Vaping isn’t just a trend, it’s a culture. But like any other new technology, newcomers may struggle to fully master the tools available.
One of the most important components to understand when it comes to vaping is the vape coil. This small piece of metal acts as a heating element and helps create vaporization [1]. In order for the vape coil to work properly, it needs to be primed before use or else it can burn out quickly, resulting in an unpleasant taste and smell. So how exactly do you prime a vape coil?
Priming your vape coil allows the wicking material to become fully saturated with e-juice before you start vaping, which will reduce dry hits and extend the life of your coil. The process begins by adding a few drops of juice directly onto the exposed cotton inside the coil head. Be careful not to overfill it— too much liquid can flood the atomizer and gurgle or spit when you take a drag.
If you are just getting into vaping and don’t know what priming a vape coil is or why it’s important, then this blog post is for you! We’ll cover understanding vape coils, how to prime them correctly, and some tips to make your vaping experience enjoyable and safe. By the end of this article, you will be well-versed in one of the essential principles of modern vaping: priming your coil. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What Is Priming?
Priming is a process of pre-soaking the wick in e-liquid to make sure that it’s ready for use [2]. It’s an important step before vaping, as it ensures that your coil won’t burn out when you start to use it. Priming avoids dry hits, which are unpleasant and can damage your coils or atomizer. Also, it reduces the time taken for the coil to heat up and produce vapor. The process of priming is simple and will help you get the most out of your vaping experience.
What Is A Vape Coil?
Also, the coil’s resistance level affects the type of vape experience you will get. Make sure to use the correct replacement coils that are compatible with your vaping device.
What Does Priming A Coil Do?
Dry hits can damage your coils and atomizer, so it’s important to prime before you start vaping [4]. Additionally, priming helps to reduce the time taken for the coil to heat up, so you can start vaping faster.
What Are The Signs Of A Burnt Coil?
There are several signs of a burnt coil that you can look out for, such as:
- A burnt or unpleasant taste when vaping. This is the most common and obvious sign that your coil is burnt. It means that the wicking material is dry or charred and cannot deliver the e-liquid flavor properly;
- A gurgling or bubbling sound when vaping. This can indicate that your coil is flooded with e-liquid and cannot vaporize it efficiently. It can also cause spitback or leaking of e-liquid from the tank or mouthpiece;
- A reduced vapor production or performance. If your coil is burnt, it will not be able to heat up the e-liquid as well as before and produce less vapor. You may also notice that your device is not working as smoothly or consistently as before;
- A change in the color or smell of your e-liquid. If your coil is burnt, it can affect the quality and appearance of your e-liquid. You may see that your e-liquid becomes darker, thicker, or cloudier than before. You may also smell a burnt or sour odor from your tank or device;
- A check engine light or error code on your device. Some devices have a built-in feature that can detect when your coil is burnt or faulty and alert you with a light or a code. You can check your device manual or online for the meaning of the code and how to fix it [5];
If you notice any of these signs, you should replace your coil as soon as possible and prime the new one properly. This will help you avoid damaging your device or ruining your vaping experience.
Benefits Of Priming Your Atomizer Coil:
Eliminating Burnt Hits
The primary benefit of priming your coil is the avoidance of dry or burnt hits, which are unpleasant and can ruin your vaping session. When an atomizer coil is unused, the wicking material is completely dry. If you vape without priming it, the coil will heat up and burn the wick, resulting in a charred taste and a harsh throat hit. By priming your coil, you ensure that the wick is moist and ready to vaporize the e-liquid, delivering a smooth and flavorful vape.
Heightens Flavor Intensity
Another benefit of priming your coil is the enhancement of flavor intensity, which is one of the main reasons why people vape. When a coil is properly primed, the e-liquid can soak into the wick and the coil, creating better contact and a more even distribution of heat. This allows the coil to vaporize the e-liquid more efficiently and effectively, bringing out the full potential of the flavor. By priming your coil, you can enjoy the better tasting e-juice experience possible.
