So I'm curious. I've been doing a ton of research this last week and have decided to get involved in the DIY world of vaping. Now, do you guys ever add non-flavor stuff like... I dont know you're making a Vanilla flavor so you actually put a couple drops of REAL vanilla extract into the batch?
Do you think doing stuff like this would damage your vape in any way?
I'm all ears.
Amateur perfumer here with a sidenote. Your REAL vanilla extract is nothing of the sort if it came from a grocery, the real deal will set you back about $10-15/mL for small batches (less than 1oz). It's a long process that involves macerating the beans and then using CO2 extraction (traditional steam distillation does not work) to get a concretion, then macerating that into a carrier oil.
All you're really after is the aldehyde known as vanillin, which is the same in vanilla flavoring as in the real deal. However, the kitchen-ready vanilla extract has dozens if not hundreds of other synthetics in play as well as alcohol, which will decidedly damage your vape.
You're better off using one of the established vanilla flavorings than reaching for "vanilla extract."
So what am I getting when I soak split vanilla beans in PG for a couple weeks? Is that not real vanilla I'm tasting?
> So what am I getting when I soak split vanilla beans in PG for a couple weeks?
That is essentially macerating the beans which is the same process. Perfumery generally uses DPG instead of PG, but yeah. You are tasting it, the rest of the process just extracts it at a higher concentration. You probably end up with 3-5% vanillin doing it that way, and taking the extra steps concentrates it to upwards of 80-85%.
I asked about vanilla a few days ago, and the responses were negative. However I'm still going to try it unless I find some reason not to, probably later this week. I plan on doing a 45% PG, 45% VG, 10% regular vanilla extract, no nicotine mix, just to see how it tastes and how the coils handle it.
Edit: googling led me to this thread in which some vapers claim to have had success with regular vanilla extract. The stuff I have is 35% alcohol, presumably about 64% water, and the rest is vanilla & sugar. Some vapers thin their juice with alcohol and/or water, so the only possibly problematic issues are over-thinning the juice, and any problems that may emerge from the sugar.
The sugar is the problem. Not that you'd notice anything at low of concentration. still doesn't mean to do it.
Apple cider vinegar for extra zing.
Saline to enhance flavor perception.
Acetyl Pyrazine for nutty/bready/corn chippy flavor, depending on how much you add.