How Do You Thin Out E-Liquid?

Vaping has become an incredibly popular alternative to smoking traditional combustible cigarettes over the past decade. At the core of vaping is the e-liquid, also known as vape juice or e-juice. This specially formulated liquid contains vegetable glycerin (VG), propylene glycol (PG), flavorings, and optionally, nicotine. It's vaporized and inhaled to deliver taste and satisfaction without burning tobacco.

While pre-mixed e-liquids from quality manufacturers are ready to vape as-is, some vapers like to experiment by thinning out their juice. Diluting e-juice with distilled water can produce certain effects that appeal to vapers with particular preferences and goals.

Thinning out e-liquid is a simple process, but there are some important factors to consider for safety and to achieve your ideal vaping experience. This complete guide will cover everything you need to know about how do you thin out E-Liquid.

Why Do you Want to Thin Out E-Liquid?

There are several motivations that lead vapers to thin out their e-juices. The most common include:

Increasing Vapor Production

One of the main reasons vapers thin out e-liquid is to increase vapor production. VG is the component in e-juice primarily responsible for dense, thick vapor clouds. The higher the VG ratio, the more vapor is generally produced.

However, extremely high VG ratios (over 80% or 90% VG) can be too thick for some devices, preventing effective wicking and vaporization. Introducing distilled water thins out the juice for enhanced vaporization, allowing vapers to achieve huge vapor clouds from high VG juices that might not otherwise perform well.

Diluting 50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG mixes with distilled water can also boost vapor output compared to the undiluted liquid. Each vaper needs to experiment to find their preferred ratio for maximum clouds.

To access more content: Can You Mix E-Liquids?

Improving Wicking Performance

Another common reason for diluting e-juice is to improve wicking efficiency, especially in rebuildable dripping atomizers (RDAs).

Wicking determines how effectively e-liquid makes it from the reservoir to the heating coil. Efficient wicking is essential for optimal vaporization and to prevent dry hits. Some RDAs with certain builds have trouble wicking ultra-thick max VG juices fast enough. This can lead to dry, burnt hits.

Introducing distilled water thins out the e-liquid just enough to dramatically improve wicking speeds. This allows vapers to comfortably use thick VG ratios in RDAs that might otherwise struggle.

Softening Throat Hit

The throat hit of an e-liquid refers to the intensity of the feeling in the throat when vaping. This sensation is caused primarily by two components - propylene glycol and nicotine.

Higher PG ratios lead to more intense throat hits, while higher VG mitigates harshness. Nicotine level also directly correlates with throat hit intensity.

Some vapers, especially those new to high nicotine salts juices, find the throat hit too overwhelming. Diluting the e-juice with distilled water effectively softens the throat hit for a smoother, less harsh vape.

Stretching E-Liquid Supply

Another incentive for thinning out e-juice is to make the supply last longer. This is especially appealing for vapers on tight budgets.

Adding distilled water increases the total volume and liquid quantity while using up less of the actual e-liquid. Essentially, diluting allows vapers to stretch each bottle further than vaping it pure.

There are some downsides to consider, like diluted flavor and nicotine strength. But for some cost-conscious vapers, the trade-off is worthwhile.

Adjusting Flavor Intensity

The density of e-liquid impacts how intensely flavors come through when vaped. Diluting juice can mute flavors, which some vapers use to their advantage if they find a particular e-liquid too overpowering.

Adding minimal distilled water provides a simple method of attenuating powerful flavor intensities without completely eliminating tastes. It allows vapers to turn flavors they enjoy from “too strong” to “just right” for their preferences.

Supplies Needed for Thinning E-Liquid

Thinning out e-juice is a simple process that only requires a few supplies:

E-Liquid You Want to Thin: This is obviously essential. Only thin out small quantities of e-liquid at a time until you determine your preferred consistency.

Distilled Water: Use only steam-distilled water, available at pharmacies and grocery stores. Avoid tap water due to contaminants.

Mixing Vessel: This can be a beaker, laboratory mixing cylinder, or simply a bottle or jug depending on batch size. Glass is ideal.

Measuring Tools: Graduated cylinders, pipettes, syringes, or other volumetric tools to accurately measure out distilled water and e-liquid.

Funnel (optional): Makes it easier to pour thinned e-liquid into final storage bottles without spilling.

Bottles for Storing: You'll need bottles to store the finished thinned e-liquid. Eye dropper bottles work great.

Gloves (recommended): Wearing gloves reduces contamination risk during mixing.

That's really all you need to start thinning your e-juices at home. Now let's get into the actual dilution process.

How to Thin Vape Juice at Home?

Diluting e-juice is a very simple process with just a few steps:

Calculate the Target Dilution Ratio: First, determine how much you want to thin out the e-liquid. Good starting points are dilution ratios like 10% or 20% distilled water by volume.

