How to Prime a Vape Coil: Perfect Your Puff

If you're new to vaping or just looking to level up your experience, you've probably heard the term "priming a vape coil" thrown around. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it such a big deal? Mastering how to prime a vape coil is key to getting the best performance, longevity, and flavor. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know, from why priming matters to common mistakes to avoid. Stick with us, and you'll be vaping like a pro in no time!

How to Prime a Vape Coil?

While it might seem like a small task, priming a vape coil properly is critical for optimal vaping performance. Let's take a deep dive into exactly how to prime a vape coil, step-by-step, with all the nuanced details to get you primed.

1. Remove the Tank and Coil

The first step to priming a vape coil is to remove the vape tank carefully and detach the coil if it's already in place. If you're replacing an old coil, please dispose of it properly and inspect the tank for any remaining liquid. A clean tank ensures the new coil won't be contaminated with leftover residue from previous e-liquids, which can affect the flavor or the priming process. When inserting a new coil, gently screw it into place, ensuring it's secure without being over-tightened.

2. Saturate the Coil with E-liquid

It's the most critical part of the priming process: confirming the coil's wick (usually cotton or other absorbent material) is thoroughly saturated before using it. You'll typically see the cotton wrapped around or inserted into the coil, and it's the area you want to focus on.

Drip 4-6 drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton of the coil. The cotton should absorb the liquid, but not be flooded, to ensure it's evenly saturated. If the coil has a larger wicking area, you may need to add a few more drops, but don't overdo it. Be careful and precise — aim to saturate the cotton without making it too wet or causing leaks.

If you're dealing with a complex coil setup, such as a sub-ohm or rebuildable atomizer (RBA), pay extra attention to all parts of the cotton that touch the coil. You can even prime the edges and any other exposed areas where the cotton may be invisible.

3. Fill the Tank with E-liquid

Once the coil is primed, the next step is to fill the tank with your chosen e-liquid. Ensure it's the same flavor and nicotine strength you want to use. When filling, avoid overfilling the tank. Most tanks have a fill line or recommended level, so leave a little space at the top for air circulation and to prevent leaks. Fill the tank slowly to avoid creating too much air pressure, which could cause leaks or flooding when you put everything back together.

After filling, verify the tank is securely sealed, since any gap or improper sealing could cause leaks and uneven airflow ruining your vaping experience.

4. Let It Sit and Absorb

It's one of the most important but often overlooked steps: letting the liquid fully soak into the coil. After filling your tank, let it sit for at least 5-10 minutes so the e-liquid can soak into the cotton wick completely. The time allows the liquid to penetrate every fiber of the wick material, ensuring the coil is fully prepared for vaping. Don't rush it — if you vape too soon, you could risk burning the cotton, causing a dry hit, and potentially damaging the coil beyond repair.

If you're really in a rush, gently puff on your vaping device without firing it to help draw the liquid into the wick. The "dry puffing" can help expedite the process a bit, but it's still crucial to let the coil sit for a while to ensure full saturation.

5. Vape at a Lower Wattage

Now that your coil is fully primed and your tank is filled, it's time to vape! But don't immediately crank up the wattage. Begin vaping at a lower wattage than you normally would, and gradually work your way up to your preferred setting. Starting low ensures that the coil heats evenly and that the e-liquid gets vaporized gradually, avoiding any chance of burning the wick.

How to Prime a Mesh Coil?

Priming a mesh coil follows many of the same principles as priming traditional coils, but some important differences make the process unique. Mesh coils have a larger surface area than standard coils, which means they require a bit more attention to detail when it comes to saturating the wick and ensuring an even distribution of e-liquid.

1. Larger Surface Area

A wider surface area means mesh coils need more e-liquid to fully saturate the cotton and heat evenly.

2. More E-liquid Drops

Because of the larger cotton area, mesh coils require more e-liquid to prime. Typically, you'll need 6-8 drops directly onto the mesh cotton, whereas standard coils usually require 4-6 drops.

3. E-liquid on the Mesh

In addition to saturating the cotton, you should apply a few drops directly to the mesh surface itself to supply an even e-liquid distribution across the entire mesh.

4. Longer Saturation Time

Mesh coils tend to require a longer soaking time than traditional coils, so waiting 10-15 minutes for full saturation is often recommended.

5. Lower Wattage Start

While both coils benefit from low-wattage vaping initially, mesh coils may require a more gradual increase in wattage to avoid burning the cotton and prevent uneven heating across the mesh surface.

6. Potential for Flooding

Because of its larger wick area, over-saturating a mesh coil is more likely to cause flooding, which can lead to leaks or gurgling.

7. Enhanced Flavor Production

Mesh coils generally produce better flavor, so please prime them thoroughly to avoid any dry hits that can spoil the flavor from the start.

How Long to Prime a Vape Coil?

The general rule is to let your vape coil sit for at least 5-10 minutes after priming. Here's a breakdown based on coil types:

1. Standard Coils

Wait 5-10 minutes after applying e-liquid and filling the tank. You can take a few dry puffs to speed up the process but avoid skipping this waiting period.

