Steeping problem, help quick!

[joshuab45]

I dunno if this is the right section so if it's not I apologize. I have some juice that was just mixed a few days ago and I'm attempting a steep. So I have 2 30ml glass bottles that were triple sealed in sandwich bags that have been submerged in water for about 3 hours at 150-156 degrees (water temp). I pulled them out to check them. I looked at them I see little to no discernible change in color (as there is supposed to be)? So I shook them and opened them up for a few minutes to let them breath. I dumped out some water and now they're just sitting in the water up to the neck of the bottles. I'm doing this right now so a quick response would be appreciated.

Did I do anything wrong? Shouldn't I see a change in color at this point? One bottle that started clear pretty much still lacks any color. The second one which was slightly yellow seems just a tiny bit more yellow. Both are 3mg. My main question is should I be seeing a change in color just by heating the bottles through? Or will I see a change in color after breathing them for some time (5 hours maybe)? And that is another question, how long should I allow them to breathe once I remove them from the water?

Someone people provide me with some clarity on this, when and why does the change in color occur?

Thank you!

 

[CDroverNL]

I dunno if this is the right section so if it's not I apologize. I have some juice that was just mixed a few days ago and I'm attempting a steep. So I have 2 30ml glass bottles that were triple sealed in sandwich bags that have been submerged in water for about 3 hours at 150-156 degrees (water temp). I pulled them out to check them. I looked at them I see little to no discernible change in color (as there is supposed to be)? So I shook them and opened them up for a few minutes to let them breath. I dumped out some water and now they're just sitting in the water up to the neck of the bottles. I'm doing this right now so a quick response would be appreciated.

Did I do anything wrong? Shouldn't I see a change in color at this point? One bottle that started clear pretty much still lacks any color. The second one which was slightly yellow seems just a tiny bit more yellow. Both are 3mg. My main question is should I be seeing a change in color just by heating the bottles through? Or will I see a change in color after breathing them for some time (5 hours maybe)? And that is another question, how long should I allow them to breathe once I remove them from the water?

Someone people provide me with some clarity on this, when and why does the change in color occur?

Thank you!

The change in color depends on the mix. It takes time for it to happen as well. Some mixes take hours some take days and some take months and some may never change a whole lot. Over time a liquid may go from being clear to just ever so slightly murky/yellowish. Some others may go almost black given enough time. It all depends on the mix and the time given.

 

[mattdarat]

Most times depending on the flavor you get very little change from a warm water bath. I usually see the color change with age.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

 

[joshuab45]

Well does a change in color necessarily equate to a proper steep? Like because there's no change in color does that mean I haven't accomplished anything? And when I do take them out, I'm trying to just breathe them once because I don't really have the time to the daily thing for weeks.

 

[CDroverNL]

Well does a change in color necessarily equate to a proper steep? Like because there's no change in color does that mean I haven't accomplished anything? And when I do take them out, I'm trying to just breathe them once because I don't really have the time to the daily thing for weeks.

I never breath my mixes. Most of them never make it past 2 or 3 days before I start vaping them. Right after a fresh mix, heating them to thin out the VG to make for an easier shake is all I do. Heat, shake well (till it's cloudy) then into the ultrasonic for one run and into the drawer. After that just a little shake once a day
No, color change means very little when talking about proper steep. Color change is mainly your nic breaking down and flavors blending together.

 

[Zamazam]

Color change does not necessarily equate to steeping. I have some liquid that is 4 months old and clear as can be.

 

[joshuab45]

ok guys thanks for the help on the color change issue. So i'm about to pull these guys out in about 20 minutes. For those who DO breathe (as these bottles have barely breathed at all), how long should I breathe them? I'm trying to do it in one shot. Is 5 hours good for a single breathe?

 

[mattdarat]

Breathing is only necessary for alcohol flavors. The less oxygen the better

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[Heartsdelight]

I agree I don't think they need to breathe.

 

[RonJS]

So I have 2 30ml glass bottles that were triple sealed in sandwich bags that have been submerged in water for about 3 hours at 150-156 degrees (water temp).

High heat is NOT the friend of e-juice!

What I, and many mixers, do to obtain the correct and accurate water bath heat level is to put 1 Tablespoon of this particular brand of steeping temperature gauge in the warming water....


