If you have ever taken your first puff from a new coil and got a harsh and burnt taste, then that means that your coil was not primed properly.
Learning how to prime a vape coil is one of the simplest ways to improve flavour. And also to extend vape coil lifespan, and avoid further unpleasant burnt hits.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to prime a coil, how long you should wait, and what to do if your new coil tastes burnt after priming.
What Is Coil Priming and Why Does It Matter
Coil priming means saturating the cotton wick inside your coil with e-liquid before you use it. This process prevents the dry cotton from burning and giving a dry hit when you take your first puff.
When you fire a dry coil, the cotton inside scorches instantly and creates a burnt taste; this can permanently damage the coil. Priming is done to make sure the wick absorbs enough liquid to vapourise smoothly from your very first draw.
Here is what you will notice after priming:
- Better flavour from your e-liquid
- Longer coil lifespan
- Smoother vapour production
Simply put: If you skip priming, you’ll damage your coils and also ruin the flavour.
Understanding How Vape Coils Work
A vape coil is made of a thin wire wrapped around cotton. The cotton is the one that absorbs the e-liquid, and the wire heats it to produce vapour. There are different types of coils, like mesh, sub-ohm, or kanthal coils, and they have different cotton densities, so the priming time can vary based on that.
For example:
- Standard coils (1.0Ω and above): need around 5 minutes to prime.
- Sub-ohm coils (below 0.5Ω): need 8–10 minutes to soak due to thicker cotton.
- Mesh coils: These coils can absorb the vape juice faster due to their larger surface area, but still need time to saturate evenly.
Understanding how long your coil takes to prime helps you avoid dry hits and burnt taste. For further information, give a read to our comprehensive guide on vape coils.
How to Prime a New Coil (Step-by-Step)
If you’re unsure how to prime a new coil, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Add E-liquid Directly to the Coil
Before inserting the coil into your tank, apply 3–5 drops of e-liquid onto the visible cotton holes around the coil. This will pre-soak the wick.
Step 2: Insert the Coil into the Tank or Pod
Once it’s damp, fit the coil securely into your device.
Step 3: Fill Your Tank or Pod
Fill your tank or pod with any e-liquid. Make sure it’s full enough to cover the cotton ports. Remember that thicker e-liquids take time to absorb into the cotton.
Step 4: Wait and Let it Soak
Patience pays off here. If you are wondering how long a coil takes to prime?
Most coils need 5–10 minutes, depending on thickness and e-liquid viscosity.
Step 5: Take Soft Pulls (no power)
Take a few gentle draws through the mouthpiece without pressing the fire button. This pulls more e-liquid into the cotton naturally.
Step 6: Start at Low Wattage
When it’s ready, begin vaping at half of your coil’s recommended wattage. Gradually increase the power until you reach your ideal vapour level.
Pro Tip: If your new coil tastes burnt after priming, it’s likely because the wattage was too high. Or the cotton wasn’t fully soaked. Always start low and build up.
Coil Priming for Different Devices
Read below to learn about how to prime different vape devices:
Pod Kits
Most pod devices use preinstalled coils. What you have to do is simply fill the pod, let it sit for 5 to 8 minutes, and then take a few soft draws before using. No need to drip e-liquid directly onto the cotton.
Sub-Ohm Tanks
Sub-ohm coils have more cotton in them and need longer soaking. Just add a few extra drops of e-liquid onto the coil before filling the tank. And simply wait at least 10 minutes before turning it on.
Mesh Coils
Mesh coils heat more evenly and absorb e-liquid faster. However, you should always give them at least 5 to 8 minutes to avoid uneven saturation or burnt spots.
Rebuildable Coils (For Advanced Users)
Lightly wet your cotton before assembling your coil. Additionally, pulse at very low wattage until vapour forms smoothly. And avoid over-saturating to prevent flooding.
Common Mistakes When Priming a Coil
Anybody can make mistakes, and even experienced vapers can. Avoid the mistakes below to get a cleaner taste and longer coil life:
- Firing too early: Will burn the cotton instantly.
- Over-priming: Floods the coil, causing gurgling or leaks.
- Not waiting long enough: Leaves dry spots that burn fast.
- Starting at high wattage: Overheats the wick and ruins the flavour.
Each time you make these mistakes, it shortens coil life and wastes e-liquid. So make sure to be patient and let your coil do its job.
How to Tell If Your Coil Is Properly Primed
When you have primed the coil, there is still a slight possibility that it is not fully primed. So, how is it properly primed? Here is how:
- Cotton would look slightly dark rather than white.
- Draw feels smooth with no dryness or harshness.
- Vapour tastes clean rather than burnt.
- No popping or sizzling sounds before firing.
If it passes these checks, then it means that your coil is ready to use.
Troubleshooting: When Things Go Wrong
If your new coil tastes burnt after priming, you don’t have to panic. Simply try this:
- Stop vaping immediately.
- Take a few dry draws (without powering on the vape device) to pull in more liquid.
- Wait a few more minutes and start again at a lower wattage.
Afterwards, if the burnt taste does not go away, simply replace the coil. Because once the cotton is burnt, it can’t be fixed.
Expert Tip: Always keep spare coils handy. There is no way you can recover a burnt coil. And if you continue to use it, it may release harmful residues.
How Priming Extends Coil Life
Proper priming will extend the coil’s life. But how? Well, it keeps the cotton clean, prevents scorching, and preserves flavour consistency. Additionally, over time, this means fewer replacements and better performance. In other words, it will also save you money.
Quick Priming Tips
- Use e-liquid with a VG/PG ratio that matches your coil type.
- Do not rush. Simply give your coil the time it needs.
- Store e-liquids at room temperature for consistent wicking.
- Make sure to always prime after cleaning or replacing the tank.
These small things can make a big difference and can also enhance your vaping experience.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to prime a vape coil properly makes a big difference. Who would want a burnt taste? Nobody. If you are looking for a perfect draw, then know that it cannot be achieved without priming. Take your time, follow the steps and treat every new coil like an investment in your vaping experience.
Just a few drops of e-liquid and 5 minutes of patience can reward you with pure flavour, smoother vapour, and longer-lasting coils.
So next time you install one, remember that coil priming isn’t just a step; it’s a habit worth keeping. For premium vape supplies and expert advice, visit our online vape store and ensure your coils are always primed for the best performance.
FAQs
Do all tank coils need priming?
Yes. Every new coil, regardless of its size or brand, needs to be primed before use. Tank coils have exposed cotton that needs full saturation to work perfectly.
Do coils need to be primed?
Absolutely. Priming isn’t optional. It prevents dry hits, improves flavour, and helps your coil last longer. And without it, you risk burning the cotton on the spot.
Do I need to re-prime my coil?
You don’t need to re-prime if the coil is already wet and in use. However, if your tank has been empty for a while or you switch e-liquids, you should re-prime to prevent dry spots.
Do you need to prime a vape coil before using it?
Yes. It is a necessary step that you must take; otherwise, you will only get dry hits. Even a few drops of e-liquid and five minutes of patience can increase your coil’s lifespan and enhance your flavour.