2. Mesh Coils

Due to their larger surface area, mesh coils may need 10-15 minutes to fully saturate the cotton.

3. Coils with Multiple Wicks

For complex coils (like sub-ohm or rebuildable atomizers), allow 15 minutes or more for full saturation across all wicking channels.

4. Environmental Factors

The ambient temperature and the viscosity of the e-liquid can also affect how long it takes for the coil to prime. Thicker e-liquids (like those with high VG content) may take longer to absorb, so give them extra time to soak in.

How Many Drops to Prime a Coil?

The number of drops needed depends on the coil type and size:

1. Standard Coils

Typically, 4-6 drops of e-liquid are enough to prime standard coils. Apply the drops directly to the cotton for even saturation without overloading.

2. Mesh Coils

Mesh coils require 6-8 drops (or more for larger coils). In addition to soaking the cotton, apply a few drops directly onto the mesh surface to ensure full saturation.

3. Coils with Multiple Wicks/Sub-Ohm Coils

Coils with multiple wicks or sub-ohm coils may need 8-12 drops or more to saturate the entire wick area. Larger coils have more cotton to absorb the e-liquid, so they need more.

For best priming, please apply the e-liquid slowly, allowing it to soak into the cotton before adding more. It prevents coil flooding while ensuring the cotton is moist but not dripping.

Do You Have to Prime a Vape Coil?

Yes, you have to prime a vape coil. It's an essential step in preparing the coil for use and ensures the cotton wick inside the coil is properly saturated with e-liquid before firing up the device. Priming offers even heating, maximizes flavor, and extends the coil lifespan.

What Happens if You Don't Prime Your Vape Coil?

If you skip the priming step, you're likely to face:

1. Dry Hits

Without proper priming, the coil will heat up the cotton too quickly, causing an unpleasant dry hit that burns the cotton, ruining the flavor and producing harsh, burnt notes.

2. Burnt Flavor  

Firing an unprimed coil can contribute to a burnt taste, even from the first puff, as the coil burns the cotton instead of vaporizing the e-liquid. The burnt flavor can linger and ruin your vaping experience.

3. Reduced Coil Life

The dry heat can cause the cotton to degrade faster, leading to shorter coil life, which means a more frequent coil replacement, costing more in the long run.

4. Inconsistent Vapor and Flavor

An unprimed coil heats unevenly, causing inconsistent vapor and flavor. If the cotton isn't saturated, the coil might overheat in some spots while remaining cool in others, leading to a less satisfying experience overall.

Can You Prime a Coil Too Much?

Yes, it's possible to prime a coil too much, although the risk is relatively low if done carefully. Here's what happens if you overdo it:

1. Flooding the Coil

When applying excessive e-liquid, the cotton wick becomes oversaturated, and e-liquid may spill into the coil's airflow holes or drip into the tank, causing gurgling sounds and potential leaks.

2. Messy E-liquid Overflow

If you prime a coil with too much e-liquid, it could spill over when you reassemble the tank or during the first few puffs, triggering unnecessary mess, wasted e-liquid, and the risk of leaks or drips.

3. Gurgling and Spitting

Over-priming can cause excess liquid to pool in the coil, causing gurgling sounds or even spitting. It usually happens when the e-liquid doesn't vaporize properly, as there's too much liquid for the coil to handle, disrupting the smooth vaping experience.

How to Avoid Priming a Coil Too Much?

To prevent over-priming your coil and avoid the issues of flooding, leaking, and gurgling, follow these simple guidelines:

1. Start with a Few Drops

Apply 4-6 drops of e-liquid for standard coils, or 6-8 drops for mesh coils. Apply the e-liquid gradually, letting it soak in before adding more.

2. Use the "Drip, Wait, Check" Method

Drip a small amount of e-liquid onto the coil, then wait a minute or two for the cotton to absorb. Check if the cotton looks moist and not dripping wet. If it needs more, add another drop or two.

3. Don't Overfill the Tank

Don't pour in e-liquid past the fill line or over the coil when filling the tank. Leave space for air and confirm there's no liquid pooling above the coil area.

4. Avoid Saturating the Mesh Surface Excessively

While mesh coils require more e-liquid, you still want to avoid over-saturating the mesh. Drip enough e-liquid to cover the cotton, and a few drops on the mesh, but don't drown it. Let the cotton absorb the liquid slowly.

5. Give Time to Soak

After applying the e-liquid, let the coil sit for 5-10 minutes (or longer for mesh coils) before using it.

6. Watch for Signs of Over-Saturation

If you notice the cotton is soaked through and e-liquid is dripping or pooling around the coil, you've over-primed it. In that case, gently blot away any excess liquid with a cotton swab or paper towel before reassembling the tank.

In conclusion, learning how to prime a vape coil is vital in ensuring your vaping experience is smooth, flavorful, and free from issues like dry hits or burnt flavors. Remember, a well-primed coil provides better vapor, enhanced flavor, and fewer leaks or gurgling sounds. Taking the time to prime correctly is key to enjoying your vape at its best.