Adds To The Longevity Of The Coil
A third benefit of priming your coil is the extension of the coil’s lifespan, which can save you money and hassle in the long run. When a coil is not properly primed, the coil and the wick can get damaged by the high temperature and the lack of e-liquid. This can cause the coil to lose its performance and flavor, and eventually burn out. By priming your coil, you can protect the coil and the wick from overheating and drying out, and keep them in good condition for longer. By priming your coil, you can get the most out of your coil and your device [6].
How To Prime A Vape Coil: Steps
When it comes to vaping, priming your atomizer coil is an important step to ensure a smooth and flavorful vaping experience. A poorly primed coil can lead to a burnt taste, decreased vapor production, and even damage to your device. This is how you should prime a vape coil:
Step 1: Attach The New Atomizer Coil
The first step in priming your atomizer coil is to attach the new coil to your device. Make sure to turn off your device and remove the tank or pod from the battery before proceeding. Then, carefully remove the old coil from the tank and dispose of it.
Next, take the new coil and screw it into the base of the tank or pod. Be careful not to overtighten the coil, as this can damage the threads and make it difficult to remove in the future. Once the coil is securely in place, reattach the tank or pod to the battery.
Step 2: Saturate The Wicking Material
Now that your new coil is securely in place, it’s time to saturate the wicking material with e-liquid. This step is crucial to ensure that the coil doesn’t burn out when you first start vaping.
Start by filling the tank with e-liquid, making sure to avoid overfilling. You want to leave some room for air to circulate in the tank and prevent leaking. Next, take the bottle of e-liquid and place a few drops directly onto the exposed cotton wick on the coil.
Repeat this process a few times, adding a few drops of e-liquid onto the wick until it is fully saturated. You should be able to see the e-liquid soaking into the wick and saturating it fully.
Step 3: Take Some Dry Hits
After saturating the wicking material, it’s time to take a few dry hits. This means taking a few puffs from your device without actually activating the fire button. Dry hits help to pull the e-liquid into the coil and saturate the wick fully.
To take a dry hit, simply place your lips around the mouthpiece and inhale as if you were vaping. You should be able to feel the air flowing through the coil and wick, pulling the e-liquid in and saturating it fully.
Step 4: Break-In The Coil
The final step in priming your atomizer coil is to break it in. Breaking in the coil means slowly increasing the wattage over time, allowing the coil to heat up slowly and prevent any burning or damage to the wick.
To break in the coil, start at a lower wattage than you would normally use and take a few puffs. Gradually increase the wattage over time, taking a few puffs at each wattage level until you reach your desired wattage [7].
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your atomizer coil is properly primed and ready for use. A well-primed coil will provide a smooth and flavorful vaping experience, with plenty of vapor production and no burnt taste. Remember to prime your coils every time you replace them to ensure the best possible vaping experience.
How Long Should You Prime A Vape Coil For?
Vape coils should be primed for a period of 10-15 minutes, depending on the model and material of the coil. This will ensure that it is fully saturated with juice, allowing you to get optimal performance out of your device.
Finally, if you’re having trouble getting your coil to prime properly, you can try using a cotton swab to apply the juice directly onto the wick before attaching it to your device. This will help ensure that the coil is fully saturated and ready for use.
How To Prime Your Coils Faster?
If you don’t want to spend too much time priming your coils, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier and quicker:
- Firstly, it is important to choose the right e-liquid for your device. If you have an open system (meaning you fill the tank yourself with e-liquid), opt for a thinner e-liquid that has less VG content in order to reduce any potential damage caused by leaking or flooding of coils. This will also help speed up the priming process as thinner e-liquids saturate faster;
- Another thing that can speed up the priming process is increasing the wattage of your vape mod when vaping. Increasing wattage will allow more current to flow through the coils, thus speeding up the priming process. You can also take a few short pulls from your vape device in order to help saturate the wick faster;
- Finally, it is important to make sure that your coil is properly installed before you start priming it. If it isn’t in place correctly, you will have difficulty getting the e-liquid saturated inside and this could lead to a burnt taste or dry hits when vaping [9];
How Often Should You Replace A Coil?
