Skip to content
Why is Priming a Coil Important?

Why is Priming a Coil Important?

The world of vaping has experienced a significant boom in the last decade. The emergence of technologically advanced and versatile vaping devices has made vaping a more customisable and enjoyable experience. Among the key components that contribute to this experience is the coil, a vital piece of any vape device. Priming the coil, a process of preparing the coil for use, plays an essential role in the overall vaping experience.

Understanding why priming coils is important and how to do it correctly will not only enhance your vaping experience but also improve the lifespan of your vape coil.

Why is Priming Important?

Priming a vape coil is a critical procedure you shouldn't ignore. Priming ensures the coil is fully saturated with the e-liquid before you start vaping. This process prevents 'dry hits' (inhaling vapour from a coil that isn't adequately saturated), which can lead to an unpleasant taste and potentially damage the coil.

Moreover, priming the coil also extends the life of the coil. A coil that isn't primed may heat up too quickly, causing the wicking material to burn and the coil to degrade faster. By priming the coil, you are effectively ensuring it lasts as long as possible, saving you money in the long run.

Furthermore, priming the coil also contributes to achieving the optimal flavour from your e-liquid. It ensures that the e-liquid is evenly distributed across the wicking material, allowing for a uniform and delicious taste when you vape.

Different Types of Vape Coils

When it comes to vape coils, there are generally two categories: disposable and rebuildable coils. Disposable coils, as the name implies, are designed to be used until they degrade and then replaced. These pre-built coils typically come with wire and cotton already installed.

On the other hand, rebuildable coils allow the vaper to wrap the wire and install the cotton themselves. These can be further divided into two categories: Rebuildable Tank Atomizers (RTAs) and Rebuildable Dripping Atomizers (RDAs). RTAs have a tank section that holds the e-liquid and a build deck where the coil and cotton are installed. RDAs lack a tank, requiring the vaper to drip e-liquid directly onto the coil and cotton.

How to Prime a Coil?

Priming a coil is a straightforward process but requires a bit of patience. Start by applying a few drops of e-liquid onto the exposed parts of the wick on the coil. Once done, install the coil into your tank and fill it with e-liquid. Leave it to stand for about 5 to 10 minutes to ensure the e-liquid is fully absorbed into the wick.

After this, you are ready to start vaping. However, it's recommended to start at a lower wattage and gradually increase it over time. This cautious approach gives the coil time to 'break in', reducing the risk of burning the wick.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Priming a Coil

Like any process, mistakes can be made when priming a coil. Some common ones include over-priming, under-priming, or skipping priming altogether.

Over-priming happens when you add too much e-liquid to the coil. This can lead to leaks, potentially causing short circuits or damaging other parts of the vape device.

Under-priming, on the other hand, is when not enough e-liquid is applied to the coil. This can result in dry hits and a burnt or unpleasant taste.

Lastly, skipping priming altogether is perhaps the worst mistake. This can lead to the coil burning out prematurely and an overall poor vaping experience.

Previous article 2025 Vaping Trends: The Future of Pod Vape Systems & Nic Salts