How to Prime a Vape Coil Properly (Avoid Burnt Hits)

Wondering why the first puff of a new vape pod tastes sour and burned, you're not the only one. This is among the most common mistakes users make, particularly in the process of changing pods or coils. However, the good news is it's also one of the most straightforward issues to stay clear of.

Knowing how to prime your vape coil correctly helps preserve the flavour of your vape, helps make coils last longer and saves cost in the long term. The process takes only a couple of minutes to complete, skipping this step will ruin the coil immediately.

This tutorial discusses what coil priming is, what it's about, how important it is and how you can get it done right regardless of whether you're using pod kits or a refillable tank.

What Does It Mean to Prime a Vape Coil?

Saturation of the cotton within the coil and making sure that it is completely saturated with e-liquid is known as the vape coil's priming.

There is a cotton that is wrapped around the heating element of your vape. When the device is turned on, the coil gets heated up and transforms the liquid into vapour. If the cotton is dry and you use heat on it, it will begin to burn. After it is burned, the flavour will never go away regardless of whether you add more e-liquid in the future. 

Priming helps the cotton absorb enough liquid that, when heated the coil vaporises the e-liquid, instead of burning the cotton. Think of a wet paper burning and a dry paper, the dry one will get burnt the fastest, that's what happens in the coil too.

Why New Vape Coils Taste Burnt?

The most frequent reason why a new coil to taste burned is due to rushing the installation. Other reasons that can cause burnt taste are:

• Do not wait long enough after filling up the tank, or the pod
• Utilising power that is too powerful for the coil
• Utilising e-liquid that is thick in the coil that was not intended for it
• Inhaling long or multiple puffs too rapidly on a new coil

Most of the time, burnt hits occur because it was the case that the coil wasn't primed correctly before the first time it was used.

Why Proper Coil Priming Is Important

The correct way to prime your coil gives you many advantages:

• A better taste than the first
• The lifespan of coils is longer
• There is less possibility of burning or dry strikes
• A smoother and more enjoyable experience
• The less money you spend on replacement coils

Here at Vapour Deal UK, we often replace coils ahead of time simply because they weren't properly primed.

How to Prime a Vape Coil Step by Step

The exact method depends on the type of vape you are using. Below are the most common setups.

How to Prime a Coil for a Refillable Tank

This is true for the majority of replacement coils that are used in tanks made by brands such as Vaporesso, Oxva, Aspire and VooPoo.

Step 1: Take Out the New Coil

Take the coil out of its packaging. Take a closer look and you'll find small slots or holes along the sides. Within these slots is cotton.

Step 2: Add E-Liquid to the Cotton

Drop a few drops of liquid e-liquid directly onto each opening. The cotton should get darker as it absorbs the liquid. If you see cotton on the top of the coil put a couple of drops on it too.

Don't overflow the coil. The idea is to dampen the cotton, but not completely soak it.

Step 3: Install the Coil

The coil is screwed into the tank's base until it's secure. Hand-tightening is sufficient. The over tightening of the nut can lead to leaks.

Step 4: Fill the Tank

The tank should be filled with the liquid you like before rebuilding the tank.

Step 5: Wait

The tank must be kept in a straight position for a minimum of 10 minutes. The e-liquid will be able to completely soak in the cotton.

Step 6: Start on Low Power

When you first take a puff you should adjust the device to the watt level that's required for the coil. Beginning with just a couple of puffs, and gradually boost the power as you require.

How to Prime a Coil in a Pod Vape

The pod systems differ slightly in that the coil is incorporated inside the pod.

Fixed Coil Pods

For pods in which the coil cannot be removed:

• Fill the pod until the line of fill
• Inject it into the device.
• Let it stand for 15 minutes
• Make a few gentle breaths without pressing the fire button.
• Start by taking small, light puffs

This method works for devices such as those of the Vaporesso, Oxva Xlim, Aspire , VooPoo, and the Uwell Caliburn.

Replaceable Coil Pods

If your pod has replacement coils:

• Get rid of the coil from its original location.
• Just add a few drops of liquid e-liquid on any visible cotton
• Make sure to insert the new coil correctly
• Fill the pod, and then wait 10 to 15 mins before you start vaping

How Long Should You Prime a Vape Coil?

The waiting time depends on the coil and e-liquid type.

• Standard wire coils: at least 10 minutes
• Mesh coils: around 15 
• Ceramic coils: 20 minutes or 
• Thick high VG e-liquids: add extra 

It takes longer for thicker liquids to sink into the cotton. If you're not sure, it's always better to wait a few more minutes than to rush.

Priming Vape Coils for Different E-Liquids

High VG E-Liquids

High VG are thicker and mainly used for sub-ohm vaping. They need more time to prime properly. If rushed, dry spots can form and burn quickly.

