A Complete Guide to Typewriter Ink Ribbons
Whether you're restoring a typewriter or writing on one - the ribbon you choose can make or break your experience.
This guide explores the materials, colors, spool types, and practical tips to help you find the perfect ribbon for your machine.
Materials - Nylon, Cotton, Silk
The material of the ribbon will affect the saturation of ink, longevity, the quality of print on paper (crisp, faded, saturated).
Material |
Pros |
Cons |
Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Cotton |
- Absorbs ink well - Vintage look - Long shelf life |
- Can be overly saturated - Might produce less crisp impressions - Limited availability of colors |
Antique machines Archival projects |
Silk |
- Clean, sharp impressions - Durable and smooth - Elegant texture |
- More expensive - Limited availability of colors |
High-end restoration Display typing |
Nylon |
- Affordable and widely available - Comes in many colors |
- Less absorbent - Can look faint on older machines |
Everyday use Beginners Creative projects |
A comparison of cotton, silk and nylon.
Color Options
Nylon ink ribbons come in many colors. Of course you can find suppliers that can create any custom color you wish - however, keep in mind not all colors are created equal. Ever wonder why we don't offer yellow color? Yellow color produces a very light and extremely hard to read print.
OUR NYLON RIBBONS COME IN: CLASSIC BLACK, PISTACHIO GREEN, BARBIE PINK, NAVY BLUE, TANGERINE ORANGE, CADBURY PURPLE
Cotton and silk mostly come in black and red or simply black.
Size of Ink Ribbon
95% of modern ribbons are 12.7 mm wide (1/2 inch), rare and early 1900s machines may need another size.
What Are Spools? Do I Need Them?
A typewriter ink ribbon is rolled up on 2 spools - one of the spools is a supply spool and the other is the take-up spool. The ribbon moves in one direction from the supply spool to the take-up spool. This way the ink ribbon is never dry.
The majority of factory new typewriters came with original metal spools. Sometimes these are lost by previous owners. You can always use plastic ones but it is best to use metal spools for better performance of your typewriter.
In short, if you have the original metal spools - never throw them away!
Metal spools also come in various sizes and shapes - they are vintage and not made anymore. There are universal metal spools that fit most typewriters - but most typewriter come with it's own model of metal spools.
Which Ribbon Will Fit My Typewriter?
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Identify Your Typewriter Model
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Check the brand and model
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Measure Ribbon Width
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95% of modern ribbons are 12.7mm wide (1/2 inch), rare and older machines may need 3/4 inch or another size.
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Check Spool Type
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Does your machine use plastic or metal spools? If your machine has it's original metal spools - keep them and rewind the new ink ribbon onto them to preserve authenticity. Typewriters perform best with metal spools.
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When you buy an ink ribbon it will come ready for use on two plastic spools. Most modern typewriters accept GR1 plastic spools. Some typewriters like Olivetti, Hermes Baby use GR4 spools.
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Consider Your Use
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Everyday typing? Go nylon. Restoration or feeling fancy? Silk or cotton.
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Sample of text typed in silk on an Olympia SM3 typewriter (vintage red ruled paper).
Storage & Shelf Life
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Store in a dry place to prevent ink evaporation or mold.
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Avoid direct sunlight which can degrade ink and ribbon fibers.
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Shelf life - unopened ribbons can go for up to 3 years or more. Opened a nylon ribbon can last 3 months, depending on storage conditions and quality.
- Rewind regularly to distribute ink evenly and extend usability
Final words
Typewriter ribbons may seem like a small detail, but they’re the heartbeat of every keystroke. Whether you're chasing crisp impressions or vintage charm, understanding the differences of ribbon material is key.
If you are unsure of which ribbon to choose for your typewriter, call or email us and we will happily find the perfect ribbon for you.
Do you want to know how to replace a ribbon? Read our next article.