It is important to remember that replacing your coil regularly will ensure that your vaping experience remains enjoyable with good flavor and vapor production. To extend the life of your coils, it may help to clean them occasionally using warm water or tissue paper [10].
Additionally, if the taste of your e-liquid starts to become muted or burnt-tasting, this can be a sign that it’s time to replace your coil. Lastly, you should check the manufacturer’s instructions on how often to replace your coil for the best results.
What Happens If You Don’t Prep Your Tank & Atomizer?
If you do not properly prep your tank and atomizer, there is a risk of burning out the coil too quickly. Not prepping will cause the cotton to become saturated with e-liquid before it can be vaped, which causes the coil to heat up very rapidly. This extra heat may cause the coils in your tank or atomizer to burn out faster than normal. Tip for users: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. Before using any device or product mentioned here, please read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Please practice safe vaping habits and follow all relevant laws and regulations.
Can You Over-Prime Your Coil?
Yes, it is possible to over-prime your coil.
FAQ:
- How long does it take to prime your coil?
The length of time it takes to prime a coil can vary depending on the type of coil and the e-liquid being used. As a general rule, it’s recommended to let the coil soak in e-liquid for at least 5-10 minutes before using it. This allows the wick to become fully saturated with e-liquid and helps to prevent dry hits.
- When should you prime your coil?
You should prime your coil whenever you install a new one or whenever you’re using a coil that hasn’t been used in a while. This helps to ensure that the wick is fully saturated with e-liquid before you start vaping, which can help to prevent dry hits and extend the life of your coil.
- What should you do if you forget to prime your coil?
If you forget to prime your coil, you may experience a burnt taste or dry hits when you start vaping. In this case, it’s best to stop vaping and let the coil sit for a few minutes to allow the wick to fully saturate with e-liquid [12]. You can also try adding a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the coil to help speed up the priming process.
- When should you replace your coil?
You should replace your coil when you start experiencing a burnt taste, reduced vapor production, or a noticeable decrease in flavor. Depending on your vaping habits and the type of coil you’re using, this could be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
- What can you do if you don’t want to prime your coil?
While priming your coil is recommended, you can still use a new coil without priming it if you’re in a hurry. However, be prepared to experience a burnt taste or dry hits until the wick becomes fully saturated with e-liquid.
- What happens if you don’t prime your vape coil?
If you don’t prime your vape coil, you may experience a burnt taste or dry hits when you start vaping. This is because the wick hasn’t had a chance to become fully saturated with e-liquid, which can lead to the coil overheating and burning the wick.
- How many times do you have to prime a coil?
You only need to prime a coil once, typically when you first install it or after it’s been unused for a while. After the wick has been fully saturated with e-liquid, you can start vaping as usual.
- Is a coil ruined after one dry hit?
While a coil isn’t necessarily ruined after one dry hit, repeated dry hits can cause the wick to burn, which can reduce the lifespan of the coil [13]. If you experience a dry hit, it’s best to stop vaping and allow the wick to fully saturate with e-liquid before continuing.
- Why does my coil taste “burnt” after priming?
If your coil tastes burnt after priming, it could be because the wick hasn’t been fully saturated with e-liquid. This can happen if you don’t let the coil sit for long enough before vaping, or if you don’t add enough e-liquid during the priming process.
- Can you prime a coil too much?
It’s possible to over-prime a coil, which can lead to flooding or leaking. To avoid this, only add enough e-liquid to saturate the wick, and don’t add more than is necessary.
- Why is my coil burning after 1 day?
If your coil is burning after only one day, it could be due to a few different factors, including vaping at too high of a wattage, using an e-liquid with a high level of sweeteners or artificial flavors, or not priming the coil properly before use. It’s also possible that the coil is simply defective and needs to be replaced.