Once this brand (NO Substitutes!) of steeping temperature indicator starts melting, turn off the heat source. You can then rest assured you will be steeping at the correct temperature.

Once heat steeping is completed, (If you can hold back not spreading the Oscar Mayer on a nice piece of bread and wolfing it down) this gauge can be chilled and be re-used.

WARNING: Please remember to maintain keen situational awareness when steeping with this method in bear country!

Glad I could help!

Ron
---
"When in doubt, observe and ask questions. When certain, observe at length and ask many more questions."- George S. Patton

 

[Heartsdelight]

High heat is NOT the friend of e-juice!

What I, and many mixers, do to obtain the correct and accurate water bath heat level is to put 1 Tablespoon of this particular brand of steeping temperature gauge in the warming water....

View attachment 78439
Once this brand (NO Substitutes!) of steeping temperature indicator starts melting, turn off the heat source. You can then rest assured you will be steeping at the correct temperature.

Once heat steeping is completed, (If you can hold back not spreading the Oscar Mayer on a nice piece of bread and wolfing it down) this gauge can be chilled and be re-used.

WARNING: Please remember to maintain keen situational awareness when steeping with this method in bear country!

Glad I could help!

Ron
---
"When in doubt, observe and ask questions. When certain, observe at length and ask many more questions."- George S. Patton

Bear country lol!

 

[RonJS]

Bear country lol!

For additional safety and peace of mind in bear country, I've heard some mixers are trying an alternative.



I think I'll just stick with my old standby.

Ron
---
"Who are you going to believe, me or your own eyes?"- Groucho Marx

 

[CJ-3]

Agreed with the above.
Breathing isn't necessary unless you have an alcohol you need to evaporate out of the liquid. And steeped liquids don't always change colors.
At this point try it. If it's good then vape it. If not then let it rest.

There honestly isn't a trick to making juice blend quickly. When it's done, it's done.

 

[Zamazam]

the best gauge is if it tastes good, vape it!

 

[joshuab45]

How do I know if their is alcohol in my juice? I didn't mix it.

 

[CJ-3]

How do I know if their is alcohol in my juice? I didn't mix it.

You didn't mix it? Is it a DIY made by someone else? Is it a store bought juice? Need some details please.

 

[brandon555]

Breathing is only necessary for alcohol flavors. The less oxygen the better

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I agree, breathing gets rid of that 'perfumey' taste of ethyl alcohol. But I've also found a quick 20 min breathe to work really well for some fruit & cream recipes like strawberry or fuji, where the fruit overpowers all the other stuff. For me Apple Buttah, the Fuji is way too strong right away, but letting the cap off for a bit lets the apple mellow out a bit. I've also got a few strawberry cheesecake recipes where the strawberry ripe overpowers everything else, but after a quick shake n' breathe its basically vapeable right away.

 

[joshuab45]

I bought juice from vape wild which I know isn't pre steeped. So I didn't get to read the posts that breathing only needs to be done when alcohol flavorings are present until my bottles had already been breathed for like 4 hours lol...

BUT I must have done something right because I tried one of them and there's a big improvement overall. Better flavor for sure... smoother and more mellow. There used to be a harsh hit on the throat (which should not be the case as it's 80VG) and that's noticably reduced - now it's nice and smooth. Also I defintely am getting better cloud production.

So I guess this a learning process but I've been successful so far. I'm really happy with the results, especially as this is my first attempt at any kind of steep. Everyone's input has been very helpful. Thanks guys!

 

[RonJS]

I bought juice from vape wild which I know isn't pre steeped.

I got vape mail from Vape Wild today.

While it was not a juice order, the folks there were kind enough to include 2 free bottles of juice in the package.

Also included in the package was a postcard sized laminated card. On one side it explained the 4 C's, on the other side was..."How to Steep Vape Wild E-Liquid".

Still have your package?

Ron
---
"The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you."- B. B. King

 

[joshuab45]

I got vape mail from Vape Wild today.

While it was not a juice order, the folks there were kind enough to include 2 free bottles of juice in the package.

Also included in the package was a postcard sized laminated card. On one side it explained the 4 C's, on the other side was..."How to Steep Vape Wild E-Liquid".

Still have your package?

