DIY E-Liquid PG/VG

DIY E-Liquid PG/VG

If you’re looking to make your own DIY E-Liquid PG/VG for the first time, have a strong know-how on what you’re doing or even if you’re after your own unique flavour and aroma combination, Vapestreams have you covered no matter your need!

Its worth bearing in mind that most DIY E-Liquid will use both Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerol (VG).

We have a nicotine calculator built into our pages to help with the measurements that you’ll need, and offer a range of syringes to help with the ratios for your Flavour concentrates and give you that signature aroma you’re after.

We do advise though that you take all the safety precautions possible when making your own juice at home.

The vast majority of the ingredients that are going to be within DIY E-Liquid PG/VG are harmless but the concentrated nicotine can be dangerous if you don’t wear gloves, safety glasses are also a good thing to wear to protect your eyes as well.

We also offer a range of pre-mixed components of PG and VG to further make it easier for you, as well as Nicotine Shots.

If this isn’t for you though we do have a huge range of pre-mixed liquids waiting for you.

Brand

Product Flavours -

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Product Nicotine Strength -

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How To use DIY E-Liquid PG/VG

Learn to assemble the DIY E-Liquid PG/VG devices.

  1. How To Use E Liquid Shortfills Guide Step 1 (remove Cap And Nozzle) Infogram Image Vapestreams

    1. Remove Cap and Inner Nozzle

    Start by removing the cap, then carefully take out the inner nozzle from your e-liquid shortfill bottle.

  2. How To Use E Liquid Shortfills Guide Step 2 (add One Or 2 Nic Shots) Infographic Vapestreams

    2. Add one/two Nic Shots

    Add one or two nicotine shots of your preferred strength and type. For example, adding one 18mg freebase nicotine shot to 50ml of e-liquid will create 60ml of vape-ready liquid with a 3mg nicotine strength. Similarly, adding two 18mg shots to 100ml of e-liquid will result in 120ml of e-liquid at the same 3mg nicotine strength.

  3. How To Use E Liquid Shortfills Guide Step 3 (shake Bottle Well To Mix) Infographic Vapestreams

    3. Shake well to mix

    Secure the cap tightly and shake the bottle vigorously to ensure the e-liquid and nicotine are thoroughly mixed.

  4. How To Use E Liquid Shortfills Guide Step 4 (steep For A Few Hours Or Overnight) Infographic Vapestreams

    4. Steep for a few hours

    Allow the e-liquid mixture to steep for a few hours or overnight to ensure the flavors and nicotine blend thoroughly.

  5. How To Use E Liquid Shortfills Guide Step 5 (fill Your Tank And Enjoy Vaping) Infographic Vapestreams

    5. Fill your tank and enjoy

    After steeping, and once the e-liquid is fully blended, you can fill your favorite tank or pod and enjoy your vape.

DIY E-Liquid PG/VG FAQs

E-liquid is the fluid used in vape devices that gets heated and turned into vapor (vaporised). It is made up of four main ingredients, usually contains propylene glycol (PG) which is your flavour carrier, vegetable glycerine (VG) responsible for the vapour amount (the higher the VG content the more vapour is produced, flavourings, and optionally nicotine (large e-liquid bottles are usually nicotine-free and come short-filled with a space for one or two nicotine shots of your desired strength and type.

What Is E Liquid Faqs Infographic Image Vapestreams

  • PG (Propylene Glycol): Acts as a flavour carrier to deliver flavour and throat hit
  • VG (Vegetable Glycerine): Responsible for creating vapor and smoothness of the draw
  • Nicotine (optional): Commonly used in 10ml Freebase and Nic Salt e-liquids and comes in varying strengths.
  • Flavourings: Can be natural or artificial, typically food-grade flavourings.
E Liquids Main Ingredients Icons Shortfill Faqs Image Vapestreams

Choosing the right e-liquid for your device is key to getting the best performance, flavour, and overall experience. The type of vape kit you’re using will determine the best PG/VG ratio and nicotine type for you.

For Pod Kits / Low-Powered MTL Devices

These devices are designed for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, which closely mimics the draw of a cigarette.

Best E-liquids:

  • 50/50 PG/VG e-liquids – perfect balance of throat hit and vapor
  • Nicotine salt e-liquids – smooth, fast-acting, higher nicotine strengths (10mg–20mg)
  • Freebase nicotine (higher strength) – if you prefer a stronger throat hit

Why: These e-liquids are thinner and easier for lower-powered coils to vaporize efficiently.

For Sub-Ohm Kits / High-Powered DTL Devices

These are typically larger vape kits with adjustable wattage and coils below 1.0 ohm—built for direct-to-lung (DTL) or sub-ohm vaping.

Best E-liquids:

  • High VG e-liquids (e.g., 70% VG or higher) – more vapor, smoother inhale
  • Shortfill e-liquids – nicotine-free large bottles (usually 60ml or 120ml), designed to be mixed with nicotine shots of your choice

Why: These e-liquids are thicker, ideal for producing big clouds and rich flavour in high-powered devices.

Not Sure What Type of Device You Have?

Check your coil resistance:

  • Above 1.0Ω = MTL / Pod Kit → Use 50/50 or Nic Salts
  • Below 1.0Ω = SUB-OHM Kit → Use High VG, Shortfills + Nic Shots

Pro Tip: Using the wrong e-liquid for your device can cause issues like coil burnout, leaking, poor flavour, or harsh hits. Always match your e-liquid to your kit’s specs for the smoothest vape.

