Gunk Buildup – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Gunk Buildup is the tar-like residue that gradually accumulates on coilwire and wicking material inside an atomizer or Genesis Atomizer. Formed when sweeteners, flavourings and natural sugars in e-liquids are repeatedly heated and cooled, this sticky layer darkens the wire, clogs the wick and eventually ruins flavour. Understanding gunk helps vapers predict when to change coils, prevent gurgling noises, and keep vape performance consistent.

Technical Details

Gunk appears when sucralose, ethyl maltol and other complex flavour molecules caramelise at temperatures between 200 °C and 350 °C. The residue is a carbon-rich matrix mixed with oxidised metal particles from the coil itself. Typical gunk buildup thickness reaches 0.1–0.3 mm after 5–15 ml of heavily sweetened liquid, increasing electrical resistance by 0.1–0.3 Ω and cutting wicking speed by up to 40 %. Variants include:

• Sugar crust – hard amber layer from high-VG dessert juices
• Metal oxide blend – dark flakes caused by gold plated or nichrome coils oxidising under the sugar
• Wick shadow – black ring where the coil meets cotton, common in rebuildables

Usage & Tips

Minimise gunk buildup by choosing unsweetened or lightly sweetened e-liquids, vaping at moderate wattage and rinsing your Tank“>glass tank daily. When flavour turns dull or the coil looks black, dry-burn gently until the wire glows evenly, then rinse under warm water and re-wick. For stubborn residue, perform a 15-minute soak in cheap vodka or an ultrasonic bath. Always allow coils to cool before handling; hot metal can burn cotton and skin alike.

History & Context

Early cig-a-like devices in 2008 produced little gunk because flavours were simple. The rise of high-wattage sub-ohm tanks and dessert juices around 2014 turned coil gunk into a daily headache, driving demand for temperature-control mods and mesh coils that run cooler and last longer.