50/50 E-Liquids

50/50 are thinner and absorb faster. They are ideal for pod kits and MTL devices and are easier to prime.

Nic Salt E-Liquids

Nic salts usually come in a 50/50 mix, so they prime just like standard 50/50 e-liquids. The nicotine type does not change the priming process.

What to Do If Your Vape Tastes Burnt After Changing a Coil

If the burnt taste appears immediately, stop vaping straight away. Continuing will only make it worse.

You can try:

• Putting a couple more drops of e-liquid on the cotton
• Hold on for another 10-15 minutes.
• Trying again after lowering the wattage

If the burnt taste does not go away, the coil is likely damaged and needs replacing.

Are you in need of a new coil or an e-liquid for getting up and running?

 If your current coil has a burnt taste and smells rotten, replacing it is the only solution. Vapour Deal UK stocks a large selection of authentic new coils, as well as compatible e-liquids for tanks and pod kits to help you set it correctly and avoid burning attacks from the very beginning. Browse for nic salt vape juices and coils to match the device you're using.

Common Coil Priming Mistakes to Avoid

One of the biggest mistakes is being impatient. Ten minutes can feel long, but burnt cotton lasts forever.

Other common errors include:

• Using power that is too high, too soon
• Chain vaping a new coil
• Using the wrong e-liquid thickness
• Letting the tank run dry

Even a well-primed coil can burn if used incorrectly afterwards. There aren't all coils specifically designed to work with the same strength or e-liquid. Selecting the right coil suitable for your device and method helps avoid dry hits as well as prolonging coil lifespan. Find compatible coils for top vape kits on Vapour Deal UK.

Tips to Make Your Vape Coils Last Longer

Priming is just the first step. To get the most out of each coil:

• Keep your tank topped up
• Avoid very sweet e-liquids if possible
• Do not exceed the recommended wattage
• Store your device upright
• Clean your tank regularly

These habits help maintain flavour and extend coil life.

Last Thoughts

It's easy to prime a vape coil, but it makes a big impact. Letting the cotton soak up the e-liquid for a few minutes before using a pod kit or a refillable tank will help you avoid scorched hits and wasted coils.If your coil is smelling burning, replacing it's the best option. Vapour Deal UK is the place to go. Vapour Deal UK, you can find authentic coils, high-quality e-liquids and vape kits that are compatible to ensure you are getting perfect from the very first puff.

Frequently Asked Questions About Priming Vape Coils

How Long Does a Vape Coil Last?

A typical vape coil will last between 7 to 14 days. The  exact length of time is dependent on the frequency you smoke, the kind of e-liquid that you are using and the extent to which your coil has been primed prior to use.

The coils tend to last longer if you use thinner e-liquids, use the recommended power level and make sure that your tank is topped up. Dessert and sweet flavours usually reduce the life of coils because they leave a residue on the heating element.

If the flavour is sour, harsh, or burned, or if the vapour production decreases dramatically, it's time to replace the coil.

Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt With new Coil?

The taste of burning in an un-used coil usually suggests that it was not properly primed prior to vaping. If the cotton within the coil is not fully dry and heated immediately, it will burn instantly and the flavour is not removed.

There are other causes that can be triggered by an excessively high level of power or not allowing enough time before filling your tank. Also, the e-liquid could be too heavy to the coil, or it is puffing too fast in a new coil.

In order to avoid this, leave ample space for the coil to soak completely prior to beginning vaping with a lower power ensure that you are using the correct e-liquid to match your device.

What is it that you need to know about how to prepare a vape coil?

The process of priming a vape device involves that you soak the cotton in the coil in e-liquid before you start to vape. This stops it from burning once heated and also helps the coil create smooth vapour instead of having a sharp burnt flavour.

Can a vape coil that has burned be repaired?

No. When cotton is burned it is permanently damaged. The addition of more e-liquid or the reduction of the power won't change the flavour. The only option is replacing the coil.

My vape starts burning after just a few puffs?

This typically means that the coil was not fully primed. The outer cotton absorbed the e-liquid however the inner one did not get wet and burned once it reached a temperature.

Does the amount of wattage affect the process of priming the coil?

Yes. Always begin at the lowest wattage recommended that the coil is designed to reach. Inadequately increasing power can damage the cotton even if it was properly primed.

Does the thickness of e-liquid impact priming of coils?

Yes. High VG E-liquids are denser and take longer to absorb into cotton. 50/50 e-liquids as well as nic salts absorb more quickly and are easy to prime, particularly when used in pod kit.

Does the wrong e-liquid trigger burnt marks?

Yes. using e-liquid with a thicker consistency in a coil that is designed to handle thinner liquids can lead to burning and dry hit no matter if it is properly primed.