What E Liquids Should I Use With My Vape Kit Infographic Shorfill Faqs Image Vapestreams

  • Freebase Nicotine E-Liquids: The most common type is freebase nicotine, which provides a stronger throat hit and is available in various nicotine strengths from 3mg up to 18mg.
  • Nicotine Salt E-Liquids: Contain nicotine salts, a natural compound found in tobacco leaves. They offer a smoother throat hit and faster nicotine absorption, suitable for higher nicotine strengths.
  • High-VG E-Liquids: E-liquids with a higher ratio of VG to PG produce larger vapour clouds and a smoother hit, which is preferred by sub-ohm vapers and those who enjoy cloud chasing.
  • High-PG E-Liquids: These are e-liquids with a higher ratio of PG to VG, delivering a stronger throat hit and more intense flavour. They are often used in lower-powered devices and MTL pod systems.
  • 50/50 E-Liquids: These balanced e-liquids contain equal parts VG and PG, offering a mix of flavour intensity and vapour production suitable for most devices.
What Are The Main Different Types Of E Liquids Infographic Shortfills Faqs Image Vapestreams

It all depends on what vaping device you are using and what type of vaping you prefer, MTL (mouth-to-lung) or DTL (direct-to-lung). If you have a MTL device then the recommended ratio is 50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG. If you enjoy big and dense amount of vapour and you have a SUB-OHM vaping device than the recommended ratio starts from 70%VG and higher.

  • 50/50: Balanced vapor and flavour — great for beginners, ex-smokers and MTL vapers
  • High VG (70%+): Produces big clouds and smooth hits — best for sub-ohm tanks and powerful high wattage devices.
  • High PG: Intense flavour and throat hit — for those who want a sharper hit and a discreet amount of vapour.
What Pg Vg Ratio E Liquid Should I Choose Infographic Shortfill Faqs Image Vapestreams

Vaping is generally considered less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes by many health authorities, including Public Health England. This is largely because e-liquids used in vaping don’t contain tobacco or produce tar and carbon monoxide—two of the most harmful components in cigarette smoke. However, vaping is not risk-free. E-liquids still contain nicotine

Is Vaping E Liquid Safer Than Smoking Cigarettes Infographic Shortfill Faqs Image Vapestreams

Understanding the difference between Freebase Nicotine and Nicotine Salts can help you choose the right e-liquid for your vape device and personal preferences.

Freebase Nicotine

Freebase is the most common and traditional form of nicotine used in vape juice. It’s the purest form of nicotine and has been used in cigarettes and vaping liquids for decades.

Key features:

  • Stronger throat hit, especially at higher strengths
  • Slower absorption into the bloodstream
  • Ideal for sub-ohm vaping (direct-to-lung)
  • Best suited for High VG e-liquids — simply add a freebase nic shot to your shortfill for a balanced DTL vape experience

Who it’s for:
Freebase nicotine is best suited for vape kits that deliver higher wattage, as it requires more heat to vaporize effectively and provide a satisfying experience. Devices with higher power output—typically sub-ohm kits—can handle the thicker consistency and stronger throat hit that freebase nicotine delivers. This makes it an ideal choice for vapers who prefer direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping with big clouds and bold flavour, as the increased power ensures the nicotine is vaporized efficiently and smoothly.

Nicotine Salts (Nic Salts)

Nicotine salts are a more refined version of nicotine, created by combining pure nicotine with an acid (usually benzoic or salicylic acid). This lowers the pH level, making the nicotine smoother to inhale — even at higher strengths.

Key features:

  • Smoother throat hit, even at high nicotine levels (e.g., 20mg)
  • Faster nicotine delivery — closely mimics the quick hit of a cigarette
  • Perfect for pod systems and MTL (mouth-to-lung) devices
  • Not ideal for sub-ohm vaping — tends to be too strong at high wattage

Who it’s for:
Vaporised easily at lower temperatures, means that nicotine salts work exceptionally well with low-powered vape devices. These devices can be from small to medium sizes, and highly efficient, making them perfect for everyday carry and quick use.

Because nicotine salts provide a smoother throat hit—even at higher strengths—they’re ideal for users who want a strong nicotine experience without harshness. This makes them especially appealing to beginner vapers, ex-smokers, or anyone seeking a fast, satisfying nicotine delivery from a compact and user-friendly setup, such as pod systems or mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices.

Comparison:

Feature Freebase Nicotine Nicotine Salts
Throat Hit Stronger Smoother
Absorption Speed Slower Faster
Suitable Devices Sub-ohm, high-wattage mods Pods, MTL, low-wattage kits
Best Use Shortfill mixing 50/50 e-liquids, salt nic juices
Nicotine Strength Range 3mg–18mg 10mg–20mg

Pro Tip: If you’re using a shortfill e-liquids for sub-ohm vaping, stick with freebase nicotine shots. If you’re using a MTL starter kit or pod system and prefer higher nicotine levels with less harshness, nicotine salts are your go-to.

What's The Difference Between Freebase Nicotine And Nicotine Salts Infographic Shortfills Faqs Image Vapestreams

E-liquids or vape liquids should always be stored in a cool, dry and dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and high heat can degrade the nicotine and flavourings, affecting the e-liquid’s quality and taste. Always keep e-liquids out of reach of children and pets.

Yes, making your own e-liquid at home is possible, a process known as DIY e-liquid mixing. This involves combining PG, VG, nicotine (if desired), and flavourings in specific ratios. However, DIY mixing requires careful measurement and understanding of the ingredients to ensure safety and consistency. It’s important to follow reliable recipes and mixing guidelines and use high-quality, food-grade ingredients.

Additionally, handle nicotine with care, as it can be dangerous in concentrated forms.