- How do you break in a new coil?
To break in a new coil, start at a lower wattage than you would normally use and gradually increase the wattage over time. This allows the coil to heat up slowly and helps to prevent burning or damage to the wick [14].
- How do you not burn a new coil?
To avoid burning a new coil, make sure to prime it properly before use and start at a lower wattage than you would normally use. Gradually increase the wattage over time, allowing the coil to heat up slowly and preventing the wick from burning.
- Can you save a burnt vape coil?
Once a vape coil is burnt, it’s typically not salvageable and will need to be replaced. Attempting to use a burnt coil can lead to a poor vaping experience and potentially harmful chemicals being released into the vapor.
- Should a new coil taste burn?
A new coil should not taste burnt if it has been properly primed and installed. If you’re experiencing a burnt taste with a new coil, it’s possible that it wasn’t primed properly or that there’s another issue with the coil.
- How long should vape coils last?
The lifespan of a vape coil can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of coil, how often it’s used, and the type of e-liquid being used. As a general rule, most coils will last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks before needing to be replaced.
- Why does my vape crackle?
A crackling sound when vaping is typically caused by e-liquid vaporizing and can be a normal part of the vaping experience [15]. However, if the crackling is accompanied by spitting or leaking, it could be a sign that the coil needs to be replaced.
- Should you shake your vape?
Shaking your vape can help to mix the e-liquid and ensure that it’s fully saturated with the wick. However, be careful not to shake it too vigorously, as this can cause leaking or flooding.
- What does a dry vape hit taste like?
A dry vape hit can taste burnt or harsh, with a strong throat hit and very little vapor production. It’s typically a sign that the coil needs to be primed or replaced.
- How do I know if my coil is flooded?
If your coil is flooded, you may experience gurgling or spitting when you vape, with excess e-liquid leaking into your mouth. To fix this, try blowing gently into the mouthpiece or removing the coil and gently shaking out any excess e-liquid before reinserting it.
Useful Video: How to prime a vape coil in 2 minutes
Conclusion
Priming a vape coil before use is essential as it prevents dry hits and ensures optimal performance. To properly prime it, make sure to add e-liquid to all of its wicks, wait 5 minutes, then fire a few times without inhaling.
Additionally, you should replace your coils regularly as this will help extend their life and keep your vaping experience enjoyable with good flavor and vapor production. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions about replacing coils for the best results.
With these tips in mind, you can ensure that your coils are always performing optimally!
References:
- https://www.thekindpen.com/want-to-vape-like-royalty-heres-how-to-prepare-your-vape-coils-for-the-right-flavor-zero-obnoxious-dry-hits-a-perfect-vaping-experience/
- https://okvape.co.uk/blog/product-guides/how-to-prime-a-coil/
- https://www.vaporauthority.com/blogs/news/113416517-how-to-properly-prime-your-atomizer-coil
- https://vapekit.co.uk/vape-coils-c1324/how-to-prime-your-vape-coil-c1341
- https://vapegreen.co.uk/blog/guides-and-tutorials/prime-your-coil
- https://vapeuk.co.uk/a-guide-to-priming-coils
- https://www.vaporauthority.com/blogs/news/113416517-how-to-properly-prime-your-atomizer-coil
- http://www.seerace.com/2016/08/benefits-of-priming-your-atomizer-coil.html
- https://www.vaporvanity.com/how-to-prime-vape-coils/
- https://vapingadvisor.com/how-long-vape-coil-soak/
- https://vapecould.com/blogs/news/how-to-tell-if-your-coil-is-burnt-6-symptoms-to-look-out-for
- https://www.ontariovape.com/blogs/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-telling-if-your-coil-or-pod-is-burnt
- https://www.vaporauthority.com/blogs/news/113416517-how-to-properly-prime-your-atomizer-coil
- https://www.vaporvanity.com/how-to-prime-vape-coils/
- https://vapingadvisor.com/how-long-vape-coil-soak/