How to Reink a Typewriter Ribbon
Typewriters are fascinating machines, fun for collecting and inspirational for writing. Manual typewriters, entirely mechanical and without electricity, hold particular appeal for typing purists. However, they require upkeep and maintenance to keep working, and supplies are often difficult to find. Ribbons pose a particular problem, as they were often made with spools that are now obsolete. If you have a manual typewriter and are stuck with a dry ribbon, don't worry---you can re-ink your own ribbon in a few relatively easy steps, extending its lifetime and saving money.
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Instructions
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Re-Inking with an Ink Pad
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1
Spread ink across your ink pad.
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2
Spray a layer of silicon across the ink pad to help the ink adhere to the ribbon.
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3
Stretch out the ribbon, making sure that you hold it with tension.
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4
Lay the ribbon down on the ink pad. Be sure to hold the tension.
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5
Place your block on top of the pad so that the ribbon is in between. Make sure the block is heavy enough to firmly hold the ribbon against the pad.
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6
Pull the ribbon between the pad and the block. Check to ensure that the ink is going on evenly and not too thick.
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7
Wind the ribbon onto the take-up spool as it rolls through from the used spool.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Pull the ribbon across the pad at an even pace so that ink goes on evenly.
Supplies should be available at a craft store.
Having a friend help hold the used spool while you pull the ribbon onto the takeup spool will make the process easier.
Be sure that ink doesn't go onto the ribbon too thickly or it will clog.
