavour delivery and vapour production.

50/50 formulations can be suitable for many pods, clearomizers and electronic cigarettes, provided that the selected coil is compatible with the liquid composition.

It is also a convenient starting point for DIY mixing, although the final PG/VG ratio will depend on the composition of flavour concentrates, boosters and any other ingredients added.

High-VG bases for increased vapour production

Bases containing a higher proportion of vegetable glycerine are generally selected for increased vapour production. Ratios such as 30/70 PG/VG and other VG-rich formulations produce a thicker mixture than a balanced base.

These formulations are generally associated with devices using coils designed for more viscous liquids and larger wicking openings. They are commonly used for RDL and DTL vaping.

Very high-VG liquids may not be suitable for small pod systems or coils with limited liquid flow, as inadequate wicking can affect coil performance and service life.

Choosing a base for your electronic cigarette

Base selection should not depend solely on desired vapour production. Device type, coil resistance, operating power and wicking design should also be considered.

For moderate-power MTL vaping, a sufficiently fluid composition is generally preferable for reliable feeding of smaller coils. A 50/50 PG/VG formulation is commonly used with this type of equipment.

RDL and DTL devices using subohm coils and larger liquid inlets may support higher proportions of vegetable glycerine. Always follow the hardware manufacturer's recommendations.

Using a base to prepare DIY e-liquid

For DIY preparation, the base is combined with one or more flavour concentrates according to the manufacturer's recommended percentage. When nicotine is required, the final formulation must also account for the appropriate nicotine component in accordance with applicable regulations.

Flavour concentrates should be measured accurately. Adding more flavouring does not necessarily improve the result and excessive concentration can unbalance the recipe.

After mixing, certain recipes may require a maturation period for the ingredients and flavour profile to develop. Required time depends primarily on the concentrate and recipe.

Calculating the final PG/VG ratio

The PG/VG ratio printed on the base bottle does not necessarily correspond to the final composition after mixing. Many flavour concentrates use propylene glycol as a carrier and can therefore increase the final PG percentage.

Any boosters or additional ingredients also have their own composition. An accurate calculation should therefore account for the quantity and PG/VG content of every ingredient.

This is particularly useful when the vaping device requires a specific liquid viscosity.

Measuring and mixing DIY bases correctly

DIY preparation requires accurate measurement of each ingredient. Determine the desired final volume and recommended flavour concentration before starting the mixture.

Once the ingredients have been added to a suitable bottle, close it securely and mix thoroughly to obtain a homogeneous preparation. Bottles and mixing accessories should remain clean and suitable for the liquids being handled.

Labelling completed mixtures with the recipe, PG/VG ratio, preparation date and nicotine concentration where applicable can make future identification easier.

Storing e-liquid bases and DIY mixtures

E-liquid bases should be stored according to manufacturer instructions, properly closed and protected from conditions that could affect their quality. Heat, light and prolonged exposure to air can influence certain ingredients over time.

Close the container carefully after each use and store finished DIY mixtures in suitable, clearly identified bottles.

Bases, flavourings and preparations containing nicotine must always be kept out of reach of children and animals.

Discover DIY e-liquid bases at Viper Smoke

Explore DIY e-liquid bases at Viper Smoke with different propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine ratios for adapting your mixture to your vaping hardware and preferred style.

Whether you require a balanced 50/50 PG/VG composition or a higher-VG formulation, select your base according to your electronic cigarette, coil and the other ingredients being added to the final recipe.