ribbon re-inking worth it or not?

[Pirate_Kanak]

Can typewriter ribbons actually be refilled? I've read a few things... WD-40 soaks, alcohol-based inks, glycerin mixes... but most people say the results are more smudgy than usable. Sounds like it's more of a novelty experiment than a practical solution.

Since I'm new to collecting, I wasn't sure if ribbons were getting scarce or expensive. But from what I've seen, fresh ones are still dirt cheap (pennies a foot) in black, red/black, or even fun colors. So is there any real reason to "re-ink" a ribbon, or is it just something people try for nostalgia?

 

[TypewriterGeek]

@Pirate_Kanak You're right, re inking is not really worth the trouble for a black or black/red ribbon
The results are almost always messy, smudgy, and inconsistent. The ink isn't formulated for the ribbon's fabric, and getting an even application is nearly impossible. Since new ribbons are still so cheap and readily available, it makes zero sense to re-ink a standard black ribbon

 

[Leonathetypist]

Just replace instead of fussing with re inking, I'd say people mainly do it for the novelty or when they want to experiment

 

[phdezra]

Re-inking CAN be done. Have supplies and time and technique to not over-ink…. for $10 you can get a Universal, very good quality nylon blk/red from RibbonsUnlimited.com or FJA or other places.