Ron
---
"The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you."- B. B. King

Yeah I got the how to steep card too. The dos and donts were actually pretty funny. They gave me a sticker also. Did you get the march 17th mystery flavor? I actually really like it. BTW the mystery flavor and the vape it foward bottle are already steeped - I asked some guy on their website. They actually gave me the free 3 bottles they give for an order over 15 PLUS another free bottle (30 ML!!!! the other free 3 are 10ml) by WFFL called lemon curd which I've yet to try. Really generous bc it was first order and it was only like 37 with a coupon code. I like vapewild cool people.

 

[RonJS]

Did you get the march 17th mystery flavor? <Snip> I like vapewild cool people.

On their webpage they said they Love Unicorns. What more could anybody ask?

I got the MysteryMar17 and Milk & Berries. (15mls each) I'm going to wait at least the 2 weeks steep they suggested. Since they are both 3mg, and I vape 18mg, I'll probably be ageing them a whole lot more!

Glad to hear they are working fine for you.
Ron
---
"You can tell it's good if you light it and a blue flame comes up; that means it's good moonshine and it won't make you go blind."- Johnny Knoxville

 

[MagicJosh]

Just wait a few days. It will steep! Put it on your window and let the sun hit it.

 

[CDroverNL]

The bottom line is, opinions on steeping are like ass holes. Everyone's got one and each one is a little different. The only thing everyone seems to agree on is, A) not too hot
B) there's no substitute for time

Find what works for you and stick to it. What works for one juice may not work for the next. What works for me may not work for you.

 

[brandon555]

Put it on your window and let the sun hit it.

That's about the worst thing you can do besides boiling it.

 

[Slots]

Put it on your window and let the sun hit it.

That's a great idea if you want to kill all the nicotine in a juice

 

[Squonk]

1) Mix it
2) Shake it good
3) Chill out
4) Shake it the next day
5) Chill out
6) Depending on flavorings,,,,shake, vape, or wait more days
7) Don't over think the whole DIY thing

 

[Rabbit Slayer]

My steeping method never fails, I just order more juice 3 weeks before I might run out and by the time I get around to it, perfection

 

[brandon555]

7) Don't over think the whole DIY thing

That's probably the best advice. When I started I was watching all these DIY videos where people try turning it into a science... which doesn't work because it's basically an art, and a very personal one, lol. We're not mixing juice that appeals to a mass audience, we're doing it for ourselves to save money and tailor recipes to our own tastes. All you can really do is experiment, and keep notes on what you like and don't like and expand on it from there.

 

[joshuab45]

That's about the worst thing you can do besides boiling it.

That was my immediate thought.. why would you purposefully expose your juice to tons of light? The consensus is that you never do that. However you made me worry by saying boiling is horrible for juice. I quick steeped at 150 degrees for 4 hours - the water was definitely not boiling though. And the steep seemed to work although maybe not as well as I would have liked it to - but that's only with me wanting 'perfection' with a juice I didn't even mix.

1) Mix it
2) Shake it good
3) Chill out
4) Shake it the next day
5) Chill out
6) Depending on flavorings,,,,shake, vape, or wait more days
7) Don't over think the whole DIY thing

All my bottles that were mixed 5 days ago.. and shaked regularly, but the ones I haven't fast steeped vape like they haven't reached their potential.

My steeping method never fails, I just order more juice 3 weeks before I might run out and by the time I get around to it, perfection

I don't have the money to buy enough juice (vapewild) to do that right now. That's exactly what I wish I could do.

I would like to mention that the two bottles I got which I know to be pre steeped have yellow tinting in them.. leading me back to the ideology that without obvious coloration I haven't steeped sufficiently/properly. But now I've been told in this thread juice coloration doesn't equate to steep quality. The thing I can't get out of my head is how so many 'premium' juices have serious coloration (sepperating juices that have been purposefully colored like blue pink etc). I'm just trying to wrap my head around all this

 

[brandon555]

Yeah I wouldn't worry too much. 150° will start to break down the nicotine, but probably not very noticeably for only 4 hours. I try to stay around 110° to 120°F, those temps are pretty benign for the nic, but plenty of heat to thin out the VG and get everything mixed together real nicely.

 

[MagicJosh]

That's about the worst thing you can do besides boiling it.

I just leave it on my desk personally and its cold in Boston so It doesn't get hot.