E-Liquid Bases

How do I choose a DIY base?

A DIY base is the neutral liquid that completes a flavour concentrate: it is never vaped on its own and never contains nicotine when you buy it.

PG and VG, two different roles

PG (propylene glycol) carries the flavour and gives the throat hit, while VG (vegetable glycerine) produces the vapour and smooths the inhale. A DIY base combines the two in a given proportion, shown in its name: 50PG/50VG, 70PG/30VG or 20PG/80VG depending on the product.

Which ratio should I choose?

The Sevap 50PG/50VG base suits most classic pods and tanks, with a good balance between flavour, throat hit and vapour. The SuperVape 70PG/30VG base, higher in PG, puts the emphasis on flavour production and suits tight draws well. At the other end, the SuperVape Easy To Mix 20/80 base and the Chemnovatic Mix&Go base, very high in VG, lean towards more abundant vapour, suited to atomizers that accept an airy draw.

Why a nicotine-free base?

A DIY base is sold nicotine-free so that the vaper can set the final strength of their recipe. It is the nicotine shot, added separately at the time of mixing, that sets this strength: the same base can be used to make a nicotine-free e-liquid or a high-strength one.

Working out the volumes of a recipe

A DIY recipe is worked out in three steps: the volume of flavour concentrate set by the dosage shown on the bottle, the volume of nicotine shot needed to reach the target nicotine strength, and the base that tops up to the total volume you want. For a 100ml mix with 10% flavour, for example, 10ml of concentrate and the nicotine shot needed are topped up with base to 100ml.

Common mistakes with a DIY base

The most frequent confusion is forgetting that the base replaces neither the flavour nor the nicotine shot: without a concentrate, it gives no taste; without a nicotine shot, it contains no nicotine. Another trap is mixing two different ratios without recalculating the final ratio of the mix: the result is then not the one stated on either bottle.

Frequently asked questions

Can I vape a DIY base on its own?

No, a base on its own has no taste and should not be vaped as it is: it is designed to be mixed with a flavour concentrate.

Does a DIY base contain nicotine?

No, a base like those from Sevap, SuperVape or Chemnovatic is always sold nicotine-free. It is the nicotine shot that adds it, in the proportion you choose.

What is the difference between a 50/50 base and a high-VG base?

A 50/50 base, like the one from Sevap, suits most everyday kit. A high-VG base, like the Easy To Mix 20/80 base, produces more vapour but needs an atomizer designed for an airy draw.

Can I mix two bases with different ratios?

Yes, mixing two bases gives an intermediate ratio, but the calculation of the final ratio must then take account of the proportions of each base used, not just the total volume.

Do I need to add an additive to the base?

No, an additive is dosed directly into the final mix, in a small quantity, and replaces neither the base nor the flavour concentrate.

See also

• 30ml Flavour Concentrates: the flavour of your DIY e-liquid.
• 10ml Flavour Concentrates: the small size for trying a flavour.
• Nicotine Shots: to add nicotine to your base.
• Additives: to adjust a recipe in a small quantity.
• DIY: the whole selection for making your own e-liquid at home.
• E-Liquids: the ready-to-vape solution, already mixed.