Ribbon Talk: Sourcing and Re-Inking

[Alan]

Hey fellow typists,

One of the joys (and quirks) of keeping a typewriter alive is dealing with ribbons and ink. Whether you’re re‑inking an old spool, hunting down new replacements, or experimenting with color varieties, it’s all part of the fun. Here’s a quick guide to get the conversation started:

Re‑Inking Basics​

• Reusable spools - Many vintage machines let you rewind fresh ribbon onto the original spools.
• Re‑inking pads - A messy but satisfying option if you want to revive a dry ribbon.
• Ink types - Oil‑based inks last longer, but water‑based can be easier to clean.

Sourcing New Ribbons​

• Specialty shops there are online stores dedicated to typewriter supplies often carry a wide range.
• Office supply stores - Some still stock universal ribbons that fit multiple models.
• DIY winding - Buy bulk ribbon and wind it onto your spools for a custom fit.

Color Varieties​

• Classic black - Crisp, timeless, and perfect for everyday typing.
• Black/red combo - Great for editing, bookkeeping, or adding emphasis.
• Novelty colors - Blue, green, or purple ribbons can give your pages personality.

Tips for Success​

• Always check compatibility with your machine’s spool size.
• Store ribbons in a cool, dry place to prevent drying out.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment. Half the fun is seeing your words in unexpected hues.

Whether you’re a purist sticking to black or a tinkerer trying out purple, ribbons are the lifeblood of our machines.

What’s your go‑to setup? Classic black ribbon or colorful experiments?

 

[crankyd0od]

I usually stick with classic black since it’s the easiest to source. universal ribbons still pop up at office supply stores. But I keep a red/black combo around for editing; it’s surprisingly handy!

 

[vlad99]

Love this breakdown! I’ve had good luck buying bulk ribbon and winding it onto old spools. it’s cheaper and keeps vintage machines running without hunting for exact fits.

 

[phdezra]

Hey fellow typists,

Whether you’re a purist sticking to black or a tinkerer trying out purple, ribbons are the lifeblood of our machines.

What’s your go‑to setup? Classic black ribbon or colorful experiments?

One small thing I’d add, especially for folks newer to ribbon tinkering: pay attention to how the ribbon is moving through the vibrator and forks, not just what ink is on it. A perfectly good ribbon can look awful if it’s twisted, riding too high, or dragging through a dirty vibrator. I’ve had “dead” ribbons come back to life just by correcting the threading and giving the vibrator rails a careful clean. It’s not glamorous work, but it’s usually where the magic (or the problem) lives.

I’ll also put in a quiet vote for solidly built machines when it comes to ribbon fussiness. My personal bias is toward Olympia; those machines feel like they were designed by people who assumed the ribbon would be abused for decades and planned accordingly. Smith-Corona is a close second for me; forgiving, practical, and happy with almost anything you feed them. Some other brands can be a little more… expressive about their preferences. LOL

As for color experiments, I’ve learned the hard way that novelty ribbons are like spices: a little goes a long way. A page of emerald green can feel delightful; five pages can feel like your eyes are filing a complaint. Still, half the fun of these machines is trying things just to see what happens. Worst case, you rewind it, mutter at yourself, and go back to black like nothing ever happened. That’s part of the rhythm.

Best
Ezra

 

[floydpepp]

That’s really helpful @phdezra! I never thought about how much the vibrator rails could change the look of a ribbon. I’ve mostly just swapped ribbons and hoped for the best, so now I’m wondering: do you usually clean those rails with something simple like alcohol, or is there a trick to avoid scratching them?

Also, I’ve only ever used black and red, but your “spices” comment makes me want to try a novelty color just for fun. Do Olympia machines handle those better than Smith‑Corona, or is it more about the ribbon quality itself?

I’m still learning, so hearing how you bring “dead” ribbons back to life is giving me hope for my old Remington.

 

[phdezra]

Also, I’ve only ever used black and red, but your “spices” comment makes me want to try a novelty color just for fun. Do Olympia machines handle those better than Smith‑Corona, or is it more about the ribbon quality itself?

Both Olympia and Smith-Corona will handle the same... just ensure you have a v good typewriter with good "bones". Ribbon and spool, and inked type print should be the same for machines operating correctly.