Silica Wick – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Silica wick is a high-temperature resistant cord made from braided or twisted silica fibres that transports e-liquid from the atomiser’s reservoir to the heating coil. Acting like a sponge, it keeps the coil saturated so vapour can be produced when the device is fired. Popular in early rebuildable dripping atomisers (RDAs) and starter kits, silica tolerates dry-burning better than cotton and does not combust easily, making it a forgiving wicking material for beginners learning to build coils above or below Sub-Ohmresistance.

Technical Details

Silica cord is manufactured by fusing silicon dioxide into amorphous fibres, then braiding 2–6 strands into diameters from 1 mm to 3 mm. The resulting wick is rated for continuous temperatures above 1 000 °C, far beyond normal vaping ranges, so it will not scorch when the coil glows red during cleaning. Its porous structure creates capillary channels that lift juice vertically 15–20 mm, sufficient for standard deck depths. Variants include hollow-bore silica (a thin tube that slides over the coil) and silica–cellulose blends that increase liquid retention. Because it is non-conductive, it can be threaded through tight wraps without creating a short circuit protection fault.

Usage & Tips

• Preparation: Torch the wick with a lighter until glowing to remove manufacturing residues; rinse and dry before first use.
• Flavour “break-in”: Silica can mute taste for the first half-tank; vape unflavoured base or allow 30 min of gentle puffing to speed the process.
• Common problem: frayed ends—seal with a small twist of wire or fold under the coil to prevent stray fibres.
• Safety: While silica is heat-safe, tiny fibres can irritate lungs if inhaled; always trim flush and avoid crushing the wick when tightening screws.

History & Context

Silica wick dominated the genesis era of rebuildables (2009–2013) before organic cotton and ceramic took over. Its heat resilience made it indispensable when squonk mods and mesh coils were still experimental, and many veteran Australian vapers keep a metre in the toolbox for emergency re-wicks or for steeping test juices that crack plastic pods.