After lurking for some time I've deduced that it is generally agreed upon that PG based nicotine is the preferable when DIYing and all nicotine should be stored in a freezer.
Currently I'm mixing with a 100mg/mL VG solution that I bought from wizard labs which I keep in my basement where all my mixing is done. My basement is usually dark and around 70 degrees. So far I haven't had any issues with hot spots or nicotine going bad.
My questions are: How serious is not keeping Nic in a freezer? How will I know my nicotine has gone bad? Won't the nicotine eventually pick up that freezer burnt taste? Why does everyone insist on using at least 50/50 PG and VG? Is it just a matter of being easier to work with because thus far I hadn't had any difficulty with the VG's thick viscosity and would like up know what issues other DIYer's have fallen into.
There is no debate. There is only facts.
I have done a fair bit of reviewing here and here and I think I can answer most of your qustions.
> How serious is not keeping Nic in a freezer?
It doesn't HAVE to be kept in freezer. But by storing it there in Boston glass bottles you will be minimizing the light and heat and oxygen that all contribute to the oxidization of the nicotine which is what makes it go bad. Nude Nicotine also has information about this on their site
> How will I know my nicotine has gone bad?
It gets peppery. Not peppery taste so much as the sensation. WHen it's REALLY far gone it will feel like you pepper sprayed your throat. I found out how this effects you the hard way because my VG nic went bad so damn fast - within two weeks it went from fine to horrible oxidized and peppery.
> Won't the nicotine eventually pick up that freezer burnt taste?
That freezer burned taste comes from ice crystals forming in the food your are keeping. This only happens with solid food though. The nicotine is not solid (and does not freeze solid) at freezer temps thus is unaffected by freezer burn. The real risk in the freezer is it encourages VG based nicotine to seperate into VG and Nic. In my experience so far PG nic, being thinner and keeping nicotine in solution better to start with, also seems to avoids this settling problem.
> Why does everyone insist on using at least 50/50 PG and VG?
It's all about the bubbles. PG will help thin out the nicotine solution, increase the solubility of it and keep bubbles from hanging in it too long. This will then slow down the rate of oxidization of the nicotine solution.
> Is it just a matter of being easier to work with because thus far I hadn't had any difficulty with the VG's thick viscosity and would like up know what issues other DIYer's have fallen into.
I think I've covered most of the essentials and I will let others fill in any gaps I may have left.
> The real risk in the freezer is it encourages VG based nicotine to seperate into VG and Nic
I'm gathering supplies to start my first batches. I ordered a free sample of 100mg/ml in PG from NudeNicotine and they included 15ml of 6mg/ml in VG. I threw both in the freezer while I wait for my flavors to arrive.
Should I not keep the VG nic in there?
My first order from NN was 100mg/VG base nic and I always kept it in the freezer. I only take it out when I'm ready to use it, though I let it come down to room temperature naturally before I even try to suck it up with a syringe. Once it's room temp it's an easy process.
Though, I find PG base to be easier to work with. It's a lot less messy as it doesn't have a slimy texture. My 500ml 100mg/PG base arrived yesterday and It's in the freezer as well.
So yes, always keep it in the freezer :)
> Should I not keep the VG nic in there?
To prolong the life, you HAVE to put it in there. Just be sure to give it a good shake once it has returned to room temperature. Also store it in 30 or 50ml bottles so you only have to shake small quantities at one time. It's not impossible to use VG nic, it's just much more work to keep it fresh and ensure consistent results That's why for beginners we always recommend PG nicotine.
edited to add:
At 6mg/ml strength, that sounds like a base for mixing flavors into for dripping max VG juice. The low nic content means it will last a long time. The lower the amount (strength) of nicotine the longer it will take to go bad. Thats how pre-mixed bottles can last 6-8 months on a shelf somewhere.
If you order smaller bottles it may not be necessary. If you have the larger sizes it would be better to put some in a smaller bottle and keep the rest in the cooler. I have a 4oz bottle of nic from Liquid Barn. When I ordered the nic it was crystal clear and mostly odorless. When I left it out for about a week, it began to yellow and start to have a stronger smell so from then on I kept it in the freezer. When I need it I full a bowl with luke-warm water and set the bottle in there to become easier to use.
I bought mine in 100% VG but I'm thinking on my next order I will do 100% PG or make 50/50. I hear nic likes to float and I feel like no matter how much I shake that VG based nic it would never be evenly mixed.
So I am just getting started and am waiting on my supplies.
I ordered 48mg 100% VG nicotine. Would it be a good idea to mix it with an equal amount of PG and lower it down to 24mg? I am aiming for 6% in the final product. Or should I just keep it as is and order PG based nic next time?