Mixing your own e-liquid appeals to people who want control over flavour, strength and cost. DIY e-liquid concentrates are the starting point. This guide explains what a concentrate is, what equipment you need, and the safety rules to follow. It is aimed at adults who already vape and are comfortable with careful measuring. Vaping is for adults and is best suited to people who already smoke or use nicotine.
What Is a Flavour Concentrate?
A flavour concentrate is a bottle of pure flavouring, with no VG, PG or nicotine in the way a ready-made e-liquid has. It is intensely strong and is never meant to be vaped on its own. You mix a small percentage of it into a base of VG and PG, and optionally a nicotine shot, to create finished e-liquid. The manufacturer’s recommended percentage is usually printed on the bottle or product page, and it is the best place to begin.
DIY Concentrates We Stock
Our DIY concentrates category includes the Dampflion Checkmate range: Blue Pawn, Knight’s Gambit and Rook’s Reserve. Each is a 10ml bottle of flavour concentrate that has to be diluted into your own VG/PG base before use.
What You Need to Get Started
- A flavour concentrate, such as the Dampflion Checkmate range.
- A VG/PG base, in a ratio that suits your device.
- Nicotine shots if you want nicotine (optional).
- Measuring tools: clean syringes or digital scales.
- Clean mixing bottles and labels.
- Disposable gloves and a paper towel for spills.
A Simple Mixing Process
- Decide how much liquid you want to make, for example 50ml.
- Check the manufacturer’s recommended flavour percentage and work out the amount of concentrate. A 10 percent concentrate in 50ml means 5ml.
- Add the concentrate to a clean bottle.
- Add the nicotine shot, if you are using one.
- Top up with your VG/PG base to the total volume.
- Close the bottle firmly and shake well.
- Label it with the date, flavour and strength, and let it steep.
Steeping simply means letting the mix rest for a few days, shaking occasionally and letting air escape, which many mixers find helps the flavour develop. Always start with the lower end of the recommended percentage and adjust the next batch to taste.
Keeping Within UK Rules
In the UK, nicotine e-liquid is capped at 20mg/ml, so the finished mix must stay within that limit. Work out the final strength carefully, and remember that adding nicotine shots to a base changes it. If you are mixing for personal use, take care and label everything. If you are not comfortable with the maths, a ready-made nic salt or shortfill is a simpler choice, and our guide to mixing a shortfill with nic shots covers the easier route.
Safety Rules for DIY Mixers
- Never vape a concentrate undiluted.
- Keep concentrates, bases and nicotine shots out of reach of children and pets.
- Wear gloves when handling nicotine and wash your hands afterwards.
- Work on a clean, stable surface and wipe up spills straight away.
- Label every bottle clearly and do not reuse unlabelled bottles.
- Store everything in a cool, dark place away from heat.
Which Device Suits DIY E-Liquid?
The right device depends on the base you mix. A 50/50 VG/PG mix with a nic salt shot suits a small pod kit, while a high-VG mix is made for a sub-ohm tank. If you are not sure, read nic salt vs freebase vs shortfill for the differences, and use our pod kit guide to choose a device.
Is DIY Worth It?
For many vapers, the main benefits are control and cost over time. The downsides are the time, the equipment and the need to be careful. If you enjoy the process and are patient, it can be rewarding. If you simply want to vape, a bottle that is ready to use is easier. You can see what is available in our e-liquid and shortfill range.
Common Beginner Mistakes
The most common mistake is adding too much concentrate. Because the flavour is so strong, going over the recommended percentage can make the finished liquid harsh or overpowering rather than better. Another is skipping the maths on nicotine strength, which can leave you well above or below your target. Write the calculation down before you start, and double-check it. A third mistake is using dirty or reused bottles, which can spoil a batch or cause confusion later.
It also helps to keep notes of each batch, including the percentages you used and how it tasted after a few days. Over time, those notes become your own recipe book, and they make it much easier to repeat a mix you enjoyed or to adjust one you did not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I vape a concentrate directly?
No. It must be diluted in a VG/PG base first.
How much concentrate should I use?
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended percentage and start at the lower end.
Do I need nicotine?
No. A nicotine shot is optional. Without it, your mix is nicotine-free.
Explore the DIY concentrates or visit the shop. You must be 18 or over to buy.