For a 10% dilution, you'll add 10ml of distilled water per 100ml of e-liquid. For a 20% dilution, add 20ml of water per 100ml of juice. This significantly thins most e-liquids without overdiluting.

Sterilize Mixing Tools: Before mixing, thoroughly clean and sterilize any containers, funnels, graduated cylinders, and pipettes that will contact the e-liquid. This prevents contamination.

Optional but recommended: Wear latex gloves during the dilution process to further reduce contamination risks.

Measure out E-Liquid & Distilled Water: Use your graduated cylinder, pipettes, or syringes to accurately measure out the amounts of e-liquid and distilled water based on your target dilution ratio.

For example, to make a 10% diluted e-liquid with a 100ml bottle, measure out 90ml of e-liquid and 10ml of distilled water.

Mix Diluted E-Liquid: Pour the e-liquid and distilled water into your sterilized mixing container. If using a bottle, make sure to leave room for shaking.

Seal the container and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds to fully combine the ingredients. The e-liquid and water should be completely blended.

Steep (Optional): Some vapers like to let the diluted e-liquid steep for 12-48 hours so the flavors mingle. This is optional and not required.

Transfer to Storage Bottles: Use a funnel to carefully transfer the thinned e-liquid into your sterilized storage bottles. Leave a little extra airspace to allow for shaking.

Cap tightly and label each bottle with details like ratio and date mixed. Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

And that's it - you now have successfully thinned out your e-liquid with distilled water! Be sure to shake thoroughly before each use. If there's anything else you don't understand, see this discussion on Quora.

We SKE vape has so many flavor options. You can try our SKE Crystal Bar and it has thirty flavors. And SKE Crystal Plus vape has 15 flavor options. Explore more on our website.

Tips for Diluting E-Juice Effectively

Follow these tips when thinning out your vape juices for the very best results:

• Always use steam-distilled or deionized purified water. Tap water contains impurities.
• Start with small dilution ratios like 10% or 20% to test it out. You can always add more water.
• Shake very vigorously after mixing to fully blend the water and e-liquid.
• Keep everything sterile and wear gloves to prevent contamination.
• Test the thinned juice and adjust the dilution ratios. Take notes on your preferences.
• Glass mixing containers and dropper bottles are ideal. Avoid plastic.
• Don't overdilute - too much water drastically mutes flavor and vapor quality.
• Mix small test batches first to dial in your perfect ratio before thinning large amounts.
• Let the e-liquid fully combine and steep for 24 hours if desired before vaping.

Following these tips will help you find your ideal dilution ratios for maximum enjoyment. Patience and gradual testing are key.

Potential Risks of Thinning E-Liquids

Thinning out e-juice with pure distilled water comes with relatively low risks, but there are a few potential downsides to keep in mind:

• Excessive dilution can mute or ruin the flavor of your e-liquid. Go slowly and find the sweet spot.
• Thinned juice may not create as tight of a seal in tanks. This can lead to minor leaking issues.
• Spit back is more likely with overly thinned juice boiling too quickly in atomizers. Find a balance.
• Water promotes faster degradation of e-liquid. Thinned juices have a shorter shelf life than pure juice.
• Contamination can occur if mixing tools and water are not properly sterilized.
• Nicotine strength and throat hit intensity are reduced with greater dilution.

As long as you take care to find ideal thinning ratios for your needs, these potential downsides are easily avoided. Do not over-dilute, keep everything sterile, and store it properly.

Commonly Asked Questions About Thinning E-Juice

Many vapers new to thinning e-liquid have similar questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

1. What is the ideal PG/VG ratio to thin out?

This depends on personal preferences, but many vapers enjoy thinning a 30PG/70VG or 40PG/60VG ratio. This balances vapor, flavor, and wicking nicely.

2. How long does thinned out e-liquid last?

Around 1-2 months is common, whereas unopened bottles can last 12+ months. The water reduces shelf life. Refrigeration extends it.

3. Can I use vodka or other liquids instead of distilled water?

It's best to only use steam-distilled purified water to thin e-liquids. Other liquids introduce unpredictable factors. Keep it simple.

4. Does thinning e-juice mute the flavors?

In moderate amounts, thinning only slightly mutes flavors. Excessive dilution can ruin flavors. Go slowly and find your ideal ratio.

5. Is it safe to thin my e-liquid with distilled water?

Using proper handling and high-quality distilled water, thinning e-juice comes with very low risks. Avoid contaminants for maximum safety.

6. How much distilled water should I use to thin VG/PG juice?

Start with small 10-20% dilutions and test from there. For a 30/70 PG/VG ratio, 10% is around 3ml water per 30ml juice. Increase incrementally.

7. Can I vape e-liquid right after thinning, or should I let it steep?

You can vape thinned juice immediately, but letting it sit 12-48 hours allows the flavors to fully blend together optimally.

Thinning out your e-juices takes some experimentation but allows for personalized vaping. Follow these tips and you'll be expertly diluting in no time. Vape on