Publish Time: 2025-07-07 Origin: Site
Ever taken a first puff on a brand-new coil and gotten an awful burnt taste? That’s the result of not priming your coil. Priming is the process of pre-soaking your vape coil’s cotton wick with e-liquid before use — a simple step that prevents dry hits, burnt cotton, and premature coil death.
In this article, we’ll walk you through:
What priming a coil means
Why it's important
Priming your coil is essential to avoid dry hits, harsh burnt taste, and premature coil burnout. Without coil priming, the cotton inside the coil remains dry and can burn immediately on first use—ruining flavor and shortening coil lifespan.
For detailed explanations on why coils burn and how to fix it, check out our guide onVape Tastes Burnt? 7 Reasons and Easy Fixes.
How to prime your vape coil properly (step-by-step)
Common mistakes to avoid
Inside every vape coil is a cotton wick that absorbs e-liquid. If that cotton isn’t fully saturated when you fire the device, it will burn instantly, producing a harsh, burnt taste. Priming ensures the wick is fully soaked before your first puff.
Estimated time: 5–10 minutes
Works for: Sub-ohm coils, MTL coils, pod cartridges, RBA cotton builds
Before installing the coil, drip 2–3 drops of e-liquid directly into the exposed cotton holes on the sides.
Also drip into the top opening if the inner cotton is visible.
Tip: You should see the cotton darken slightly — that means it’s soaking up juice.
Screw or push the coil into place per your device’s instructions.
Reassemble the tank or pod system carefully.
Fill your tank or pod with e-liquid, covering the coil completely.
Let the device sit for 5–10 minutes to allow full saturation.
Without pressing the fire button, take 2–3 gentle puffs.
This helps draw liquid deeper into the cotton via suction.
Set your device to the low end of the recommended wattage range.
Begin vaping with short, gentle puffs.
Gradually increase power as the flavor stabilizes.
| Mistake | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Firing too soon | Burnt cotton → burnt taste instantly |
| Not dripping juice before filling | Inner cotton stays dry, causing partial dry hits |
| Chain vaping right after setup | Wick can’t keep up → localized burning |
| Using thick e-liquid (high VG) without waiting | Slower absorption = risk of dry hit |
Even with closed pod systems, priming is still relevant:
Let new pods sit for 10 minutes after filling
Avoid puffing too hard early on
If there’s a filling plug, open it for air pressure balance
If you build your own coils or rewick RBA setups:
Drip e-liquid directly onto the fresh cotton until fully soaked
Pulse your coil lightly (low wattage) to check for sizzling
Wait until there’s no dry white cotton visible
Reassemble and start vaping
Priming your vape coil is a 5-minute step that can save you money, frustration, and burnt hits. Whether you use a pod system, a sub-ohm tank, or an RTA, never skip priming — your taste buds will thank you.
Remember: always prime your coil before use—and follow our step-by-step primer for a smooth vape experience every time.
Best Replacement Coils for MTL Vaping in 2025
Q: What happens if you don’t prime a coil?
A: It can lead to dry hits and burnt taste because the cotton stays dry when first heated.
About Us Age Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions Wholesale Resource